In this tutorial, I will show you how to install an invisible zipper and align seam lines. Think of this as if you are installing an invisible zipper in a dress that has a bodice, midriff section, and skirt. The goal is to make sure that your seam lines match across.
In addition to your pattern pieces, you will need a zipper, as long as your opening. And two strips of interfacing about 3/4” wide, cut on the straight grain.
Instructions
To begin, we will place the interfacing on the wrong side on the outer edge, for the zipper will go and fuse it to the pattern pieces. This will add stability to your fabric and prevent your zipper installation from looking wonky. At this point, I like to serge the raw edges.
For the sake of this tutorial, I went ahead and sewed up the bottom to mimic how a zipper installation would look when you are sewing a zipper into an actual garment.
First, you want to prepare your zipper by using your iron to uncurl the teeth so that you can stitch as close to the teeth as possible to ensure that your zipper will be invisible.
Next, I’m going to stitch the first side of my invisible zipper to the garment.
I am using my Z presser foot, which is the invisible zipper foot. Notice how the teeth of the zipper fit right into the groove of the invisible zipper foot.
For the other side, I’m going to close the zipper and mark the placement of the seam lines on the other side of the zipper tape so that I can match it on the garments.
Then, I pin it in place and stitch it. I’m going to do this the first time with the basting stitch just to make sure that everything worked out. Once this is aligned properly, I will go back over and use a permanent stitch.
