Closures: Zippers, Button Holes, and Loops

Closures are an undeniably important part of a garment and unavoidable if you plan on growing your garment sewing repertoire. Zippers and buttonholes don’t have to be something to be dreaded. They can be really fun and they can even be the focal point of a garment.

In this class Nicki LaFoille demonstrates how to insert zippers in several different ways: the lapped zipper, which is great in the side seam for a professional, the concealed zipper and the exposed zipper.

There are a lot of different ways to get the same kind of look for an exposed zipper, but used for different fabric and project scenarios. Nicki will demonstrate how to insert an exposed zipper in a seam and without a seam.

Nicki explains how to create a buttonhole by simply using a buttonhole foot and using the zigzag stitch on your machine. In-seam buttonholes are easy, understated and professional-looking. Nicki shows you how they’re created and what design styles they are suitable for.

Learn the steps to get professional looking bound buttonholes. This detail adds a vintage, couture look to garments, and they don’t have to only be used on wool jackets. Insert a bound buttonhole in a garment and it instantly adds a retro elegance that’s always in style. Nicki shows you two different bound buttonhole methods to choose from.

Lastly learn about loops as closures, either elastic cord or tubing, and how to alter a pattern from buttonholes to buttons and loops.

In addition you will get two printable PDF bonus materials that include step-by-step instruction.

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

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No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.

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First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.

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Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

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Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

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Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

How do I contact National Sewing Circle?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.