Has anyone done any of the in the hoop projects with zippers? I would be afraid the needle will strike the zipper. I have a project in mind but kind of hesitant to try.

here you can get 20 assorted zippers for $3.00. They are mostly vinyl and lots of pastels. Also very long. A good deal .www.homesew.com also here they have the same deal, these are sister companies. request a free catalog also.
Bev

I have done a TON of them (mostly tissue cases) and I have never had a problem with sewing in the zipper - LOVE them! Looking at buying a bunch of zippers on etsy - I have bought out most of my current source for smaller ones (it is a place where you buy fabric by the pound, ribbon and cording cheap, and zippers for 25 cents). Next I think I am going to do baby wipe holders, pacifier holders, cosmetic bags, etc.

PS: The one thing you have to watch for is lineing up the zipper to the placement stitch - be careful to get it right in the center so it looks nice when finished. I have been apraying a little glue, opening the zipper and putting the teeth in the right place on one side an pinning that side in place then zipping the zipper and removing the pin - then sewing - has helped (because with some zippers it is hard to look through the back to see if it is aligned correctly).

Have Fun!

3 comments

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

do you have the address of the site on etsy?

by pcteddyb 08 Feb 2011

This is the one I think I will try. May look at homesew/newark you suggested too....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?re...

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

there are some good prices on ebay also. i like to keep an assortment on hand.

Here is the link. I have tried this wallet and it came out beautiful. One of my sisters snatched it up right away. Hope this is helpful, Hugs Lisa

I see you have a lot of answers, and I have marked this for the future...thanks for asking...hugs Sally

For projects using the zippers there is usually a placement stitch that stitches out for the zipper. I use water soluable basting tape to hold my zipper in place while it sews. (quilting tape) I have read that with certain embroidery machines there is a stitch that automatically go to the center of the design and take a stitch, and this is what you have to watch. A word of advice, make sure you keep your zipper partially down before putting the last piece of fabric over it other wise turning will be a nightmare..they are very easy and fun..

Tip: have a zipper that is longer than the project.
The pull will then be out of the way when you stitch it in.With the zip opened you sew your 'side seam' and the top piece of fabric on top face down.
Now the purse can be turned right side out through the opened zipper.
Happy stitching
From Bev

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

Thanks, have lots of long nylon zippers ready to try out.
bev

Are there any free patterns to try the method out?. G

2 comments

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

I haven't seen any so far.

by quiltgrama 08 Feb 2011

There is one on sew forum it is a little zippered purse. I believe there may be one a the purple hat as well but may be in yahoo group files it is a wallet. I will try later to give you the link. Hugs Lisa

I have been making coin purses and cosmetic bags with polyester zippers with plastic teeth. Place scotch tape over the zipper where you are sewing over it. I have had no problems. The design I have stressed not to use metal zippers. Good luck! This has been one of my favorite things to make.

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

Thanks, I'm wanting to try something different and I'm seeing more and more of these in the hoop zipper designs.
Bev

Bev, the digitizer's that make the ITH designs take in account for most proplems - but this is one time - I wouldn't leave my machine, either. Happy stitching! *4U

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

I never leave my machine,and you know i have a bunch of nylon zippers so want to try them out.
Bev

I have often thought the same thing. I may just brave it soon.

Hi Bev, yes I have done zippers. Just see that you watch your machine, if the needdle is near the zipper stop the machine and move the zipper up or down. If you are digitising the design, ensure that you put in stops, not jump stitches when you are sewing down the zipper.

Hope this helps
Hugs Yvonne

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Feb 2011

i won't be digitizing anything anytime soon. LOL. I'll leave that to the experts. Thanks Yvonne