The scope of zippers in the global market has increased exponentially. Their applications in various industries have widened the market share and size.
Zippers were invented in the 1900s, and soon after a few years, they were used in dresses and bags. As well as being functional, zippers have grown to be extremely fashionable.
Sewing a zipper to a fabric might first look tough, but it is one of the most accessible procedures with practice.
With technologically advanced sewing machines, stitching has become more convenient and more natural.
Characterization of a Zipper
A zip dwells two rows of projected teeth like structures along with a slider that moves forward and backward. This movement opens and closes rows of teeth allowing objects to pass through it. Zippers are cost-effective and are readily available irrespective of geographical location. Zip has a fabric part on the sides.
A stopper is provided on both the sides, preventing the slider from coming out. A pin is used, which separates two flaps of the fabric.
Types of Zippers
Coiled: It is generally made of nylon-like material and flattened on one side and has teeth like protruding structures on the other side. Each of these teeth is joined with each other so that they intertwine effortlessly. They are light in weight and can withstand heat.
Toothed: These are made of metal as well as plastic and have teeth on both sides of the zipper.
Unseen: Only the slider is visible, and the rest part is hidden behind the stitches in a seam. They are bendable and do not break easily.
Open-ended: They cut open on both sides, thus separating the garment. The sliding technique is used here while closing the zip.
Air-tight: These are used for retaining the pressure of air. Along with a standard zipper, a waterproof sheet is also covered around it. These are handled specially by astronauts.
Application of Zippers
Zippers have a broad range of uses. Due to its sliding property, it can be used in different sectors, such as:
- Bags, backpacks, purses
- Camping bags used for hiking
- Garments like jeans, jackets, dresses
- Home décor items like cushions, pillow covers, etc.
- Spacesuits
How To Sew On A Zipper With A Sewing Machine
The word zip derived from the sound that a zipper makes while sliding up and down. A zipper can be sewed according to the requirement. Different materials need a different size, type, or colored zip to give a finished look.
If a long zipper is not required for a respective item, you can cut it from the bottom and hand stitch it. Various methods can be applied while sewing a zipper with a sewing machine.
Materials Needed
- A zipper
- Sewing machine
- A zipper foot according to the type of machine
- Marker pen or chalk
- Bobby pins
- Tape
- Scissors
- Needle
- Thread
The Procedure Of Sewing
Phase 1: Get all the supplies ready and keep them nearby before starting to sew. Measure the length of the zip needed. If the zip is longer in size than required, cut it from below, keeping at least one inch extra. Coordinate the color with that of the fabric.
Complete the seam of the edge of the material. Start backstitching the points at the border after stitching the pieces together where the zip will be placed.
Phase 2: Once all the supplies and sewing machines are ready, get started with the stitching.
- Step I: Attach the zipper to the zipper foot.
- Step II: Insert the zipper foot to the side the same as that of the needle.
- Step III: Close the area that you are about to sew.
- Step IV: Mark the bottom of the zipper with a marker or chalk
- Step V: Pin it up with bobby pins so that it stays on the desired position.
- Step VI: Apply an ordinary stitch on the side of the seams and tape it to keep in place.
- Step VII: Continue to sew until the end of the fabric attached to the zip.
- Step VIII: Sew on the other flap of the zipper from the bottom till to the top.
- Step IX: Change the direction of the zipper foot accordingly.
- Step X: Use a scissor to open the seam, trim the edges, and extra thread.
Things To Remember While Stitching A Zipper
Be cautious while stitching the zipper into the material. Measure the length of the zipper beforehand. Keep the stitch closer to the zipper teeth.
However, be careful not to stitch on the zipper teeth. If stitches are run over the teeth, the essential utility of zipping to close and open will no longer be possible. Keep a check on this by using your fingers to feel the stitches.
There are quite a few zipper sewing techniques which depend on factors like:
- Visible or invisible zipper
- Type of fabric
- Type of zip
- Placement of the zip
- Tape the zip properly while Sewing, or else it might deviate from the straight path. You can use a temporary tape or pins to secure the position.
- Before you start to sew, examine the settings of the sewing machine. Also, check if the needle is on the correct side.
- Do not forget to use a seam ripper to cut the seam so that the zip can perform its function.
Keep the sewing machine is a clean condition. Regular maintenance and proper oiling in the gears shall increase the longevity of the device. Sewing is the most integral part of the fashion or garment industry.
Before starting to sew on the original fabric, try it first on a similar structure. This will ensure that all settings and switches are in place. Beginners must give a trial on a spare fabric of the same material, which is to be sewed.
Along with skills, many types of research on different types of stitches and machines will widen the concept of Sewing. Sewing a zipper may look tedious, but once your hands are set, you can sew it pretty quickly. Zippers are used in almost all utility materials, especially for bags and garments. They also boost and complement the look.
