Do you think zippers are scary? Have you avoided them? There is really nothing scary about them.
There are a number of zipper sewing methods - exposed zipper, lapped zipper, invisible zipper, centered zipper, separating zipper, fly front zipper and side placket zipper.
This tutorial shows how to install an exposed zipper. For this method, a common zipper is sewn into a project where the teeth and part of the tape on either side of the teeth is visible.
This zipper installation is seen in sportswear, home décor projects, pouches, purses and many other projects. A new fashion trend, seen more and more today, is exposed zippers in many designer garments.![How to install a zipper]()
Do you need to shorten your zipper before installing it in your project? Check out our tutorials, How to Shorten a Zipper by Hand Sewing or How to Shorten a Zipper by Machine.
This video tutorial and the written instructions below will explain how to sew a basic exposed zipper.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
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HOW TO INSTALL A BASIC ZIPPER.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Fabric
Zipper
Sewing Machine
Zipper Foot
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1:
* With fabric right side up, place zipper pull side down along edge of fabric. Pin in place.
STEP 2:
* Install zipper foot on sewing machine.
STEP 3:
* Unzip the zipper a little.
STEP 4:
* Line up presser foot edge with edge of zipper tape.
STEP 5:
* Start stitching, backtacking at the beginning.
STEP 6
* When you get near the zipper pull, with needle down, raise presser foot and rezip the zipper. Continue stitching, backtacking at end.
STEP 7:
* Repeat the above process on other edge of zipper - lining up fabric and zipper, pinning and sewing in the same manner.
STEP 8:
* After stitching zipper in place, press fabric away from zipper. If zipper is nylon or polyester make sure you do not touch teeth with iron or they may melt.
STEP 9:
* Top stitch close to fold.
![How to install a zipper]()
Example of the back of an installed the zipper
Installing zipper is a common sewing technique. With just a little practice, you will feel comfortable sewing zippers into projects.
Get reasonably priced zippers from the affiliate links below.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video
comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.
Some other sewing tutorials you may be interested in are below.
Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.
We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance
for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
Statement for more information.