Get Rid of the Fabric Bump Above a Mock Fly Zipper
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there’s an area on a garment you’ve made that just doesn’t look the way you intended. You followed the pattern, made sure all the seam allowances were accurate, but it’s still there. No one would ever notice, but you know it’s there and it bugs you. You’re not alone. After installing a mock fly zipper, I would always get a little “bump” in the fabric just below the waistband.
The following tiny fix solved the problem for me. I know I’m obsessed, but I was much happier after applying my solution.
I’ll walk you through installing a mock fly zipper, to show the bump afterward. Then you’ll see my tiny fix to solve the issue.
Install the mock fly zipper
1. Use tailor’s tacks to indicate the mock fly extension, center-front, and the shape…
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Question. At what point are you cutting off the top of the zipper?
Hi, I wait until I’ve sewn the waistband across the top. This will prevent any chance of the zipper pull coming off. Many years ago, I installed a zipper and cut the excess from the upper end before applying the waistband or waist facing. I zipped it up and the zipper pull kept going off of the zipper... not fun to replace it!
Thank you so much Pam. I really love the beautifully polished effect without the bump and I will try to incorporate this tip in my future sewing.
You’re very welcome!
What causes the bump in the first place? Does the fabric stretch during the zipper installation?
Hi, even though you stabilize the fabric, it does still have a tendency to “grow” a little bit there. That little adjustment has always worked for me :-)