11 replies to this topic

[springonion]

Sorry! This is probably a simple question to resolve, but how do you sew over the bottom end (plastic part) of a zip?

Usually I've been using just the thinner zips which don't have a hard plastic part, but 2 of my costumes in progress have needed the thicker metal, jacket zips and I've had alot of trouble sewing over the plastic part at the end.

I've tried using a jeans needle but I've broken 2 already, lol. I wasn't sewing fast, and the 2nd time I tried just to do it manually on the sewing machine as well. Is it just my sewing machine or is there another method/needle I can try? I also tried poking it through by hand but it kind of bent the needle as well.

I'm using a Janome MyStyle machine, if that helps any

[Reactor drone]

Are you using a zipper foot?

They only have one side so they don't have to ride over the toothy part of the zipper.

[springonion]

Are you using a zipper foot?

They only have one side so they don't have to ride over the toothy part of the zipper.

hehe yeah, I am. Its not the main part of the zipper I have trouble with, its the end. Here's a photo so you can see which part I mean (click for a larger image):

[Pinstripes]

Is it the top (as in the photo) or the bottom where the two halves are joined together that you are trying to sew over?

Not sure why You'd be sewing over a top bit though.

[springonion]

Is it the top (as in the photo) or the bottom where the two halves are joined together that you are trying to sew over?

Not sure why You'd be sewing over a top bit though.

thats the bottom of the zip...
heres the other side lol



maybe I'll just glue it ^^;

[Pinstripes]

It looks like an open ended zip so I'm not sure why you need to sew "over" it, but if you are talking about sewing right up close to the side of it, then the answer is a zipper foot as Reactor drone suggested

[springonion]

It looks like an open ended zip so I'm not sure why you need to sew "over" it, but if you are talking about sewing right up close to the side of it, then the answer is a zipper foot as Reactor drone suggested

^^; uhm... I don't think you understand what I meant!

I want to sew over the end of the zip, so it doesnt hang out.... if I leave it, the 1cm plastic bit will swing out between the fabric ^^; since its not attatched to anything. And, my needle wont go through that part.
And, I am already using a zipper foot. But, the needle is the problem.

Just to clarify, its not the teeth I want to sew over, its this part:

and its hard plastic.

I know its possible since on my jackets, they all have the plastic thing down the bottom and its been sewn through. But, when I googled it nothing came up. I guess no one but me has trouble sewing this kind of zip..? ^^;

Thank you for trying to helping me though!

[Reactor drone]

So the bottom part of the cloth has a little plastic coating on it and the needle won't go through that?

It doesn't look that thick on all the jacket zips I've got,maybe hand sew the last little bit?If the plastic's really thick maybe a hot needle to poke some holes first?


Hmm not bad three answers in the form a question in a row

[springonion]

So the bottom part of the cloth has a little plastic coating on it and the needle won't go through that?

It doesn't look that thick on all the jacket zips I've got,maybe hand sew the last little bit?If the plastic's really thick maybe a hot needle to poke some holes first?
Hmm not bad three answers in the form a question in a row

Hehe yeah, it doesnt look that thick, but I think its so slippery the needle slips off or something. That, coupled with the fact it was going through 4 other extra layers of fabric probably didnt help much >_<; so two of the needles went to the graveyard early.

Anyway, thanks for the help!! I'll try the hot needle!! I really appreciate the help you two suggested

[Pinstripes]

Ah! Sorry, now I see what you mean, it's the clear plastic bit that didn't come up very well in the first picture.

I've had that trouble before on one of those chunky style zipps but I remember how I solved the problem.

Maybe see if you can fold the plastic along the line you want to sew, because it might weaken it.

[springonion]

I've had that trouble before on one of those chunky style zipps but I remember how I solved the problem.

Maybe see if you can fold the plastic along the line you want to sew, because it might weaken it.

Thank you! I'll try it too

[springonion]

Thanks for the help! I tried bending it then poking it with a hot needle and it worked!!
Maybe I should try investing in a newer sewing machine in the future ^^;;