Zippers look very intimidating and daunting for beginner sewers. I get it. To be honest, when I first started sewing, I avoided them like the plague.
It wasn’t until I was “forced” to sew a zipper for a school project that I realized how unfounded my fears were.
Although there are a few ways to install a regular zipper, I find this technique to be the easiest and the most professional looking.
This tutorial comes from our Myrtle Dress pattern, but you can use these steps with any garment pattern with a full lining and a nylon zipper.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to sew a center lapped zipper:
1. Sew basting stitches on the center back, right sides together.
2. Press center back open to flatten seams.
3. With zipper facing down, center the zipper on the seam and pin.
4. Transfer pins on the outside and stitch zipper evenly on each side.
5. Using a seam ripper, remove the basting stitches. Unzip and test the zipper.
6. Turn the garment inside out. Fold the lining inwards with the same seam allowance. Pin the lining in place.
7. Transfer the pins on the right side and stitch, following the prior stitches for a clean finish.
So, there you have it, a quick and easy way to sew a zipper into any lined garment!
If you're ready to try for yourself, you can get the Myrtle Dress pattern for $1 off with coupon code ZIPPERBLOG. Click here for the Myrtle Dress listing :)
Happy sewing!