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From: mcfe
Date: 06-26-2007, 06:10 PM (1 of 9)
| I'am making a formal dress for my daughter. I put in an invisible zipper, which I have done before. However it was sticking in one spot. I got the zipper to work, but now there is a gap on the outside of the garment in this spot. Looks like the seam is open. Any idea how I can get this to close back up properly? Never had this happen before. |
User: mcfe
Member since: 06-26-2007 Total posts: 1 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-27-2007, 12:07 AM (2 of 9)
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I was just glad to get three into the bag I just finished. I'd have no idea how to fix a problem. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: greatseams
Date: 06-27-2007, 06:29 PM (3 of 9)
McFe...I really don't like to say this, but I had the same thing happen. My solution was to take the zipper completely out and purchase another one. I tried everything, and this was the only solution to the problem....
a few spare hours, a stash of fabric, and a well oiled machine...
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User: greatseams
Member since: 03-28-2007 Total posts: 22 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-27-2007, 07:23 PM (4 of 9)
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Invisible zippers are very forgiving! Just unzip the zipper, roll the coils up and restitch. I suspect you could restitch with the applicator zipper foot but I use a regular zipper foot and often sew a second timje to get closer to the coils. It is hard to get really fine fabrics to the point that the zipper tape doesn't show because what usually covers the tape is the fabric of the garment when it rolls over as the zipper rolls in. If the fabric is fine like a light weight cotton, there isn't enough fabric in the roll to cover the zipper well as something like a heavier fabric. I rarely use the invisible zippers in very fine fabric. If I do, I usually use a 3/4 inch strip of interfacing to give the fabric more body and thickness so the tape won't show. However, if the gap you are discussing is an actual separation of the zipper, I don't think it can be repaired to the point that it will stay. The zippers are made so that instead of them fitting together in the center back and forth like a regular zipper, they fit together on the sides and turn inward. The prinicpal is a little different and I don't know that they are easily fixed without a full replacement. 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: Stitchy
Date: 06-28-2007, 08:26 AM (5 of 9)
|
I have had to 're-do' with a new zipper in the past, also. It is sometimes more of a pain than putting in a traditional zipper. My Bernina zipper foot won't allow me to get close enough to cover the tape when finished. I wonder how to get the seam at the bottom to look good - it is always a trial! I can't seem to get close enough to make a nice seam that isn't wacky/wavy from the end of the zipper - ARGH!!! 
God Bless the U.S.A., and may God Bless the good work of our hands.
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User: Stitchy
Member since: 10-17-2006 Total posts: 14 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-28-2007, 09:19 AM (6 of 9)
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Are you sewing up the zipper? It sounds like a grain problem from sewing the wrong direction?
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: rusticrhythm
Date: 06-29-2007, 02:07 AM (7 of 9)
|
mcfe, perhaps you're not sewing close enough to the zipper coil? i used to have that problem myself. i usually make 2 parallel stitches on my zippers. one in the middle, and one on the tiny groove beside the coil. |
User: rusticrhythm
Member since: 04-24-2007 Total posts: 7 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 06-29-2007, 08:03 PM (8 of 9)
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I also find if your fabric is very light using a soft knit interfacing along the seam allowance for the zipper gives it a bit of "body" and makes the fabric roll better to cover the zipper (stole that trick from Sandra Betzina)
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 06-29-2007, 08:13 PM (9 of 9)
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The only success I have with sewing invisible zippers into a dress or skirt is using the actual invisible zipper foot. I have the plastic generic one Pfaff has one now that is made just for the Pfaff machines that I'm going to order next week for my new 2056. I've tried to sew them in with several different feet and always end up putting the plastic foot designed for sewing invisible zippers so I've decided to go ahead and invest the $30.00 or so to get the metal one designed for my machine so I don't have any hassles the next time I want to use an invisible zipper in a garment. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
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