How to Use a Zipper Foot

A zipper foot is a useful tool for sewing zippers to fabric, since it allows you to sew closer to the zipper teeth than a regular sewing machine foot. If your sewing machine didn’t come with a zipper foot, you may be able to purchase one that fits at a sewing machine store, fabric store or online. Because each sewing machine and zipper foot works a little bit differently, be sure to check your sewing machine’s instruction manual, or the manufacturer’s website, for specific directions on using the zipper foot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• zipper foot
• sewing machine
• zipper
• fabric
• matching thread
• iron
• straight pins
• seam ripper

Use a Zipper Foot

1. To prepare the fabric for a centered zipper application, use the standard presser foot to baste the opening of the fabric shut using 5/8 inch seam allowance. Press the seam allowance open. Place the zipper teeth side down on the seam allowance and pin the zipper to the seam allowance only.

2. Release the standard presser foot from your machine. There may be a button or lever behind the foot that you need to press. Put the standard foot in its holder or someplace where it won’t get lost.

3. Decide which side of the machine you want to attach the zipper foot to. Zipper feet are asymmetrical, with one side that’s wider than the other. You’ll want to put the narrow side toward the zipper teeth, and the wider side away from the zipper teeth.

4. Attach the zipper foot to the sewing machine. You may need to line up the bar on the zipper foot with the presser foot holder, then lower the presser foot by lowering the lever. Raise the presser foot and make sure the zipper foot is securely attached.

5. Place the prepared fabric with the pinned zipper in the sewing machine. Lower the needle into the zipper tape and the seam allowance only, then lower the zipper foot. Stitch the zipper tape to the seam allowance. To sew the other side of the zipper to the seam allowance, remove the zipper foot from the sewing machine and install it on the other side of the presser foot holder.

6. Topstitch the outside of the fabric to each side of the zipper tape, making sure that the zipper foot is on the appropriate side of the machine for each side. Remove the basting with a seam ripper.

Tips & Warnings

• There are other methods of sewing zippers, including lapped installations, but you can use a zipper foot for each method. Always make sure the narrow side of the zipper foot is toward the zipper teeth when you sew.
• Use caution when working with sewing machines, irons, pins and seam rippers.