Hi Friends!
Let talk about those shifting zippers.
Sewing zippers can be one of the trickiest parts of any sewing project, whether you are working on a handbags, or a cosmetic pouch. One of the biggest challenges is keeping the zipper from shifting while you are sewing it in. When I first started sewing, I would avoid anything to do with zippers. I was so intimidated by them. Eventually though, I had to figure it out. I was missing out on so many fun sewing projects that included zippers. I watched videos and read blogs and finally had enough courage to just do it. It opened up a whole new world of sewing fun. Even still, I always had an issue with the zippers shifting while I was sewing. Off I went again to watch more videos and googling for help until I had figured out what worked the best for me and my projects.
There are several handy techniques to secure your zipper in place, making the process smoother and your stitches more precise. Here is a breakdown of some popular methods, including the pros and cons of each to help you choose what works best for you. I will also include which method I use and like the most. I have used all of these and I definitely have my favorite. This article may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission, but does not cost you anything, but it helps my blog so much!
1. Sewing Clips AKA Binding Clips AKA Wonder Clips
How to Use:
Sewing clips are small, colorful clips that hold layers of fabric (and zippers) together without the need for pins. Simply clip the zipper to your fabric along the stitching line, spacing the clips evenly to keep everything aligned. These clips from Amazon are the most economical and you get 100 clips. If you're like me, you will need at least 100 because somehow I have already lost about 50 clips!
Pros:
Great for thick fabrics or multiple layers where pins might not hold well.
No risk of poking your fingers or distorting delicate fabrics.
Easy to reposition and remove as you sew. The clips I use are also magnetic, so I can throw them on my magnetic pin "cushion" and they stay !
Cons:
Bulky near the sewing machine foot, requiring careful removal as you approach them.
Might not provide as tight a hold as pins on fabrics. My sewing clips have shifted my fabric causing the zipper to shift as well while going across the throat plate of my machine. Because the throat plate isn't perfectly flat on some machines, sewing clips do catch on the throat plate and can move and shift the fabric right before it goes underneath the needle.
2. Washable Elmers Glue Stick
How to Use:
Apply a thin line of washable Elmers glue stick along the fabric edge where the zipper will sit. Press the zipper in place and allow it to dry for a few minutes before sewing.
Pros:
No need to remove pins or clips as you sew just glide right through!
The glue washes out easily and does not gum up your needle if used sparingly.
Perfect for keeping tricky or curved zipper placements in place.
Cons:
You need to let the glue dry before sewing to prevent shifting or needle gumming. I've used Elmer's glue a few times and it never seems to create a strong hold between the fabric and the zipper in my opinion.
Overusing glue may stiffen the fabric slightly or cause puckering if not applied evenly.
I personally think these glue sticks are too wide, therefore it's difficult to just get the glue only on the fabric or zipper. I have to lay the zipper on a piece of paper because it's almost impossible to make a thin line of glue with a fat round stick and not get it everywhere.
3. Pinning
How to Use:
Pin the zipper tape to the fabric, placing the pins perpendicular to the stitching line (with the pinheads sticking out for easy removal). Pin closely, especially around curves or corners.
Pros:
Simple, inexpensive, and readily available in every sewing kit.
Provides a strong hold, especially on lightweight fabrics.
Easy to adjust if the zipper shifts before sewing.
Try these amazing pins that are heat resistant and have comfort grips!
Cons:
Can cause puckering if the fabric or zipper is stretched too tightly.
Risk of sewing over a pin and damaging your needle or machine.
Not ideal for thick fabrics where pins might bend or distort the fabric. I have also bent a few....ok... many great quilting needles trying to pin too many layers of fabric to the zipper. For thinner fabrics or just two layers of cotton fabric and a zipper tho, this is a good choice.
4. Double-Sided Tape (Sewing Tape)
How to Use:
Place a strip of double-sided sewing tape along the zipper tape or the fabric edge. Press the zipper firmly in place before sewing. Aleene's is the best I've used so far.
Pros:
Provides a strong, temporary hold without waiting for glue to dry.
Easy to reposition if needed before sewing.
No shifting during sewing, making it great for precise topstitching.
Cons:
Can gum up needles if the tape is too close to the stitching line.
May leave sticky residue on certain fabrics if not designed for sewing.
Not suitable for thick fabrics where the adhesive might not hold as well.
This use to be my favorite way to hold a zipper in place, but when I started sewing a lot more cosmetic bags where I had to sew zippers daily, I realize real quick that gumming up my sewing needle was a big issue. You can just wipe your needle down with alcohol and a lint free rag, but this is time wasted and depending on how many zippers you are doing in a day, it may not be worth it. If you are only sewing a zipper in every now and again, then I think this is a great choice with a strong hold. Use the thinnest width possible for your project.
5. Fabric Glue (Temporary or Permanent Adhesive) This is my all time FAVORITE method for keeping my zippers in place with the least amount issues.
How to Use:
Apply a thin line of temporary fabric glue along the zipper tape, then press it onto the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes to secure before sewing.
*Pro Tip- I store my Aleene's fabric glue upside down so the glue is in the tip and ready to use when I need it. Otherwise, you will have to shake it hard to get the glue to slowly come down to the tip. Make sure the lid is snapped on securely. I use the Stash N' Store to keep my glue upside down.
Pros:
Stronger hold than Elmers glue sticks by far, especially for heavier fabrics or vinyl.
No need to remove anything while sewing, offering smooth stitching.
Works well on tricky materials like leather or faux leather.
Does not gum up your needle if you just let it dry for a few minutes before sewing.
Cons:
Can gum up your needle if not fully dry before sewing. Just give it a few minutes to dry completely.
May leave residue if you are using it where the glue might be visible and the garment is not fully washable, so always test on scrap fabric first. This should not be an issue if you are just putting in a zipper, no one will ever see it. Take other precautions tho, if you are using it where someone might see your work.
Most fabric glue is washable, but you can buy permanent also. My personal favorite is Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive. You can get it with a needle nose applicator so it will make a thin line of glue on your zipper. I have personally never had any issue with it gumming up my needle as long as I give it a few minutes to dry and most importantly it holds my zipper in place permanently and it never shifts on the way to the sewing machine. It's the ultimate solutions to shifting zippers.
Which Method is Right for You?
Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for your projects. Leave a comment and share if you have another technique that helps your zippers stay in place.
Love to sew? Check out the my Janome HD5050 Sewing Machine. It's literally the best sewing machine I've ever had and I've had several. This machine is quiet, smooth and I never have issues with the tension. If you come to my house to visit, you will get a tour of my sewing room ( which is extremely small ) but I proudly show off this machine to everyone like it's my child. I loved it so much that I later bought a Janome Memory Craft 550E Embroidery Machine to keep it company. I cannot say enough good things about the Janome brand. If you are looking for a new machine or want to upgrade, I highly recommend checking out the Janome line.
MechelleMyBell
No comments:
Post a Comment