Sewing Hacks: 2 Quick Ways to Sew a Zipper

Tools and materials:

• Skirt in need of a zipper
• Zipper
• Masking tape
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron

For both methods, I’m going to start off with the center back edges finished separately via surging or zig-zag stitch.

This is for a back zipper. If you’re doing a side seam zipper the same would apply to the side edges.

Method 1: For students

1. Figure out where the metal stopper will be

With the two back pieces right side together, line the raw edge of the zipper tape with the raw edge of the top of the skirt back.

Place a pin just below where the metal stopper will be.

2. Baste and sew

From that pin and below you are going to sew at the ¾-inch line with a back tack at the beginning and end.

Above the pin, you will still be sewing at the ¾-inch line, but no back tacks, and now you want to use the longest stitch length you have.

That’s a basting stitch. We’re going to be pulling it out after.

3. Sew in the zipper

Now press your seam open and flat with an iron. Pin the zipper to the seam allowance with the teeth of the zipper lined up with the seam.

Use the zipper foot on your machine to sew the zipper to the seam allowance.

Use some masking tape and cut the top edge of it so it’s straight.

Line the masking tape just underneath the metal stopper and tape down along the seam.

The seam should be centered in the middle of the tape. 

Using the zipper foot sew just outside the edges of the tape. Peel off the tape, take out the basting stitch, and iron everything so it lays nice and flat.

Method 2: Lap zipper

1. Figure out where the metal stopper will be

When I do it myself I start off the same way except I don’t sew a basting stitch above where the metal stopper of the zipper will be.

I just sewed the bottom parts together. 

Then I press my seam open, and since it’s not sewn together, to the top I have a notch at the top edge to show me where to fold.

2. Get lined up

Then I line up the zipper and sew it in right along the folded edge.

When I get past the metal stopper I line up the other side on the zipper, pivot, and stitch 6 stitches across and up the other side. 

I make sure the folded edges of the skirt meet up over the zipper before I start sewing. Then I press it and I’m done.

Beginner method on the left, advanced on the right:

Sewing hacks

I love sharing sewing tips and hacks with you. I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew a zipper.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced seamstress, it’s always useful to learn different methods of how to add a zipper.

How are you with sewing zippers? Did you find this tutorial helpful? Leave me a comment and let me know. 

Next, DIY an Easy Drawstring Bag in One Hour.