How to Sew Zippers: Standard, Invisible, and Decorative
Today’s class is a special one. We’ll show you step by step how to sew different types of zippers, create several finishes, and use the different sewing machine feet.
Video class
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Make practical samples while learning three zipper applications: standard, invisible, and decorative.
The standard zipper is demonstrated in a small case, while the decorative sample uses exterior fabric, lining, and batting. The focus is on techniques you can transfer to other projects.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Recognize standard, invisible, and decorative zippers.
- Choose and position the appropriate presser foot.
- Shorten a standard zipper and add fabric stops.
- Move the slider past the foot without shifting the seam.
- Topstitch so lining cannot catch in the zipper teeth.
- Sew beside invisible zipper coils and finish the seam.
- Attach a decorative zipper with transparent thread.
Tools and practice materials
The demonstrations use a zipper foot, invisible-zipper foot, regular foot, and overcasting foot as a topstitching guide. The decorative sample also uses lining and batting or interfacing.
Fabric glue can hold zipper tape temporarily, while pins or basting are valid alternatives. Test transparent thread tension on scrap fabric before sewing the decorative seam.
Make it your own
Practice with a waterproof toiletry bag, pineapple summer tote, or zipper pouch.
Try the dragon backpack, or practice a curved zipper with the Manchester laptop case.
This focused video class brings three zipper applications and several presser-foot techniques together in one reusable reference.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.