Have you ever had to sew a zipper and didn’t know where to start? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. Sewing zippers can seem complicated, but with patience and the right steps, anyone can do it.
In this article, you will learn how to sew a zipper clearly and easily, whether you use a sewing machine or prefer to do it by hand. In addition, I will show you how to sew invisible zippers and avoid common mistakes that we have all made at the beginning.
Types of zippers: Regular vs. invisible
Before we start, it is important to know the most common types of zippers and their uses:
- Regular zipper:
This is the classic one, visible when closing the garment. It is used in bags, jackets and trousers.
- Invisible zipper:
As its name indicates, it remains hidden
within the seam. It is ideal for dresses, skirts and cushions where a cleaner finish is desired.
The technique for sewing each one varies a little, so we’ll look at both later.
Materials and tools needed to sew a zipper
Before you begin sewing a zipper, gather the following materials:
- Zipper (invisible or normal, depending on the project).
- Fabric Where you want to place the zipper.
- Needle (for hand sewing or machine specific).
- Thread of the same color as the fabric or zipper.
- Zipper foot (optional, if using a machine).
- Sewing pins or clips.
- Scissors.
- Iron (to set the seams).
Once you have everything on hand, let’s get started with sewing!
How to sew a zipper by machine (step by step explanation)
If you have a sewing machine, attaching a zipper will be much quicker. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the fabric and zipper
- Open the zipper and place it face down on the edge of the fabric.
- Use pins or clips to secure it in position.
- Sew the first side
- Use the zipper foot
. Esto te permitirá coser cerca de los dientes sin problemas. - Sew a straight line along the first side of the zipper.
- Use the zipper foot
- Fix the other side
- Fold the fabric over and place the other side of the zipper in place.
- Repeat the same sewing process.
- Fold the fabric over and place the other side of the zipper in place.
- Finish the stitches
- At the end of the zipper, make reinforcement stitches to make it firm.
- At the end of the zipper, make reinforcement stitches to make it firm.
- Iron the seam
- Iron the fabric to make it smooth and professional.
- Iron the fabric to make it smooth and professional.
How to sew an invisible zipper by machine: Detailed guide
Now, let’s see how to sew an invisible zipper. This technique requires a little more precision, but the end result is spectacular.
- Mark the location of the zipper
- Use a pencil or tailor’s chalk to mark where the invisible zipper will go.
- Use a pencil or tailor’s chalk to mark where the invisible zipper will go.
- Place the zipper
- Open the zipper and place it face down with the teeth on the edge of the fabric.
- Use the invisible zipper foot
- This special presser foot allows you to sew very close to the teeth.
- This special presser foot allows you to sew very close to the teeth.
- Sew carefully
- Sew each side of the zipper, starting from the top and working down.
- Sew each side of the zipper, starting from the top and working down.
- Close the zipper and check
- Once cooked, close the zipper to make sure it is well hidden.
- Once cooked, close the zipper to make sure it is well hidden.
- Finish and iron
- Iron the seam to give it a clean finish.
- Iron the seam to give it a clean finish.
How to sew an invisible zipper by hand: Machine-free solution
If you don’t have a sewing machine, don’t worry! Here’s how to sew an invisible zipper by hand:
- Prepare the fabric and zipper
- Mark the location of the zipper and secure with pins.
- Mark the location of the zipper and secure with pins.
- Baste the zipper
- Use large basting stitches to make sure it doesn’t move.
- Use large basting stitches to make sure it doesn’t move.
- Sew with stitch after stitch
- Using a needle and sturdy thread, make small, firm stitches along the zipper teeth.
- Using a needle and sturdy thread, make small, firm stitches along the zipper teeth.
- Reinforce the stitches
- Repeat the process on both sides and reinforce the ends with several stitches.
- Repeat the process on both sides and reinforce the ends with several stitches.
- Iron the seam
- Iron carefully for a professional finish.
- Iron carefully for a professional finish.
Practical tips to avoid mistakes when sewing a zipper
- Test before sewing: Pin the zipper and check its position.
- Use the right presser foot: It makes the process much easier, especially with invisible zippers.
- Don’t pull the thread: Sew slowly and let the needle do the work.
- Always iron the seams: A well-ironed seam makes all the difference.
Frequently asked questions about how to put a zipper
- What type of presser foot do I need for an invisible zipper?
Specific presser foot for invisible zippers
. Te permite coser cerca de los dientes sin dañarlos. - Can you sew a zipper without a machine?
Yes, with small, firm stitches you can sew it by hand. - What type of thread should I use?
Use a strong polyester thread, especially if the zipper will be under pressure.