To all the sewers out there, can I just ask, does anyone like sewing zips!? I must have read and watched every tutorial out there and I'm still struggling.
Anyway, I wanted to have a go at sewing a boxy zippered pouch. I found a YouTube video by Debbie Shore for one that's made using two fat quarters and it's easily big enough to hold knitting needles and wool, so I thought I'd have a go as she explains things very clearly.
The best tip I learned from her was to use a longer zip than you need (and trim it to size after sewing), that way you can slide the bulky zipper pull out of the way. However, I still had a problem with the fabric & zip sliding about and I had to partly unpick it about 4 times.
However, I persevered and here is the end result which I am actually quite pleased with ...
I have to admit the knitting is not mine, I borrowed it for "photographic" purposes, lol. My mother is a great knitter and this is one of many baby hats she's currently knitting for African babies.
Linking to Handmade Monday.
and wishing you all a creative week,
Thanks for popping in
Suze xx
19 comments:
Your zip looks great. I have to admit I love putting in a concealed zip. I found a great quirky video on how to insert a concealed zip without a concealed zip foot and haven't looked back. Your Mum's knitting looks lovely and what a great reason to knit.
Ali xx
I am in complete admiration of your sewing skills whether with or without a zip. I am still in therapy after years of anguish in Home Economics where I only had to look at a sewing machine and it would either jam or a needle would break .... I kid you not!
I would be squealing with delight if I were you at having achieved this. It looks so professional.
Wishes
Lynne
Glad you persevered re the zip, I think they get easier with practice but I still have some which go wrong!!
Oh yes, zips - the bane of my sewing life! Thanks for the tip with the longer zip! Hugs, Valerie
I think your zip looks fine. Do you use a zipper foot? sometimes easier to use the normal foot and move the needle over to the edge that is being stitched. That way you have more grip
It looks great, I actually have a video tutorial from her for a zipped make up bag on my bookmark bar and used it to make my pencil cases.
Wow it fab Suze the zip looks absolutely fine to me.well done you.
Hugs Julie xxx
Well my tip would be...use velcro! But seriously Susan this looks fantastic, week by week i look in awe at your sewing was you get more and more adventurous! X
Well you've made a great job of it so your perseverance worked! Love the hat your mum is knitting, great colours :)
I do like putting in zips. There is something very satisfying about it, although I have to admit to never trying a concealed zip. It's on my 'to do' list and if it turns out as well as yours I shall be very pleased :)
Well done on tackling the nemesis that is the zip.
Have you tried tacking it first before sewing. That might help xx
This is such a lovely bag you created. I can't answer you about sewing in zippers as I haven't sewn in a long, long time. I ordered a small bag the other day from an Etsy seller in Japan. It's handmade and she did such a great job of sewing in the zipper that I can't figure out how she did it. You did a great job!
Yuck! I hate zips. Definitely the low point of making anything! Just when you think you're doing well...the zip happens. Anyhow yours looks great. It looks so neat. I love the colours in the knitting by the way even if it isn't yours! x
I used to do a lot of sewing, especially when my children were little. I think I made everything they wore! I haven't done much sewing in such a long time. About the only time I sew anything is to do a "repair" on something for one of the kids. I have thought about doing a little machine quilting. Can't hand quilt much anymore since I had surgery on both of my thumbs...they get sore easily...so maybe machine quilting would be fun!
Beautiful work you've done here. Zippers aren't so hard...just take a bit of practice!
I haven't sewn since the ark put out to water, Suze, but when I did, I loathed zippers! It looks like you did a brilliant job in the end and that's what matters. You should be very proud of this pretty bag full of coincidentally-perfect wool colors for the photo! I love the pattern on the fabric, too! Hugs, Darnell
Hey suze! Great job on that Zip, I think its always best to tack it in and over tack the opening. Or sod the zip and use velcro! Are you watching GB Sewing Bee? Its great - i look for you every week on it but never see you!!! xxxxxxxxxx
well done i havnt attempted zips yet :s looks brilliant x
I recently found a Debbie Shore zip tutorial on you tube and was amazed at how easily she did it! It's one of those thing which ni matter how often I do them I always check the process again beforehand!
I sew a lot of zips but have never done a concealed one, yours looks great, I really ought to give it a go. Thanks for the inspiration x
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