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Sewing a zipper may seem simple but often poses a challenge to the novice. Jan Saunders Maresh, author of Sewing for Dummies, gives us her advice.
The Toughest Part of Sewing a Zipper
"The toughest part is sewing around the zipper pull [the part you tug on to open and close the zipper], which is why when I put a zipper in I put in a longer zipper than what is needed in the opening. In the book I have directions for an invisible zipper, it's super, super easy."
Tips for a Centered Zipper
"I buy a zipper that's longer than is needed, length doesn't matter, [but if the opening is] 12 inches, I'll buy a 14-inch zipper. [I buy a longer zipper because] I want the zipper pull out of the way because I don't want to have to sew around it. The presser foot runs into it, and you can't sew straight. [You can also break your needle.]"
"Instead of pin or hand basting [the zipper], I use Scotch tape — the cloudy stuff. I tape it perpendicular to the back of the seam.
I also use tape as a top-stitching guide, so then I have a straight application of a zipper. If it's a little off on the wrong side, what you'll see [on the right side] is a nicely applied zipper."
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