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shotening invisible zippers

wench34 | Posted in General Sewing Info on

I have not sewn invisible zippers in some time…I know they are easy…can you shorten an invisible zipper?  They only come in certain sizes?  IF you can, is it like shotening a conventional zipper at the bottom?

Replies

  1. suesew | | #1

    Yes you can shorten invisible zippers. Just insert as much as you need. Then zigzag over the teeth below the bottom and cut off the excess. Works very well. It is an expensive way to get a shorter invisible zipper.

    1. wench34 | | #2

      Thank you so much..I thought that might work, but it really is never discussed and I was hoping to use it in the silk taffeta garment I am working on!

       

      Thanks again so much!

       

  2. SewNancy | | #3

    They do only come in limited sizes so cutting off the bottom is the way to do it.

    Nancy

    1. wench34 | | #4

      Thanks so much!  Helps alot, and again, thank you!

      1. kjp | | #5

        In most garments, I shorten the zipper from the top.  I simply fold the top of the zipper slightly toward the body of the garment and cut off the excess after putting in the facing, etc.  It leaves a beautiful finish and no need for a hook and eye.

        1. SewNancy | | #6

          Do you actually bend it back towards the garment or just angle it off to the side?

          Nancy

          1. kjp | | #7

            I angle it toward the garment about 45 degrees or a little less.  When viewed from the finished right side it looks like it disappears into the seam allowance.  No need for any "stop" at the top of the zipper as the neck or waist facing seam works as a stop.  This is harder to explain than I would have thought!  karin

          2. SewNancy | | #8

            Thanks, this sounds like the ready to wear I have bought.

            nancy

          3. sewpro | | #9

            I prefer to shorten zippers from the bottom. The top has a nice finish that when it is inserted flush with the top edge allow you to skip the hook and eye. You can finish the cut edge of the zipper with a small piece of lining. It looks really professional. -J

          4. kjp | | #10

            Have you received your new Threads, yet?  The article on the invisible zipper shows the top of the zipper treated the way I do it - beautiful finish - the teeth disappear into the top seam.  Not only is there no need for a hook & eye, but there is no place to put one.  I studied many a pair of rtw pants/skirts to figure out how they did it.  Last year, I discovered I was on track when watching a former NY garment industry seamstress put in an invisible zipper.  The one added time saving trick I picked up from her is to ALWAYS hand baste the zipper first.  In the end, it is faster and more precise (for me) than the machine method the threads article used to place the zipper. 

            Unfortunately, the article did not address the method for the top of the zipper - only the basic application for the tape! 

          5. SewNancy | | #11

            I was looking for info on how to handle top of zipper too, hoping to see if she illustrated your method.  A friend who does professional home dec sewing uses invisible zips in all her pillows and hand bastes.  It makes a big difference.

            Nancy

          6. kjp | | #12

            I never thought of using invisible zippers for decorative pillows!  I've always used the inexpensive brass zippers with a lapped application to hide them.  We're undergoing renovation and I will have to redo everything in our bedroom this summer (windows, bedding, etc.)  I'll have to try the invisible zips, especially for the bed throw pillows and shams. 

             

          7. SewNancy | | #13

            She did pillows for my sofa when she did the slipcovers and they are wonderful.  Also, less work than a traditional zipper.  I hate sewing  home dec so hiring her was a blessing. 

            Nancy

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