How to Put In a Zipper

Do you avoid sewing garments with zippers because the zipper application process looks too complicated? With a little practice and the right tools, you'll find that zippers are not as big a challenge as you thought!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sewing Patterns
• Zipper Presser Feet
• Zippers
• Garments
• Dressmaker Pins
• Dressmaker Shears
• Ironing Boards
• Irons
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Machine Needles
• Threads

1. Purchase the size zipper recommended in your sewing pattern instructions.
2. Pre-shrink your zipper, especially if you suspect that your garment fabric may shrink when laundered. (See Tips.)
3. Use a zipper foot for the application of zippers. This special tool allows you to sew close to the zipper teeth. You can adjust the zipper foot for sewing both to the left and the right of the needle.
4. Baste the portion of the seam that will hold your zipper. Press the seam open.
5. Center the zipper on the seam - face down on the wrong side of the garment - and pin into place. Position the top and bottom of the zipper as called for in the pattern instructions.
6. Use your sewing machine to attach the zipper along the left side. Use the seam allowance called for in your pattern instructions or use the guideline printed on the tape portion of some zippers. Start at the top of the zipper.
7. Sew straight across the bottom edge of the zipper and back up the other side. Again, stitch at the distance from the zipper called for in your pattern or use the tape's stitching guideline.
8. Remove your basting threads and open the zipper slightly.
9. Stitch across each top edge of the zipper and trim all excess zipper ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Pre-shrink the zipper by soaking it in hot water for five minutes. Allow the zipper to air dry.