zipper in knit fabric?

Hi, I'm about to attempt to make a zip-front dress in knit fabric, from a pattern designed for woven fabric. My experience with knits is minimal, and I've never put a zipper in a knit. Are there any differences from putting a zipper in a woven fabric? BTW, you can see a rather blurry photo of the pattern at

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(but I think I'll leave off the collar).Thanks, Liz

Reply to
Liz
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Knits tend to stretch when you install zippers so you have to be careful, especially if you cannot adjust the presser foot pressure or if the feed dogs aren't reliable when you lessen the pressure.

Personally, I'd be highly unlikely to install a zipper, even an invisible zipper, in the front of a knit dress. It's just not a very attractive closure. But that's just my POV. If you are not anexpert with zippers, I recommend against it.

Reply to
Phaedrine

I install zippers into knits all the time, specifically in bike jerseys and lightweight active wear tops. There is a notion - amazing wonder tape that is an absolute necessity IMSHO that will make all the difference in the sucess of your zipper installation.

I got some great tricks for the installation of zips in knits off Jalie patterns. I describe the method here

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Reply to
small change

So do I but the front of a nice dress for someone inexperienced with zippers seemed like maybe too much to ask.

While I am exceedingly grateful for all that description, I honestly can't make head nor tails out of it without illustrations (no, I am not asking you to do illustrations). I must be one of those visual learners I guess.

Reply to
Phaedrine

I have pics, just haven't been in the mood to put them on the page yet, sorry.

Reply to
small change

Thanks very much -- mine should be easier than that because it's on a seam, so I don't have to worry about the slitting. What exactly is wonder tape?

I definitely want to do the zipper; that's what I chose the pattern for.

Thanks, Liz

Reply to
Liz

"> Thanks very much -- mine should be easier than that because it's on a seam,

It's really great stuff! Here you go:

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's carries it. So does Nancy's Notions. I use it for zippers,trims, etc. It really is aptly named. :) NAYY. Sharon

Reply to
Sharon Hays

It's ok... I know it's a hassle, and I'm not really the one with the zipper problem anyway. :)

Reply to
Phaedrine

G'day Liz

When fitting a zipper to knit fabrics I iron on some stabiliser on the wrong side......weight matched to fabric weight. For your first attempt it might be a good idea to tack it by hand, that way it will be held in place while sewing.

This has always worked for me, hope it helps?

Br> Hi,

Reply to
HC

Thanks Bronwyn, that sounds like a good idea. Liz

Reply to
Liz

Dear Liz,

There's no reason why you can't leave out any kind of closure. The picture is a bit bleary, but it looks like a fly front zipper. If you put the center front on a fold, and make the neck a tad bigger than specified, you can leave it out altogether, since it's knit you're going to use. Be careful, though; this is going to completely change the look of the dress. Make sure it's still what you want.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

I should explain, I want the zip front because I'm breastfeeding and I like dresses! I could use a normal button front dress; I just thought a zip would be easier. I've also seen the patterns at elizabethlee.com, but they don't appeal to me.

But thanks for the suggestion; if I make the pattern again after DD is weaned, I might well try it.

Liz

Reply to
Liz

Liz,

I certainly understand your need for clothes that are breastfeeding friendly. I'm still nursing my baby, too. I thought you might be interested in this website as well, since she gives some links to altering dress patterns to accomodate breastfeeding:

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Reply to
karlisa

I have been sick and don't remember your original post, but I have seen a number of nursing dress patterns where they have a waistband and the front part of the dress un-tucks from the waist as if it were a blouse so you can nurse, and that style looked really nice to me.

Reply to
Melinda Meahan - take out TRAS

Dear Liz,

I breastfed both my children, and have coached others. I belonged to La Leche League. A zip front dress is not really the answer for breastfeeding. You couldn't do it in public without the morality police after you. Instead, find styles in two pieces, or those made specifically for breastfeeding that use clever trims to make is easy and modest at the same time.

My kids are grown up now and I'm a five-time grandmother. In my day, I was the only one I knew who was breastfeeding, so my options were few. I normally wore two-piece outfits, and had a shawl of some sort, so that I could lift the tops from the waist, and still be covered. More is available now.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

Yes, I generally wear two-piece outfits too, but occasionally I want to wear a real dress. I'm happy to only wear it when there's a parents room available, or I'm visiting friends and relations who won't mind.

Liz

Reply to
Liz

Former Leaguer here too. Even in the summer, a large (52-60"), lightweight but opaque silk or rayon shawl was my preferred concealment. The only times I was ever "caught" was when people came very close to peer at the baby only to discover the baby was feeding. Ninety-five percent of the time, people had no idea I was nursing. That was my preference. You can tie a shawl around your waist when out and about, and drape it over a shoulder only when you need it. Like Teri, I usually wore two-piece outfits/dresses whilst I was nursing. We used to get some worried looks attending the cinema... lol. So nice to be able to take an infant to a movie with no fear of the baby crying. More power to you Liz.

Phae

Reply to
Phaedrine

I usually carry her in a ring sling, so I should be able to feed her in it with the tail draped over for concealment, but we haven't really got the hang of it - yet. Liz

Reply to
Liz

Hi Liz,

I'm presently breast feeding my 4mth old DD. I'm living in 2 piece outfits, but then I'm not really a dress person.

How about a button front dress? either all the way or just to the waist line?

When I'm at home, I unbutton my blouse from the top to feed - I find it's easier to see what DD is up to this way. When I'm out at a place where I can breast feed obviously, I untuck my blouse and lift it up - but get less view of DD's mouth this way - but you get better coverage. When I'm out and need to keep covered up, I lift my blouse and add a burp cloth or blanket over the top. Nobodies objected yet!

Sarah

Reply to
Sarah Dale

You will... soon it will be old hat. :)

Reply to
Phaedrine

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