How to Put a Zipper in Plastic Boat Windows
Adding a zipper can make any boat window more versatile and useful. Boat windows are typically made out of transparent vinyl. You can add a zipper to a vinyl boat window to increase air flow or for an additional entrance or exit. The size and shape of the opening is determined by you and the length of the zipper. Be sure to remove the vinyl window from the boat before starting the project.
Things You'll Need
- Coil or large-tooth nylon zipper
- Double-sided basting adhesive tape
- ¾-inch double-sided bias binding tape
- UV resistant heavy-duty poly thread
- Utility knife
- Grease pencil
- Pins
- Straight stitch sewing machine
Instructions
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Outside of the Window
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1
Mark where the zipper will go on the vinyl window with a grease pencil.
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2
Cut two bias binding strips, 2 inches longer than the zipper. Fold both ends of each binding strip 1/2 inch back onto itself and pin in place.
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3
Cut two strips of basting adhesive tape, 1 inch longer than the zipper. Remove the basting tape's paper on one side and stick it to the wrong side of the bias binding tape, the side to which the ends are folded.
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4
Peel off the second side of the basting tape's paper. On the outside of the window, place the sticky side of the bias tape strips down on either side of the grease pencil line. The bias tape strips should run parallel with only the smallest gap between them. These strips should measure 1 inch longer than the zipper.
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5
Sew around all edges of each bias tape piece with a straight stitch, leaving a 1/8-inch seam allowance, back-tacking at the start and ending point. Remove any remaining pins and reinforce the ends with double stitching.
Inside of the Window
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6
Cut two strips of basting adhesive tape as long as the zipper. Remove the basting tape paper of one side and stick it to the back or wrong side of the zipper. The sticky adhesive tape should run down each side of the zipper, along the fabric edge.
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7
Peel off the paper on the second side of the basting tape. On the inside of the window, stick the zipper down so the zipper teeth or coil are directly above the grease pencil line. The zipper should also be positioned so that the bias tape, which can be seen through the vinyl on the outside of the window, extends 1/2 inch beyond the beginning and end of the zipper.
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8
Sew each side of the zipper with a straight stitch, 1/4 inch from the zipper's fabric edge, back-tacking at the start and finish of each line of sewing.
Reinforced Zipper End Tabs
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9
Cut two bias binding strips 1 inch longer than the width of the zipper. Fold both ends of each binding strip 1/2 inch back onto itself and pin in place. These will become end tabs which complete the frame around the zipper.
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10
Cut two strips of basting adhesive tape the same width as the zipper. Remove the basting tape paper from one side and stick it to the wrong side of the bias binding tape, the side to which the ends are folded in.
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11
Peel the paper off the second side of the basting tape. On the inside of the window, stick the end tabs of bias tape at each end of the zipper. These end tabs should also be positioned so that the bias tape, which can be seen through the vinyl on the outside of the window, is directly underneath them.
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12
Stitch the entire circumference of each end tab, back-tacking at the start and ending points. Remove any remaining pins. A reinforcing X can also be stitched through the middle of the end tabs for added strength.
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13
Unzip the zipper from the inside of the window. Cut the vinyl carefully between the two bias binding strips on the original grease pencil line. Start and stop a 1/2 inch from each end tab.
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1
Tips & Warnings
A large plastic tooth zipper is best for a straight window opening. A nylon coil zipper is better for a curved window opening.
The right side of the fabric is the side which is seen when the job is complete. The wrong side is the reverse. It is the side which is not seen.
To back tack means stitching forward three to four stitches and then reversing back three to four stitches. This action secures or locks the stitches in place.
