Zipper de do dah - (part 1)

A little while ago now The Oz Material Girls invited me to write a guest blog post and share some tips.  I guess that is how the zip tutorial came about - I was one person who would avoid zips at all costs.

So here it is, a tutorial on how to insert the zips featured in the latest Cinderberry design Me & My Shadow available here. They are not nearly as difficult as I had remembered back in those high school sewing classes and I hope the tutorial will help you discover something new.

The original zip tutorial idea I had evolved into a little zip pouch tutorial - something that you could make any size you like to fit any number of things...sewing stuff, nappy & wipes or maybe travel documents. 

There will be two parts to the tutorial so dont forget to take another peek tomorrow for  "Part Two" making it into a simple pouch like this one

Things you will need:

One 7 inch zip

One 5½ in x 8½ in rectangle (front)

One 8½ in x 2 in strip (front)

One 7 in x 8½ in rectangle (back)

One  2 in x 11 in strip (handle)

A zipper foot for your sewing machine

Finished pouch measures approx: 5¼ in x 7¼ in (pouch is not lined)

Step 1:

Lay the 5½ in x 8½ in rectangle on a flat surface with right side facing up, open your zip and place onto the long side of the rectangle (make sure the zip is facing down toward the fabric).  Pin together the zipper tape and fabric like below -

 

Step 2:

The best way to sew close to the zipper teeth is by using a zipper foot like the one below. 

Leave the zip in the open position when you begin to sew. If you can adjust the position of your needle (to the left or right) use this feature on your sewing machine - it will help you stitch nice and close to the zip.  Sew as close as you can to the zipper teeth and don't forget to breathe, I think I forgot to the first time - it's an invaluable tool.

Step 3:

Now when you get close to the end of the zip (near the slider & pull tab part) put your needle in the down postition and lift the machine foot.  Pull the zipper closed so it removes the bulk from the slider and pull tab, position the machine foot back down and continue sewing toward the end of the zip - believe me, this tip alone will help prevent your stitching going wonky.

Remove from the machine, trim your loose threads and press.

Step 4:

Lay the 8½ in x 2 in strip on a flat surface with right side facing up, open your zip and place onto the long side of the strip (make sure the zip is facing down toward the fabric).  Pin zipper tape and fabric together like below -

Sew together using the same techniques shown in STEP 2 - once pressed your zip should look something like this one below.

 

Step 5:

The final step is to topstitch the zip so you have a nice finished edge.

Close the zip and use the same zipper foot on the sewing machine. If you can, move the needle position to the left toward the fabric edge and stitch.  If the zip slider and pull tab gets in the way near the end of the seam, leave your needle in the down position on the machine, lift the foot and pull the slider out of the way opening the zip - then complete the seam. 

This is exactly how I sewed the zip pockets together in the pattern Me & My Shadow (just using an 8 inch zip instead)

Let your imagination run free and have a play around...I think you'll be singing "zipper de do dah" in no time.

Till then (Part 2 tomorrow!)

Natalie x

Comments

[Mark Mcfly]

great tip !

[Jordan 4]

Morality may consist solely in the courage of making a choice. (Leon Nlum, French statesman)

[Jordan Flight 45]

oooh this is exciting! I am going to submit... :) Good luck to all the applicants, I can't wait to see who is chosen!

[Jordan Flight 45]

oooh this is exciting! I am going to submit... :) Good luck to all the applicants, I can't wait to see who is chosen!

[Volker]

Hallo,
Ich haben eben Eure Internetseite besucht und nutzen sogleich die Gelegenheit,euch auch einen Gruß aus Deutschland in Eurem Gästebuch zu hinterlassen. P.S. Kommt uns doch auch mal besuchen
http://www.MeerblickSylt.de
http://www.OstseeblickHolm.de

[teeth whitening]

I have the same problem brushing my teeth and I don't have a complete solution.

[Jordans 2]

To your blog at these shoes are very excited! Pleasure in your blog to see! I can be for reference? Thank you for sharing!

[tonsillitis symptoms]

Hellooo...I love the information, I commend them for their ideas. So inspirational and entertaining at the same time. I'd love to learn more about him.

[Rhonda]

I love your work. I have been sewing all of my life and your attention to the details is impressive. It is hard to put a zipper in with the stitch line so even. I am very impressed.
I have been checking out some blogs to follow as I am starting one of my own to market my jewelry designs and photography, and sewing... it goes on and on. Thank you for your inspiration!

[tracey dawkins]

thnk you for a fab tutorial will definitely have a go at one of these at the weekend - i have the perfect fabric in mind - covered in little ants - i've been saving it for the perfect project and i think this is it!!

[Janelle Giblin]

thank you so much natalie!! I've been wanting to do a project I had in mind but it has a zip I might just try it now:)

[Sheila]

Thank you - I am about to print this out with every intention of actually trying to insert a scarey zip with your help :)

[Estee]

Great tute. You make it look so neat and easy.

[leeanne]

hey well done on the tutorial! This is how I have always done them, self taught, but thought it wasn't the 'proper' way to do it!As long as the end result looks good and actually works, what the heck.So zipper-de-do-da.

[Tamara]

GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR COMO SE COLOCA EL CIERRE, MUY BIEN PRESENTADO, GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR, DIOS TE BENDIGA

[Leanne]

I have just tried your zipper tutorial and it works so well. I always steered away from anything that required a zip to be sewn in, but now I think I will be attempting alot more zipper projects! Cant wait till tomorrow for Part 2. Thank you Natalie you always leave me feeling inspired!