Learning to sew: One hand-picked zipper for your perusal. February 17, 2012 10:25 9 Comments
Perhaps I shouldn't be, but I am proud of it. I am. Ever so. I did one hand-picked zipper about two decades ago. This is my second. I've done one on the machine. (Sort of. I got a lot of help from Marticia.) Is it perfect? Not even close.
I used Susan Khalje's tutorial from Threads. Most helpful.
I also stitched with vintage buttonhole twist. Pink may have looked prettier, but I liked the idea of old thread, obtained from a vintage pattern.
The inside is less than neat. Still. I don't think it looks so bad from the outside. What do you think?
Comments
Irene on May 20, 2015 12:31
Looks pretty darn good!
Laura on May 20, 2015 12:31
You should definitely be proud!
hollister on May 20, 2015 12:31
Pretty, but it is hard to me.
Lynn Mally on May 20, 2015 12:31
Excellent—especially on your second try!
K-Line on May 20, 2015 12:31
It looks great!
Karen on May 20, 2015 12:31
Your hand-picking looks perfect!
My approach to adding zippers (no matter what the method) ‘tho is to machine baste the seam (using a gathering stitch that’s easy to remove, then to machine sew the zip to the seam allowance created by the basting stitches. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s an invisible zipper, a side tabbed zip, or a hand-picked zip — I’ve found that waiting until after I’ve doubly basted the zipper into the opening absolutely ensures that it goes in without gappeosis.
I know that this seems like twice the work for the same benefit, but, once I’ve removed the basting stitches, I find that the stitches in the seam allowance take some of the stress off the zipper on those few days when I eat more than a lady should, so that the garment never has to undergo the indignity of a replacement zipper!
Ellen on May 20, 2015 12:31
It looks great! And since no one can actually see the inside when you’re wearing it, that isn’t really an issue. ;)
lsaspacey on May 20, 2015 12:31
Good job! So when do we get to see the finished dress?
phlegmfatale on May 20, 2015 12:31
I think it’s absolutely stunning, and I love obviously hand-worked detail. I used to sew occasionally, beginning when I was about 12, and have done so on and off over the years. I have a serious fabric fetish and have been meaning to really tuck into the task of making more of my own clothing in a style which pleases me, as I can’t afford the type of quality and detail I’d prefer in bespoke clothing. I think your hand-picked zipper is stunning. Thank you for the inspiration!