Sewing a Centered Zipper Application

Baste, Press and Seam Finish

Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

Align the edges of the fabric with the right sides together. Match the transferred pattern markings and pin the seam in place. Tip Use double pins at the pattern marking as a visual cue to remind you that the mark is there.
Sew the seam, basting the area where the zipper will be located, and using a regular stitch length where the seam is located. Back-stitch at the end of the regular stitching going to the basting stitch. How to Baste
Press the seam as it was sewn on both sides of the fabric.
Press open the seam, using the tip of the iron and keeping the fabric flat.
Press the seam open from the right side of the fabric. Tip Use a pressing cloth to prevent a shine on the right side of the fabric. This is especially important when pressing synthetic fabric as it will melt creating that unwanted shine.
Be sure both sides of the seam are pressed open and smooth before continuing.
Apply a seam finish to the seam allowance. Choosing a Seam Finish When Sewing a Seam Tip Using basting thread or serger thread will cause less bulk in a seam finish because they are lighter-weight threads.