How to attach a nylon coil zipper (How to install a new zipper) – how to attach zipper to fabric
This time, I’ll explain the basic method for attaching a zipper. (How to attach zipper.) It’s a guide on how to install a zipper using a sewing machine. (How to attach zipper to fabric.)
We’ll be using a nylon coil zipper, which is made of resin. This type of zipper can be cut with scissors, so it’s easy to adjust the length. I think it’s a zipper that even beginners will find easy to work with.
Shorten the length of the zipper (Zipper length adjustment)
1. Using a 20cm nylon coil zipper as an example, I will explain how to adjust the length of the zipper.
2. First, mark the desired spot on the zipper. In this case, we’re shortening a 20cm zipper to 16cm, so make a mark 16cm down from the top stop of the zipper.
3. Leave about 1.5cm on both ends of the zipper, and cut off the excess zipper tape.
How to attach zipper to fabric (Sew the zipper onto the fabric)
1. Prepare fabric pieces for the zipper, both outer and lining, each 19cm in length.
2. First, sew the outer fabric and the zipper together with the right sides facing each other.
3. If you align the edge of the zipper foot with the zipper teeth, you can sew in a straight line. Using pins to keep the zipper from shifting is also a good idea. (This is a helpful tip for sewing a zipper neatly.)
4. As a guideline for zipper placement, it’s best to sew about 5mm from the edge of the zipper tape.
5. Next, place the outer fabric with the attached zipper and the lining fabric right sides together, and sew them together. When sewing, keep the outer fabric facing up.
6. If possible, try to sew just slightly inside the first stitch line. (This way, the stitching won’t show on the outside.)
7. Turn the fabric right side out, press it with an iron, and add a topstitch along the edge.
8. Finish the other side of the zipper in the same way, and you’re done. Zipper installation can be hard to explain in words, but once you try it, you’ll see it’s not as difficult as it sounds. Give it a try!
Following is the video for how-to.