Last Updated on July 9, 2023
Learn how to sew an Invisible Zipper: An invisible or concealed zipper can give your garment a professional finish. Contrary to what you might think, sewing an invisible zipper is easier than you imagine.
Invisible zipper
An invisible zipper, also known as a concealed zipper, is a type of zipper with hidden teeth behind the tape. This zipper type provides a professional and aesthetically pleasing finish to garments or other items. The stitching of the zipper is not visible from the front side, which adds to its attractive appearance.
Why is an invisible zipper good?
An invisible zipper is good because it is concealed within the garment’s seams, allowing only the smaller and neater zipper puller to be visible. This creates a sleek and polished appearance. Invisible zippers are commonly used in skirts, dresses, and formal garments like gowns or dress pants, where the zipper is often inserted in the side seam.
Is sewing an invisible zipper hard?
Sewing an invisible zipper is generally considered easy, especially with the help of a quick tutorial. While zippers may initially appear intimidating to beginner sewers, invisible zippers can be relatively straightforward to insert compared to other types of zippers. With the right instructions and a bit of practice, sewing an invisible zipper can be a manageable task.
How to sew an invisible zipper
Here in this guide, you will know How to make an invisible zipper, this is Tersia Jager, and I am sharing my foolproof method to sew an invisible zipper that will elevate your sewing projects.
Materials Needed
- Invisible zipper (2 inches longer than the opening)
- Fusible interfacing (two pieces)
- Skirt pieces
- Pinking shears
- Pins
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Invisible zipper foot or standard zipper foot
- Fabric marker
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Stabilize the Seam
- Cut fusible interfacing about an inch longer than the zipper opening, wide enough to cover the seam allowance, and an additional half-inch.
- Trim one side of the interfacing using pinking shears to prevent it from showing through lighter-weight fabrics.
- Line up the interfacing along the top and raw side edges, and press with iron by holding it for about 3 to 5 seconds, lifting, and pressing.
2. Prepare the Zipper
- Press the zipper teeth away from the zipper tape.
- Ensure the iron is set to a lower temperature to prevent melting the zipper.
- This folding technique will make sewing the zipper easier.
3. Align and Pin the Zipper
- Close the zipper.
- Flip the zipper with the right side facing the right side of the fabric.
- Insert a pin to keep the zipper lined up and unzip it completely.
- Line up the zipper tape inside the edge of the seam allowance, ensuring the zipper teeth land right on the seam.
- If your pattern specifies a half-inch seam allowance, align the zipper accordingly.
4. Sewing with an Invisible Zipper Foot
- Attach an invisible zipper foot to the sewing machine. The foot has grooves underneath that line up with the zipper teeth, guiding the needle as it goes through the hole.
- Position the foot next to the zipper teeth, aligning it with the handy line on the zipper tape.
- Stitch carefully along the line, using the zipper foot as a guide.
- Backstitch when you reach the mark representing the bottom of the zipper opening to secure the stitches.
5. Repeat for the Other Side
- Flip the second piece of fabric with the right side facing the right side of the zipper.
- Pin the fabric in place, ensuring the zipper is fully unzipped.
- Remove the pin holding the finished side of the zipper and start pinning the tape in place, as done before.
- Change the zipper foot to the other side and stitch along the zipper teeth, aligning the needle with the guideline.
- Backstitch when reaching the mark representing the last stitch.
6. Finish the Seam
- Place a pin along the seam allowance underneath the zipper tape, pushing the tape aside.
- Add another pin to secure the fabric.
- Using a standard presser foot, start sewing a quarter of an inch above the last stitch, just inside the previous stitch line.
- Push the zipper tape out of the way, backstitch twice, and continue stitching.
- Switch back to a standard presser foot and sew the remaining seam closed.
7. Admire Your Finished Zipper
- Examine the seam below the zipper, which should appear neat and clean.
- On the right side of the fabric, the zipper teeth should be barely visible, showcasing the invisible zipper’s desired effect.
Can you sew an invisible zipper with a regular zipper?
Yes, you can sew an invisible zipper with a regular zipper foot. However, it is recommended to use a double-grooved invisible zipper foot on your sewing machine for better results.
What are invisible zippers made of?
Invisible zippers are typically made of strong woven polyester herringbone tape. The zippers are tonally colored throughout, which means that the tape’s color matches the zipper’s color. This makes them suitable for various garments like skirts, dresses, shorts, trousers, and jumpsuits when a hidden closure option is desired.
Conclusion
Sewing an invisible zipper can give your garments a polished and professional look. By following this foolproof guide, you can confidently sew invisible zippers into your projects. Enjoy creating seamless and stylish designs with this easy technique!
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