How To Sew A Zip / Zipper – The 3 Most Common

Welcome to this new sewing class, today we are going to talk about zips.

Zips are also known as zippers, which would depend on the country you are from.

There are many varieties of zips so today you will learn how to sew 3 of the most common types.

The first that we will see will be the concealed/invisible zip. As its name indicates, this zip is hidden and we can only see a simple seam and the zip puller.

In my experience, this zip is one of the easiest to learn, even if it seems the most complicated.

The second type of zip that we will learn will be the exposed zip, this is designed to be part of the design.

One of the characteristics of this zip is that we can put it in places where we did not plan to put a zip.

And finally, we will learn how to put a standard zip (also known as a visible zip).

This last zip is very common to find in skirts, using small pleats to “hide” it but it is still visible.

Class

As you have already seen in today’s class, to sew a zip we will need a special foot for the sewing machine.

The feet that you have seen today, can be found for both domestic and industrial machines and there are different versions. Choose the one you like the most but just make sure that the model will work with your machine.

When you go to buy any zip, test it in the shop to make sure that it works correctly before buying it and that you buy the right type of zip for what you need.

The best way to tell which zip is which is by the zip teeth and the puller.

You can also find different versions of zips such as an open-end or closed-end zip.

A closed-end zip is one where the bottom of the zip is attached and cannot be separated (think of a jean’s zip) and an open-end zip is one where the bottom can be separated (think of a jacket).

Remember that if you have any questions about this class you can always send me an email through your user account, in the support section.

Submit your exercises

The best way to learn to sew is by practising so today I am going to ask you to make the 3 zips that you have seen today.

For the exposed zipper it is not necessary that you practice it on the neckline of a pattern, as I have done, you can use the template that I left below.