Sewing a lapped zipper can give your garments a professional finish, especially in skirts, dresses, and pants. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully install a lapped zipper.
Materials Needed
- Fabric
- Zipper
- Sewing machine with zipper foot
- Pins or clips
- Seam ripper
- Iron
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fabric
- Finish the raw edges of the fabric where the zipper will be inserted.
- Mark the zipper placement with tailor’s chalk or a fabric pen.
2. Sew the Seam
- Place the fabric pieces right sides together.
- Sew the seam with a basting stitch up to the point where the zipper will start.
- Switch to a regular stitch length and sew the rest of the seam.
- Press the seam open.
3. Position the Zipper
- With the fabric right side up, place the zipper face down along the seam allowance.
- The zipper teeth should align with the seam line.
- Pin or clip the zipper in place.
4. Baste the Zipper
- Baste the zipper in place by hand or using a long machine stitch.
- Check the alignment and adjust if necessary.
5. Sew the First Side
- Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine.
- Sew close to the zipper teeth on one side, starting from the bottom.
6. Sew the Lapped Side
- Fold the fabric so that the zipper is covered by the overlapping fabric.
- Pin the fold in place.
- Sew close to the fold, creating the lapped effect.
7. Finish the Zipper
- Remove the basting stitches with a seam ripper.
- Press the zipper area to set the stitches.
Tips for Success
- Use a zipper foot for better control and precision.
- Ensure the zipper is the correct length for your project.
- Practice on scrap fabric if you're new to sewing zippers.
Conclusion With these steps, you can confidently sew a lapped zipper, adding a neat and functional closure to your garments. Happy sewing!
Check the next videotutorial to see how to sew a lapped zipper:
