How to sew a zipper

There are four different basic zipper applications. They are centered, lapped, fly front, and separating. A pattern will give you instruction on which method is right for your garment. Follow these steps to simplify sewing zippers.

Step one: Check the back of your pattern envelope for the necessary length and types of zipper.

Step two: Preshrink the zipper if it is less then 100% polyester.

Step three: Press zipper on wrong side of tape. Don't iron on coils.

How to install the zipper.

As you follow your pattern instructions keep these tips in mind. Always use a zipper foot when machine basting and when permanently stitching the zipper. Position it either to the right or left of your needle.This makes it ease to install the zipper and helps keep the stitches straight. Avoid ripples on your finished product by always stitching in the same direction,  from the bottom of the zipper to the top.

Machine basting is usually used when holding zippers in place before sewing , but you may also use tape or a glue stick. Put basting tape along the out side edge of the zipper tape so that you don't stitch through it. If you are useing stick glue allow it to dry so that you will not gum your needle. You may also use masking tape or transparent tape. Place the tape along the edges so that you do not stitch through it.

Keep the pull tab flipped up. This will make it ease to sew around the slider. A perfessional looking zipper is smooth with straight stitches. It is sometime hard to achieve this with the eye.You may want to try any of the following methods.

• Use a ruler and a fabric marker to draw a stitching line on the right side of the fabric .
• Use top stitching or stick on sewing tape. Stitch next to the tape. Pull it off when you are done.
• If you are sewing a lapped zipper ,1/2'' wide transparent tape will make a good top stitching guide.

In order to avoid uneven stitches around the tab and slider, lift up the presser foot with needle in the fabric. Slide the slider back beyond the presser foot, lower the foot and continue to sew to the end of the seam.

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How to put a pattern together

The order of operation  is very simple when using commercial patterns. They usually come with step by step direction which tell what pieces are to be sewn first. If however you are the type of person that don't use patterns then you must learn that the first thing to be sewn when making a top is to stay stitch the neck line. Depending on what style top you are sewing you may sew the back pieces together ,leaving an opening for a zipper or any other kind of closer. Attach the shoulder front to back together. You would then sew on any collars or facings. Again depending on the style you would sew the side seams together then fit in sleeves or you would sew the sleeves on to the bodice or top and then sew sleeves and top down the sides. If you are sewing a dress with a bodices you would sew the back skirt pieces together then sides. Hem bottom if you want now, or leave it for last. Gather waist line, attach skirt to bodices and sew. Arrange gathers evenly. Always sew darts and most pockets and plackets first.You can gain experience with the different ways to put patterns together by using commercial patterns often.

That's It. I hope this helps. Learn more about sewing by visiting my sewing site @ http://www.faysoriginalsewing.com  You can also read my older blog post. Still need more sewing info : Click Here!