Hi everyone!
This is Ruth on the blog here today to talk about zipper tape and how you can use it for your projects. I will be showing the steps I take to prep the tape and create a half-zip. I hope it will encourage those of you who are a little intimidated to take the leap and try it out!
1. Interfacing the fabric
The first step is to apply a strip of interfacing to where you will attach the zipper. If you are making something knit that will have the zipper exposed, I would recommend knit fusible interfacing. If it will be enclosed with a lining, woven interfacing will work. This is just so it doesn’t fray with wear
2. Prep the Zipper Tape
The pull will only attach at one end, so you need to make sure you find the right side.
Slip one side of the tape inside the pull and align the other side where you want it. This may take a couple tries if you’re trying to line up stripes. My best tip is to keep the zipper tape in a v-shape while sliding the pull on. There are tools you can purchase to make this step easier, but I do it by hand. When you have the pull on and positioned the tape the way you want it, good job!
At the top of your zipper tape, you’ll need to create a stopper so the pull doesn’t fall
off. I trim the teeth off the tape by about ½ an inch on each side. I use a lighter to lightly singe the tape so it won’t fray. Then, I fold the tape over to the side, bend the teeth the same way, and wrap the tape over the teeth.
I stitch a zig-zag in one spot to secure it.
Whether or not your pattern comes with a zipper stopper, I like to add one. It keeps
the bottom of the tape from poking out. I cut two small rectangles the width of the
tape and place one on the edge of the bottom (right sides together) and the other on
the backside of the tape (wrong sides together). Then I secure it with a stitch ¼ inch
from the bottom—going back and forth to make sure the teeth are well secured.
Now you’re ready to add it to your make!
3. Sewing the Zipper
For this make, I chose the Slope Sweater from Lowland’s Kids. I lined my zipper tape
up to the top of the collar, sandwiched between the main and the lining. Make sure
your zipper tape is right sides together with the main! I stitch at ¼ inch seam
allowance. The zipper tape might be wider than some patterns call for, but you can
still make it work. Also, pay attention to where your zipper pull is so you don’t
accidentally sew over it.
When I like the way the first side looks, I’ll go attach the other side. The right side of
the zipper tape lines up with the raw edge of the right side of the main. In this
pattern, it is sandwiched with the lining. Baste the second side till you like how it
lines up. Then when you’re satisfied, stitch it down securely. Turn it right side out
and topstitch 1/8 inch along the zipper. In this pattern, I also topstitched around the
collar. Admire your lovely work!!
From this point, I finished sewing the pattern as instructed, and added a label at the
end for the finishing touch! I can’t wait to see what you create!!
Happy Sewing!!
3 comments
Do you have video
What Karen said! I would love to see this in a YouTube video! But I think I’ve been empowered to try using zipper tape now. Thanks, Ruth, for putting in the time to share your knowledge!
Thank you, Ruth, for doing this! Have you ever thought about doing YouTube videos? Your creativity is unbelievable!