Sewing Basics: How to Sew a Zip

The ability to be able to sew a zip into whatever creation you have in mind is a truly underrated skill. Of course, it can be quite an intimidating idea if you don’t know how to sew a zip. But not to worry, this is where we come in. With years of experience helping hobbyists all over the UK improve their sewing skills, we know what it takes to help every skill level.

How to Sew a Zip: Equipment You’ll Need

Before you jump straight into sewing in a zip into your fabric, it is a good idea to make sure you have everything you need before you get started. Here is a comprehensive list of items you need to successfully sew in your choice of zip.

• Sewing Machine
• Zipper
• Fabric Marking Pencil
• Sewing Tape
• Zipper Presser Foot
• Thread
• Steam Iron
• Sewing Pins
• Seam Ripper

If you’re short of a few of these items, check out our collection of sewing accessories.

How to Sew in a Zip: Method

Before you begin attempting to sew in your zipper, make sure your sewing machine is equipped with your zipper presser foot. What this presser foot allows you to do is to stitch right next to the zipper teeth creating a far neater stitch line. It also helpfully conceals the edges of the zipper tape, improving the overall finish. 

Finish Fabric Edges and Sew Together (Step 1)

The first step is to finish the edges of the fabric you intend on placing the zipper on. We would recommend finishing these with a zigzag stitch. Ensuring you’ve left enough space on each side of your fabric for your pattern’s recommended seam allowance, sew the two pieces together with a regular stitch. Only sew up to where the zipper will be installed.

Baste Zipper Opening and Press Seam Allowance (Step 2)

Using a long basting stitch, stitch the rest of the seam including over the section that will open for the zipper. As this stitch will be removed, there is no need to backstitch the endpoints. With the fabric’s wrong side facing up, if the seam allowance won’t sit flat when pressed open, use an iron to flatten it. 

Place Zipper (Step 3)

With the fabric the wrong side up, lay your choice of zipper along the basted section of the seam allowance. Start at the top, ensuring you align the top of the zipper with the top of the fabric. When you’ve settled on your preferred zipper placement, mark the stitch lines with your fabric marking pencil. 

Pin Zipper in Place (Step 4)

The penultimate step in learning how to sew a zip is pinning your zip in place. Make sure it is lined up from top stop to bottom stop. Pinning at the top and bottom alone is unlikely to give you as much control so we would recommend using multiple pins or sewing tape.

Stitch Zipper and Remove Basting Stitches (Step 5)

With the correct side facing up and starting at the top of the zipper, ensure your first stitch is just past the zipper pull. Be sure not to stitch too close to the zipper pull in order to maintain a straight stitch.

Once you have reached the bottom of the zipper, stop and turn the fabric 90 degrees to sew a few stitches along the bottom of the zipper. Rotate the fabric again to stitch the other side of the zipper. Ensure you backstitch in order to secure your stitch.

Now your zipper is attached, remove your basting stitches using your seam ripper. Remove any stray threads for a professional finish. This is the time to test your zipper.

Sew in Zips with Ease at Sewing Direct

If you’re looking for the best equipment to make sewing as easy and effortless as possible, look no further than our collection here at Sewing Direct. With a wide range of sewing machines and accessories, you’ll never be short of new ways to fall in love with sewing all over again. 
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us and a member of our team will be more than happy to help you with your sewing query.