Zippers Unzipped

I  mentioned in this post that I was working on tutorials for Zippers Poppers and Snappers.I'll be posting a series of tutorials on how I use zippers and how to attach them to bags. Hope you find it useful.

When I was doing some research for these tutorials I discovered some trivia about zippers or zips (a device used to join two edges of fabric)

The main types of Zippers are

Coil
Metallic
Invisible
Plastic
Open ended
Close ended

Here's an interesting  image of an earlier form of the zipper designed by Whitcomb Judson called the 'Clasp Locker' ( Scroll down the page to find the image)

The modern Zipper was designed in 1913 by a scientist called Gideon Sundback and was originally called the 'hookless fastner'. It was coined Zipper in 1923 and was originally used on tobacco pouches and boots.

Enough of the boring stuff.... here's the cool stuff

For the tutorials I use the coil zippers ( I only found out what they're called while I was doing the research for this tutorial )

Lengthening and shortening your Zippers

Zippers don't always come the exact length you want for your project. That can be rectified by lengthening or shortening them

Shortening Zippers:

I usually do this by hand although you can use your machine for this.

To shorten by hand

1. Close the Zipper and measure it to the length you want. (Measure from the zipper teeth)



2. Whipstitch across the coil in the same position about 10 to 12 times with a doubled thread



3. Cut the Zipper about 1/2" below the stitches








 

Machine method

Here's instructions on shortening your zipper using your sewing machine. With coil zippers I don't bother with pulling out the teeth I just cut it about 1/2" below the tack stitch

Lengthening Zippers

To lengthen your Zippers you need to add tabs to each end to extend them. Here's how I do it

1. Measure the length of the opening for where you want to insert your zipper for example 12"(add any seam allowances )
2. Measure the length of the zipper teeth. In this case its 8"



3. Cut a piece from your chosen outer fabric to the width of the zipper and however long you want to extend your zipper by( I'm extending mine by 4" to make 12") then add about 1" to the length for the seam allowance.(My fabric is cut to 5". 4" + 1" seam allowance) If you're lining your bag cut the lining fabric to the same measurements
4. Cut the tabs in half ( Two 2 1/2"tabs outer fabric and two 2 1/2" tabs lining fabric)



5. Measure your tab 1/2" in from the short outer edge. Fold and press wrong sides facing. Do this for the other three tabs.
6. Sandwich your Zipper between the fabrics like this and pin in place. Alternately use a bit of fabric glue



 

7. Sew a few mm from tab edges



8. Game Set and Match extended Zipper

 

Comments

[maria]

Hi, great tutorial. I've never thought of lengthening a zip. I can put a zip in a skirt but have never worked out how to put one in the top of a bag, purse etc.
The fabric you asked about is cotton, only a cheap one.

[Dyan]

I've been learning more about sewing garments and using zippers so this tutorial is so perfect and handy. Thanks for sharing and stopping by my blog.
Dy

[oge]

Hi maria, Hi Dyan

Thanxs for dropping by. I can put zippers in bags now with my eyes shut. Its practice, practice practice and alot of pulled out hair and seams. i'm going to post a tutorial next on how to put the actual Zipper in the bag so hope you find it useful.

maria maybe you can show me how to put a zipper in a skirt. i still find that fiddle-y

Oge
x

[Myam]

I want more zipper tutes! hehe

Thanks for the sweet words you left on my blog. The kindness of people help keep me strong. :)

[Kyoko]

Absolutely fantastic. I totally enjoyed reading this tutorial. I never knew anything about names of zips and the history of it. Well researched! Look forward to more zipper tutorials. :D

[oge]

Hi Kyoko

I totally enjoyed doing the research as well. Thank you
Oge
X

[Helen]

Great post - love the title too!
Thanks for your comment on my blog - I was thinking myself that I'd like a grown up version of that skirt!