How to Stitch an Exposed Zipper

In most sewing projects, zippers are supposed to stay hidden under flaps of fabric. But for some projects, you may actually want the zipper to show. You may want to leave the zipper exposed when sewing a simple fabric bag or when stitching a zipper to a piece of fabric to make a young child’s activity book. Simple zipper bags are great for holding game pieces and tiles since they can be easily closed and shaken. Fabric activity books can include a variety of fasteners for a child to practice on and play with. You can buy a zipper that matches the color of the fabric or a contrasting one that stands out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Zipper
• Matching Thread
• Straight Pins
• Sewing Machine
• Zipper Foot
• Scissors
• Low Temperature Iron

How to Sew a Zipper to a Simple Bag

1. Cut two rectangles of fabric each slightly bigger than you want the bag.

2. Buy a zipper that’s about an inch shorter than the top of the fabric pieces.

3. Remove the zipper from the packaging. Unfold the zipper if needed and take out any staples or tags.

4. Press the zipper tape using a low-temperature iron if recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. This helps the zipper lie flat and keeps it from bunching up the fabric.

5. Attach a zipper foot to your sewing machine. For specific directions, see the instruction manual or manufacturer’s website.

6. Pin one side of the zipper tape to the top of one piece of fabric, with the zipper teeth facing the right side of the fabric. Stitch the zipper to the fabric using a zipper foot.

7. Pin the other side of the zipper tape to the top of the other piece of fabric, with the zipper teeth facing the right side of the fabric. Stitch the zipper to the fabric using a zipper foot.

8. Unzip the zipper.

9. Pin the edges of the two pieces of fabric together.

10. Stitch the fabric together along the sides and lower edge using 1/4 inch seam allowance.

11. Stitch the top edges of the fabric together above and below the ends of the zipper.

12. Turn the bag right side out.

How to Sew an Exposed Zipper to a Piece of Fabric

13. Remove the zipper from the packaging. Unfold the zipper if needed and take out any staples or tags.

14. Press the zipper tape using a low-temperature iron if recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. This helps the zipper lie flat and keeps it from bunching up the fabric.

15. Lay the zipper teeth side up on the right side of a piece of fabric.

16. Pin the zipper to the fabric.

17. Attach a zipper foot to your sewing machine. For specific directions, see the instruction manual or manufacturer’s website.

18. Stitch both sides of the zipper tape to the fabric using a straight or zigzag stitch. Be sure to sew a few reverse stitches at the beginning and end of the stitches to hold them firmly in place.

Tips & Warnings

• The zipper tape is the thick, ribbon-like fabric on each side of the zipper. The zipper teeth are the metal or plastic coils in the center of the zipper. A zipper foot allows you to stitch along the zipper tape close to the zipper teeth. You can usually switch which side of the machine the zipper foot attaches to depending on which side of the zipper you’re sewing.
• Always use caution when working with sewing machines, irons, pins and scissors.