Silly Novice Question

[gnysgrl]

OK so I told someone that I would do something that I have never done before just because she needed it done and had no one else to turn to.

I am going to replace my first zipper.: : It is in a pair of strapless bibs. The zipper is like 15 inches long. A while ago I bought a zipper foot but I think it was for the hidden zippers (what ever they are called): . The zipper I have to sew is in denim and will be a heavy duty zipper.

Any tips or thoughts on a smooth process???

[ktlady]

Just take your time. Zippers are not as hard as you may think. Here is a tutorial to help you: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=87

Good luck!

[gnysgrl]

Thanks. Now I need to figure out how to cut a zipper. I only needed 15 inches but the shortest heavy duty one was a jacket one that was 20 inches. I don't need the extra 4 to 5 inches and I don't need it to open at the bottom. Any other help available.

[ktlady]

Don't cut the zipper before you have it sewn in. Once you sew it in you can do a couple of stitches over the zipper then you can just cut it off below the stitches.

[gnysgrl]

Thanks a million. Now to get it done. I am a bit scared but I read the tutorial and I am sure I can do it. I even went and got the right zipper foot instead of the invisible ones that I had.

Again thanks Momma's

Jenn

Edited to change spelling (I'm a freak that way)

[Novella]

Is the zipper plastic, or metal teeth?

I ask because I've shortened many zippers this way:

Originally Posted by ktlady

Don't cut the zipper before you have it sewn in. Once you sew it in you can do a couple of stitches over the zipper then you can just cut it off below the stitches.

but that definitely works best on plastic zippers. With metal, it's hard to get sufficient stitching in the area without breaking needles - especially, I would imagine, if you've never sewn a zipper in before.

A while ago, I shortened a metal zipper from the top. I am amazed at how simple and easy it was - even without the special zipper-shortening tools you can get.

• I opened the zipper.
• I used needle-nosed pliers to pry open the metal "stop" at the top of the zipper teeth. I saved it.
• I set the zipper on the work surface and held a sharpish-straight-edged-tool (I had a little punch, you could probably use a small slot screwdriver) over the tool, right at the edge of the zipper tape.
• I tapped my tool with a hammer. The tooth split right open and crumbled off. The tape was completely intact.
• I worked my way down both sides, one side at a time, one tooth at a time. It took only about 5 minutes to shorten both sides by several inches.
• I pinched the metal stop back on.

Voila! A new, shorter, perfect-looking zipper. The only thing that led me to this, was being unable to find a short-enough zipper that separated for a child's cardigan. But this worked so well, that for metal zippers, I will always use that method now, rather than deal with sewing in the bulk that I shorten from the bottom.

[gnysgrl]

It is a metal separating zipper (separates at the bottom).
I have not done it yet because I am scared I am going to ruin this ladies outfit. Why doesn't anyone just sell a metal zipper that is about 15 inches long that doesn't open at the bottom.
I believe I can sew this bugger in it is just the cutting.
The gal I am doing this for is on the large side and I really really do not want her to come out of the thing.

Is there a way to keep the bottom from opening if I take the excess off the top.

I am so confused : :