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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 06-02-2004, 08:08 AM (1 of 7)
Please respond here if you can help, thanks.

I bought a fixture to install the invisible zipper, but had trouble with it. The right side worked fine. The left side would not allow the zipper to be pulled in. After much trial and frustration I fliped the fabric around and tried starting from the bottom using the right side. It WORKED. Whats wrong? Please respond. Donna
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-02-2004, 08:27 AM (2 of 7)
I would say, if it worked nothing's wrong.
Last time I tried to use one of those feet I pulled the darn thing apart, lost the tiny pieces and ended up putting in a regular zipper.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 06-02-2004, 09:18 AM (3 of 7)
For the last 30 yeas I've always used a regular zipper foot. Baste the seam shut, sewing up about 1 1/2 inches higher than you normally would. Baste the seamline closed. Open the zipper and unroll it. You will sew on only the seam allowance, so fold the garment and the other seam allowance away from you. Place the zipper 1 1/2 inches below the baste line, teeth up against the seamline. Sew as close as you can to the teeth. Whatever you do not catch will show. Do not sew across the bottom. Usually I sew once to get the zipper in place and then sew again to get a good close seam line...you can have several seamlines, you do not have to rip these out. The heavier the fabric, the less you have to worry about how close you get to the teeth. I start at the bottom on one side and sew up the open zipper, then line the zipper up and sew from the other. When finished, open your baste line and pull the zipper pull through the bottom. If when you pull the zipper through you still have too much zipper tape showing, you may still sew closer to the teeth by opening up the zipper, etc. The only place you can't change is the bottom where the pull is located.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: paroper
Date: 06-02-2004, 09:19 AM (4 of 7)
Basically the special zipper foot uncoils the zipper and holds the zipper up so you can sew close and even
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: MartySews
Date: 06-03-2004, 06:42 AM (5 of 7)
Nancy Zieman uses the 5 cord pintuck foot for sewing invisible zippers. It helps to hold the zipper in the right position so that is what I have used. I've always sewn each side seperately and one doesn't sew across the bottom. Hope this helps.
Happy Stitching!
Marty:cool:
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: Londa
Date: 06-05-2004, 09:22 PM (6 of 7)
I think a key is the first step given in the instructions with an invisible zipper - pressing the roll of the coil flat! That being done - I think you can successfully use any foot that allows you to stitch quite close to the coil. Not too close though.

Another thing - when you stitch the waistband or facing on the top, be sure to let the roll go back in - so the coil is turned In, not flat before stitching.
Londa
www.londas-sewing.com
www.alondaoriginal.com
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004
Total posts: 39
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 06-06-2004, 02:05 PM (7 of 7)
I've used invisible zippers ever since they came on the market, dozens of years ago. I like them. I always use a zipper foot made for invisible zippers, an inexpensive plastic one that cost me $1, and have never had any difficulty with it. It sounds to me like you have one that is defective and somehow does not work the way it should. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001
Total posts: 256
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