zipper hell

okay, that might be a little over-dramatic but.....is there a trick to doing zippers that I've missed?  I can't get them right.  does anyone have a good tutorial or some tips?  I'm so frustrated.  thanks.

rita
http://asinglethread-rita.blogspot.com/

Are you doing regular zippers or invisible zippers? Are you using the zipper foot? Invisible zippers are best put in with the invisible zipper foot, definitely worth it.

I've always used the instructions that come in the zipper package. But what part are you having trouble with or the whole thing? Practice putting zippers into scraps before you do it on a project. Use a different color of fabric for each side of the seam and it will make more sense. Make sure you iron where it tells you to iron this is important and makes it much easier.

Hope that helps! You can do it!!

What are you trying to put them in?  Pillows, clothing, what?  Probably easiest to start with something simple like a pillow or a purse pocket and work up to more complex stuff from there.

My answer would vary depending on what you're trying to make.

THANK YOU!!!!    So glad to know I'm not the only one!! 

I posted a question on this forum at the beginning of the summer about the invisible zipper.  I later realized that one is fairly easy, not the one I have trouble with.  My arch-nemesis in my 32 years (off and on) of sewing is the dreaded centered application!!!  I don't know if I'm too much of a perfectionist or what.  But it never looks right.

The one thing I discovered about centered application zippers recently is this:  Use a zipper that is too long for your opening.  When you put it in, put the zipper stop where is should go, at the bottom of the opening.  This should make the top of the zipper extend beyond the zipper opening and the zippy thing (what's it called?) can stay up there while you're attaching the zipper and top stitching.  This way, the zippy-thing doesn't make the top stitching all wavy and the fabric pucker-y (which happens to me EVEN WITH A ZIPPER FOOT).  Attach the zipper and top stitch as directed on package, however stop short of where you want the zipper to end on the finished project.

Once you've finished your beautiful straight top-stitching and removed the basting of the center seam, zip down the zipper.  Trim the extending right and left zipper tapes to the length you need.  Immediately sew a stationary zig-zag 10-15 times(with zero stitch length, feed dogs down) across the tops of the zipper's right and left tapes (or your zippy thing will fly right off the end of your zipper when you zip it up...believe me).  Do the rest of the top-stitching at the top of the zipper.

This has given me the best centered zip application so far.  I don't know why I struggle so much with them when it seems like no one else does!  I'll look for the site where I found this method and post it if I find it.

Here's the link to the method I described above:  http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3728/sewing-in-a-zipper
 

The method I described doesn't match the Threads method perfectly but the pictures will display what I'm trying to convey.  Hope it helps!

thanks everyone.  I'm trying to put put the zippers in a purse/wristlet wiht a lining and I am using a zipper foot.  I find the whole process very clumsy.  maybe I just need more practice.  each time there's a new problem, puckered fabric, uneven stitching.  I think I'll try a few without a lining, try and get that right and then add the next layer. that might help.  thanks for all the suggestions!

rita

When inserting zippers I use wash away wonder tape.  It is a double sided tape that washes away.  It holds the zipper in place on the fabric. That way - if I need to zip the zipper up or down it doesn't move and my fabric doesn't pucker.

I've probably done 10-20 projects with zippers and I would say that for each one that turns out great, one turns out so poorly that I throw it away. I buy zippers in bulk now.

If you are trying to make zippered pouches, buy the pattern from Oh Fransson: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5192619  Seriously it's worth the $10.  I wasted more than $10 worth of zippers before I found this pattern.

The EASIEST way to have a quick success is to not center the zipper.  It's much easier to make the front zippered pouch without doing a separate lining, but it won't look as polished since the edges are raw.  If this is just for you, and you don't care, just zig zag the edges and be done. 

Like in this tutorial: http://boltneighborhood.typepad.com/bolt-neighborhood/2009/07/zippered-coin-purse-tutorial-from-sally.html
Or this one: http://javajem.blogspot.com/2008/02/wristlet-tutorial.html

(There are like 10 of these tutorials so if you don't understand, google "front zip pouch tutorial" and you'll get a bunch.)

 -- I wouldn't just leave the interfacing on the inside though - you can do this with 2 layers of fabric and it looks nicer.  For the most part the edges get tucked in and you don't see them, especially if you use a layer of batting, so just zig zag and you'll be fine.  I have an "overlock" stitch on my machine that I use because I don't have a serger (well I do, but it's a hand me down and I don't know how to use it!) and it works fine.  It looks like 2 straight stitches and one zig zag.  As someone else said about a longer zipper - this method also works best with a longer zipper!  Honestly, I've done it both ways and if it takes me 2 hours to make the Oh Fransson pouch it takes me 30 minutes to make the front zip pouch.  I'm also working on a way to make it without having the raw edges, so if I figure that out I will share!

I've never tried to do clothing or pillows with zippers...

You could also do a zippered pocket:  http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2007/02/zippered_inner_.html
I also use the wonder under stuff.  I actually found that 1/4" strips of heat & bond lite work GREAT for keeping the zipper where I want it.  I've done a few of these so that I can zip my wallet up in my purse but my purse doesn't need to zip.  Much easier

It's OK.  I was where you are a few months ago.
Erin

You can always cover raw edges inside with bias tape or serge them.You have to keep your fabrics & zipper from moving so I second the wonder tape but you can use a elmers glue stick & hit it with your iron to hold it in place until you sew. It won't gun up your needle & we always have glue sticks handy.Practice is the key & stitch close to the teeth but not too close or your zipper won't work right.

thanks for the tips.  I'll check out those tutorials.  I'm not going to give up though.  LOL

For tricky things like zippers, zipper flys (flies??), welt pockets, etc., I hand-baste it after pinning.  It's a bit tedious, but it helps me see better if it looks right; THEN I machine-sew it.  Usually gives me a neater finish, as well.  This also works well on waistbands (when you've folded over the pressed edge) and arm holes with bias tape.  Good luck!   KL

Definitely goign to check out those links, I avoid patterns with zippers.

I'm all for glue sticks, provided they don't damage the fabric.  Honestly, I just sew my zippers in by hand.  My zipper feet do a fine job, but I find that I fight less with the zippers when I do the handwork.  The bonus is that you can make the stitches totally invisible and flush with the edge of the zipper, so even a non-invisible zipper is not terribly noticeable.