I'd like to encourage those who haven't yet dared to make an ITH project with a zip (are you listening, Carolyn and Vicki?)
I've experimented with various ways of putting a zip in (examples of which can be found on My Garden Design.) I like to have a lining with no raw edges showing and sometimes I want my zip to be concealed.I've come up with three ways.
1. The zip is stitched to tear away stabiliser at the begining of the process and then the fabrics are added.
2. The fabrics are stitched to the lining first, creating a narrow groove. The zip is stitched on top of that and then the edges of the tapes covered with a trim or decorative stitching.
3. The fabrics are stitched to the lining first, creating a pocket that the zip can be fitted into before it is stitched down.
Method #1 gives the neatest result as the lining completely covers the zip tap on the inside. Method #3 is the easiest, but doesn't look as good from the underside as the zip tapes and stitching are visible.
My tips for success:
1. Always use a longer zip than you think you will need, at least until you have more experience.
2. Read any instructions at least twice.
3. If in doubt, ask for help!
Any comments, encouragement or tips from the rest of you?
www.mygardened.com
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I've been so scared to try a zipper ITH but I do ok when necessary with my sewing machine. It looks like I need to take my seat and say "my name is Lee and I'm afraid of ITH zippers".
Anticipating liking them, I got a lot of 9" zippers from Amazon for dirt cheap
4 comments
by embquilt
30 Sep 2015
Oh I need a cow one for Christmas as a present.
Lol here I haven't made one and I'm making requests!
Truly which design is yours or are they all?
by embquilt
30 Sep 2015
If I search under Sue are those yours? Cuz come on if I'm going to be challenged I might as well try one of yours!
1966I almost didn't hear you, been so busy lately that I haven't had time to stroll through community.....I am terrified of hitting the zipper with my needle and that is what gives me cold feet.........mmmm. maybe one day!
Your zipper things are always so perfectly done, am envious!
3 comments
by basketkase
17 Sep 2015
No, am trying to stop that habit, I am a longtime teeth grinder in my sleep.......I dream of zippers...LOL!
by Leaha
18 Sep 2015
Don't let them catch your shirt tail or you'll be all zipped up!!!!!! hahahahahahaha.
261163One big tip - Save this for an unhurried, calm, happy day when everything is stitching out perfectly. Once you have a good experience, you'll make these again and again. it just sounds difficult.
66911Oooops...sounds like Carolyn and Miss Vicki are here by on notice to start zipping! I'm right behind them...protecting their backsides! lol
Progress in any direction is good right?
I purchased 2 of the purses with zippers!
5 comments
by graceandham
16 Sep 2015
I don't know. I'm afraid that Carolyn will get inventive and combine a towel topper with a zipper and give us a MONSTER. Let her obsess where she has already found comfort - among the kitchen towels!
35301There are several ITH bag design on sale for $2.00 at www.mygardened.com so now is the time to try some. I picked up 3 today that I didn't have. I just got a new supply of zippers from zipperstop yesterday so I'm ready to sew.
1 comment
22595Way back, at the turn of the century, I bought a Husqvarna card called Pretty Purses in the Hoop. With and without zips. I stitched a few of them and digitised a lot of others. It IS scary at first, but after that there's no stopping you. Try it, it is fun.
1 comment
by spendlove
16 Sep 2015
Joking apart, that is a long time ago. I only bought my first embroidery machine in 2009!
145304Tip: Put a post it note that says: OPEN THE ZIPPER at the correct point. ( I haven't forgotten, but it makes me nervous every time that I will forget.)
4 comments
by queenofhearts
16 Sep 2015
Bev, that sounds like the voice of experience. I too have put one in upside down.
158717make sure your zipper is nylon, no metal zips allowed. Slow your machine down and use plenty of tape on the zipper ends to hold it down. For my very 1st one I held my finger on the start/stop button and held my breath. It worked . And buy extra zippers .after your first success you will want to do even more. Try it, it's fun and you can always use a new zippy bag, makes great gifts too
1 comment
67271Zips are scary the first time you sew a in the hoop design with one...then after you have finished you wonder why you hadn't done any sooner. They are such fun
115762Look how long it took me. You and Kim (dragonflyer) have converted me.
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