Zip tutorial

[swirlyarts]

Does anybody know of a good zip tutorial? I can just about mange to sew zips but I'm sure there must be an easier way than I am doing! I'm using close ended zips - is that the problem?
Anyway thanks
Lynsey

[beadsbydesign]

Just had a look in eldest sons textiles folder and this is the one recommended by the school.
http://www.alternative-windows.com/inserting-zips.htm

[Seahorse]

When at college we had a certain foot for the sewing machine.
As there as a 'lip' on the wrong side of the zip, the foot then slipped around the lip and ran along the zip, stitching under the lip.
HAve I been able to find one since!!Nope,and all my zips look a bad.Im making a skirt for a pal, Im not looking forward to zip insertion.

[swirlyarts]

Thanks BBD - just the thing I was looking for! Seahorse - that foot thing sounds great - hopefully someone on here will know where to get one from!

[Annette]

Swirly - what are putting the zip into, obviously I am just being inquisitive (or is it just plain nosy, hmm!!):mf:

[liz300art]

not surprisingly the foot is called a zipper foot,
I have one and i think they are available fairly readily, mine came with the machine but I'd just start looking at the brand website, mines a janome, so
http://www.janome.co.uk/acatalog/Store_Front_Sewing_Machine_Feet_and_Attachments_13 .html
they're only about 9 quid, which isn't much seeing as they save loads of bother,
Also mines going strong after many zips!
I find pressing the edge to the correct seam allowance really helpful if it is well pressed and matched (to the other side) there is less chance of it becoming caught up under the foot.
Each one i sew becomes better and better, so practice !! The invisible zips can be harder to get right also.

I zip the zip closed and start below the zipper tag. then come back after i've sew the other side and do the top most bit. Then you don't have to worry about the zipper tag until the rest of the zip is well attached.
I hope this helps and makes sense, its difficult to explain in writing!!

any more problems just ask!

[swirlyarts]

Fantastic thank you!! I'll go and have a look at that zipper foot. Annette I'm sewing fabric chicken doorstops and the zip is so that you can get the rice in!