Zipper Help!

Does anyone have a pet method for installing an invisible zipper in the back of a dress?  Yesterday, I had a major zipper disaster while making my daughter's teacher a colonial dress.  I've avoided patterns with zippers for years and am determined to master them this summer!  Tutes and tips are much appreciated!!!

I usually just follow the instructions on the zipper packaging as a guideline.  I used this tutorial (http://neveryawn.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/tutorial-pillow-cover-with-invisible-zipper/) for inserting an invisible zipper for a pillow.  This should be similar to your dress, since the zipper is installed before the dress is assembled. 

The key to invisible zippers is that their coils kind of roll over a bit, so you want to hold it opened/unrolled as you sew in order to get your needle to sew as close to the coils as possible.  It's also a good idea to check how close you got after sewing one seam and sewing again if necessary before moving on to the second piece.

There are invisible zipper feet, but I just use my regular zipper foot. 

Check out this tutorial from Sewing Divas:
http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/2006/11/08/sewing-invisible-zipper/

This is my favorite invisible zipper tutorial:

http://sewiknit.blogspot.com/2006/03/invisible-zipper-tutorial.html

, varenia

I follow the instructions on the package. (Okay, actually I buy them in bulk now but that's how I learned.) A couple of keys to success:

Make sure to iron the zipper carefully to flatten the coil back, Not too hot, you don't want to melt the coil.
Baste the seam closed with your largest stitch, press open and then remove the stitching so you will have the perfect line for sewing your zipper to.
Buy the invisible zipper foot, even if you have to screw it on, it is totally worth it. Mine is just cheap plastic but I have been using it for 10 years.

Practice with a short zipper on similar weight scrap fabric first so you can see exactly how it works. I always use invisible zippers now except for the fly on pants. I think they are actually easier to get a super clean finish than regular zippers. Just takes a bit of practice like anything, Good luck, you can do it!

hi,
i was just browsing this very topic and found this tutorial at craftstylish very easy to understand because of the clear pictures:
 http://www.craftstylish.com/item/9817/how-to-zippers-part-3

and the tute explains how to  attach neck facing after the zipper is inserted.

hope this helps,
jaya

Here's another for a skirt:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenkitchen/sets/72157600197380343/