INSTALLING A ZIPPER INTO A KNIT GARMENT

06-09-2012

Websites

http://pickinandthrowin.blogspot.com/2007/02/sewing-zipper-into-cardigan.html

Sewing a Zipper Into a Cardigan (Laura, Yarn Thrower)

Comments:  Excellent explanation with diagrams and photos.  I found this document to be the most helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnNFOQucals

Inserting Zippers into Knitted Garments (Eunny Jang)

Comments:  Video demonstrating how to prepare a zipper in order to insert it into a cardigan.  By using a small latch hook (knit picker or snag catcher) the knitter will create live stitches or a chain, then finish knitting or sewing the zipper into the garment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5qtALTROGo

Installing a Zipper in a Knit Tomten Jacket (Dominitrix)

a separating zipper into a child’s jacket (garter stitch).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Kn3bahag8

Installing a Zipper (Cirilia Rose)

Comments:  Video demonstrating hand sewing a zipper into 2 knit blocks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue5z2rWS588&feature=fvwrel

How to Install a Zipper (You Can Make This TV--YCMTTV)

Comments:  Video demonstrating machine sewing a zipper into a cloth garment.

Where to Purchase Zippers

F&S Fabrics

10629 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 475-1637

Joann’s Super Store

21800 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 100
at Del Amo Fashion Center
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 214-0992

INSTALLING A ZIPPER INTO A KNIT GARMENT

06-09-2012—Page 2

What I did to sew a zipper into my Central Park Hoodie.

1. Read Pickin’ and Throwin’ material cited on page 1 above a few times.

2. Watched all the videos I could find on You Tube that demonstrated zipper insertion.

3. Decided on a large toothed nylon zipper with a color that matched the knitted garment (magenta).  Bought a zipper from F&S Fabrics on Pico after I made sure the zipper functioned properly and did not have rough edges that could snag the knitted hoodie.

4. After attempting to hand sew the zipper, I decided to machine sew it instead.

5. Machine sewing process:

· Matched the seams as best possible.

· Basted the zipper onto both sides of the hoodie.

· Unzipped the separating zipper.

· Used the same color thread and changed the sewing machine foot to a zipper foot.

· Set the machine stitch to 9 stitches per inch.

· Machine stitched the zipper in place, making sure not to stretch the knitted fabric.

· Reattached the separating zipper making sure that both edges aligned at the bottom before sewing the other side of the zipper.

· Unzipped the separating zipper and machine stitched the other side of the zipper.

· Removed the basting thread.

· All Done.