Sewing a Lapped Zipper

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Duration:   9  mins

Jill Case goes through each step with you for sewing a lapped zipper in this National Sewing Circle video. Find out how this great sewing technique can be less intimidating to work with than an invisible zipper. You’ll learn how you only need a zipper foot to perform this sewing technique, and you’ll see how great lapped zippers look on home decor projects.

Sewing lapped zippers can be the trickiest part of any sewing project. Jill explains how this makes sewing lapped zippers easier and quicker.

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8 Responses to “Sewing a Lapped Zipper”

  1. reneegabriel

    I’ve tried 3 times to watch a video, and it stops. The circle goes on and on. My WiFi is good. It’s your wesite. I think someone there must know that this problem exists.

  2. KitKat

    I can't see the seams. The thread matches the fabric, which is great for a garment, poor choice for a tutorial.... a contrasting color would be very helpful. Why show a close-up of the machine stitching, if you can't even see the stitches?

  3. Laurie

    My thing is, while all the other responders have good points, she is not taking advantage of her machines feature. After all you pay for everything. Mostly I am referring to the machines built in walking foot. While she does recommend the zipper foot, she doesn't give enough info to beginners to help if for some reason that they don't have a zipper foot available. I was appalled at her moving the zipper down. to me its not just the opening, but this adds extra stress to the zipper pull and could cause it to break. Oh and the bubble at the bottom of the zipper. My clients would never accept that. Really, one of the main reasons we sew is to have a better quality garment than off the rack. I originally was hoping not just to see what techniques I could learn, but was hoping that this would be helpful in a 4-H setting. Not really. I can just see somebody crying over this video.

  4. Cherie

    This is one of the worst tutorials I have seen on here. Extremely poor sewing and even worse instruction. I have to agree with Donna that the instructions are too vague for a beginner to follow. And I suspect that if the zipper flap was pulled back and looked at you would see raw edges of the seam allowance between the right side of the garment and the right side of the zipper - the "marks" she made clearly were too wide for the fold (seam allowance). Just a very very poor video and instruction. The response to Rose stating "This tutorial was intended to teach you the basic idea of how to insert a lapped zipper." is too pathetic to believe. "Intended to teach you the basic idea" - really? I feel sorry for anyone who tries to get an idea - basic or otherwise from this terrible video.

  5. Rose

    What an awful tutorial. The garment was measured and not the zipper. The seam allowance at the top should have been marked and the metal end stops of the zipper placed a small amount below this mark. This ensures alignment at the top and hand basting (the inexperienced do not have the control over machine and fabric required to make a neat job) the zipper in position to stop any movement. Depending on the length of tabs at the top of the zipper, placing the top 1/4" down may result in the slider being too low down the seam leaving an unsightly gap at the top. 1/2" is too big for the lap and could result in the seam allowance not being caught in the stitching or pulling away if too much strain is put on during wear. 3/8" would have looked better. I am a self taught seamstress with almost 60 years experience and whilst I am always eager to learn easier and time saving methods of working, the end result must be equal to or better than going the long way round. Also fully agree with Donna's comments.

  6. Lynda Young

    That is not how to put in a zipper. While I haven't done one in years, that is not how it is done. You should consult with a zipper company. There is a much more reliable way to do it. Instructions w.here printed on the package.

  7. Donna

    I am a high school fashion and design teacher and always am looking for better ideas for implementing skills. Looking at this video I don't think a beginning sewer would understand that when you sew the first side of the zipper that the fold should be right next to the zipper teeth. "Keeping it close to the edge of a garment" is not clear enough. Also maybe you should have mentioned why the zipper foot goes to either side of the zipper, to keep the needle close to where you are stitching and not getting in the way of the teeth. Just a fyi from someone who teaches this every year and always have questions from students.

  8. Neelam Chugh

    Dear madam I have deeply thank the whole team who has worked on the various areas of sewing. Well thirty five years ago I had completed a sewing course when I was studying. But even now I have a total craze for finding something new. Let me tell you your adobe download are reviewing my learning and refreshing all that was being done in the past. My mom had bought usha sewing machine for 350 rupees in 1965. The time we were five children if hers and I learned and earned then. I completed whole course of machine embroidery and stitching too. I.have made note of the pinning samples of yours too I am over whelmed with all what you have placed on your ssite. I am a working lady foe the past 38 years but my hobby is stitching crocthing embroidery etc. I respect and regard your team encouraging people like us. Warm regards and wish that Usha company is always highly prospering. Mrs Neelam Chugh I am from Pune , Maharashtra. India My emailid is chughneelam@yahoo.co.in .

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