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Video: An Easy, Flat Fly-Front Zipper

November 4th, 2008 in sewing, fundamentals, videos     
ThreadsMagazine Threads Magazine, editor
Love it! 163 users recommend

Video Length: 5:18
Produced by: Gary Junken

with Sandra Betzina

If a pair of homemade slacks look homemade, it's probably because of the way the zipper was inserted. Sandra Betzina, TV host and author, advises, "Ignore the instructions that came with your pattern. Most are so complicated, you'll give up and switch to a lapped zipper insertion."

In her book Power Sewing Step-by-Step, Sandra gives detailed instructions for converting any zipper opening to a fly front, and in this video she demonstrates the procedure.

In preparation, ensure the that existing extension is 1-3/8 in. wide and 8 in. long. If converting, merely add the extension beyond the center-front cutting line.


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Comments (18)

PattLytle writes: Where is the video? Posted: 4:53 pm on November 7th
DoubleH writes: This was quite simply, AWESOME!!! Thank you so much. I just about gave up on Halloween costumes this year because I just could not figure out how to do the zipper with a Vogue pattern. Ay yay yay! You saved Halloween! Thank you so much!!! Posted: 3:57 pm on October 25th
MaddyGranma writes: Along with buttonholes, I have avoided patterns that I liked because they had zippers! This video was great, a definate I Can Do It! Posted: 4:27 pm on July 6th
sewgnu writes: This video was soooo good! After struggling along trying to work out instructions that seemed to encourage discouragement, I found this video. It was so easy to follow,- watched a little, then hit pause - did the step, hit play and watched - hit pause then did the next step and before I knew it, the zipper was in. Thanks very much. You're the best!

Sewgnu
British Columbia, Canada Posted: 2:40 am on May 20th
pichicoco writes: Hello! Thank you so much for this wonderful video, i love it. this is the kind of instruction that make sewing fun. Posted: 10:32 pm on May 2nd
Fashionart writes: Great video for the Fly Front Zip, struggling to work out the details from a Burda pattern Magazine. I turned to the internet for help, this video makes it so much easier, I have Bookmarked it on my Computer that is one way to save it for reference. Great.

Janet Posted: 6:54 pm on April 12th
RBJarmon writes: Exactly what I needed! I knew I could learn if I had the right teacher. Thank you so much. Posted: 6:46 pm on April 5th
Kyla writes: Thank you so much for that zipper video i always had a hard time with it i think i will do much better. Posted: 6:09 pm on March 9th
Kyla writes: Thank you so much for showing that zipper video, i always had a hard time with it. My zippers wil look much better now. Posted: 5:51 pm on March 9th
Frankfurt2 writes: It is really nice to see how things can be "de-complexed" Posted: 10:44 am on February 4th
HookedOnEmbroidery writes: I have always been afraid of sewing on zippers.
Now, I can do more sewing without being afraid of messing up.

Thank you for having this invaluable video for me to look at if I feel stuck.

I also love the fact that I can email this to myself and have all the videos I need in my email folder for refrencses.

Again, thank you sooooo much. Posted: 12:54 am on February 1st
Grannie_Annie writes: Thank you so much for this video instruction. Fly zippers have been my nemisis for decades. I'd start out making a fly zipper and then give up, sew the seam in the front and make a back zipper........grrrrrrrrrr.

Thanks to you, I have two perfectly sewn fly zippers and now have the choice of front, back, or side openings. I'm the clearance queen and love boasting at work that I made my pants for less than $4.00. It helps to boast if the zipper looks good. smiles.

Thanks again
Annie Posted: 7:34 am on January 24th
canardlysew writes: I hate doing zippers, because the way I was taught in school back in the 60's was so complicated using a sewing machine that I always had someone else do it for me. I just bought a pattern for a pants suit from Vogue which I would love to make and am grateful for this video, as it has shown me a completely different and easier method to use. Posted: 7:45 pm on January 23rd
LadyMynydd writes: Have just spent days trying to work out how to insert fly-front zipper, following pattern instructions! In desperation I turned to internet and came across this video: suddenly I feel able to do it! Thank you so very much! Posted: 4:26 am on January 14th
bobine writes: Excellent video. Very clear, step by step. Great refresher for the experienced sewer or excellent technique for the not so advanced.
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Posted: 11:19 pm on January 2nd
canei writes: PERFECT...I did this today. Results were fab. This is my fly front technique forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Posted: 2:31 pm on December 28th
locomouse writes: An awesome video, Sandra... takes the whole headache (and heartache) out of a fly-front zipper installation. Pure genius!

Thanks ever so much for your time and willingness to share!

Helen - Ontario, Canada Posted: 7:15 pm on December 1st
Bryden writes: Love the video.... Makes it so much easier to do if you can see what exactly happens.... Wish I could save it on my computer for reference....

Thanks so much for a great resource.

Bryden - New Zealand Posted: 4:31 am on November 25th
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