Using a Zipper Foot
Don’t fear the zipper foot—it’s easy to use and can make
sewing projects easier! Most sewing machines come
with a zipper foot as a standard accessory. If you don’t
have one, however, just look up your model number
to see what’s compatible with your machine and order
one from your favorite store.
A zipper foot is designed to let you sew right along the
edge of something too bulky to fit under a standard
sewing foot. There may be specific instructions for
some machine models, but the following can help you
through the basics of using a zipper foot.
A zipper foot can be
used on more than
just zippers...
• Sew piping trim on an edge
or into a seamline.
• Topstitch around a raised
fastener, like a snap.
• Sew beaded trim.
• Sew a circular elastic casing.
• Sew in snap tape.
Release the existing foot on your machine; it will
drop down and separate from the presser foot
holder. Slide it out, and set it aside.
Place the zipper foot under the presser foot holder,
lining up the bar directly underneath. Lower the
presser foot lever so it latches to the foot, and lift
the lever back up.
104 Part 3: More Techniques
1
2
The foot is released.
Zipper foot
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Adjust the needle position so it’s all the way to the
left or right side of the foot.
Turn the handwheel slowly to make sure the needle
is positioned properly; it should slide down inside
the small opening without hitting the foot. Raise
the needle back up, and start sewing your zipper.
Shopping for Zipper Types
Zippers come in a variety of styles. The ones you see in the photo
are the basics: all-purpose polyester, invisible, brass jeans, and
separating.
An all-purpose zipper is exactly what the name implies—it works
on all types of fabrics and projects. An invisible zipper is best used
with medium or lightweight fabrics and is virtually undetectable
when sewn in—all you’ll see is the zipper pull. The brass jeans
zipper is used in the front fly on denim pants or jeans. Separating
zippers are designed to open up all the way. Most often, you’ll use
these for a jacket or sweatshirt with an open front. Each style can
have plastic or metal teeth. Metal teeth are used frequently in an
exposed zipper design. Your pattern or project instructions will
specify the type you need, so read them carefully to find out the
right type to buy.
All zippers can be sewn with a standard zipper foot, but for install-
ing an invisible zipper, it’s best to use a concealed zipper foot.
105Chapter 8: Fasteners
3
4
Separating zipper
Brass jeans zipper
Invisible zipper
All-purpose zipper
Notice the needle position—you can’t
sew with the needle in the center.
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