Instructions and Tips to Sew an Invisible Zipper

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com Guide

An invisible zipper is the perfect way to keep the seam lines of an item, be it a garment or something like a pillow, without disrupting the line with a zipper but still maintaining a way to open and close the item. When an invisible zipper is properly installed, the only thing that will be visible is the sleek zipper pull. Because an invisible zipper is not visible, matching the color to your fabric is not as critical as a regular zipper. If you are unable to perfectly match the invisible zipper, use paint, marker or nail polish to "color-match" the zipper pull to the fabric.

The important points to remember when sewing an invisible zipper;

• The seam is NOT sewn until AFTER the invisible zipper is sewn in.
• Read through the accompanying instructions and then follow the instructions, one step at a time.
• Pressing can not be over done. Take your time to thoroughly press the open zipper before you start installing the zipper. Pressing the zipper tape completely flat will help insure a totally invisible zipper.
• Use a invisible zipper foot. Learn about invisible zipper foot options.
• Once the invisible zipper is sewn in, use a regular zipper foot to start the remaining seam at the bottom of the invisible zipper. A zipper foot will allow you to see the invisible zipper stitching and create a continuous seam line with the invisible zipper.
• If you are feeling insecure or hesitant, use a basting stitch the first time. Basting is easier to remove if things don't go correctly.

Matching Seams that Intersect an Invisible Zipper Seam

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• Matching Seams when Sewing in an Invisible Zipper

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