How to Insert a Zipper So That it Doesn't Ripple Across the Top

Cover zipper ripples with additional pieces of fabric.

Hidden zippers are one handy trick that anyone who sews should learn. Instead of letting your zipper ripple across the top of the fabric, a hidden zipper is carefully placed between the two sides of fabric and given a slight overlay to hide the zipper teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Ironing board
• Iron
• Pins
• Zipper
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Place the fabric onto an ironing board and fold each side of where the zipper will be placed inward 1/2 inch. Iron down the fold to create a crisp seam. Lay the fabric so that the folded edges are completely touching.

2. Place the zipper onto the fabric and pin it into position. Turn the fabric over and make sure that the fabric remained in place and that no part of the zipper is peaking through.

3. Sew the zipper into place with a sewing machine.

4. Round off the zipper by straight stitching 1/4 inch from the zipper teeth. This will give it a finished look and ensure that the zipper does not ripple across the fabric when closed.

References

• Sew 4 Home: Basic Zipper Installation
• Sew Serendipity; "Don't Fear the (invisible) Zipper"; Kay Whitt; 2009