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Zipper question

I plan on making a couple of bolsters (cylinder shaped) for my son and his new wife. I've made them before, but the only size form I could find this time is 6" X 20". After I bought them, I started thinking that it might be hard to put in a long zipper. I would probably normally use a 16-18" zipper. I don't really like the idea of putting in a smaller, maybe 9", zipper, but I think it would be easier to sew around if I put it off center. I'm one of those mathematical, symmetrical kind of people. As I was walking the puppy last night, the idea of an invisible zipper occurred to me. How hard would it be to put one into the middle of a seam instead of at one end? Would you sew above the pull after the zipper was inserted just like you do at the bottom? I've only done one, and it was the standard skirt side zipper. I could sure use some expert advice. Thanks.

Reply to
Lee & Cathi Thomas
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Yes, just the same way! :) I put one in the back of a velvet gown with a big collar all across the back (a historic recreation with easy access for one without a ladies maid!), and I did just that: put the zip in first, sewed up the seams, and finished the last inch or so right up to the end of the zip opening by hand. Worked a treat in that, and I can't see why it shouldn't for a bolster cover.

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Reply to
Lee & Cathi Thomas

I'm not Kate, but here is a link to my sewing site, where I describe my method for inserting an invisible zipper:

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always apply an invisible zipper in this order:

  1. sew both sides of the zipper in place.
  2. *Hand stitch* the seam for about an inch below the bottom of the zipper.
  3. Using a zipper foot, sew the remainder of the seam. (IOW, I do not sew the seam *at all*, until the zipper is in place.)

In your case, I would also hand sew the first inch above the zipper, too, and then machine sew the balance of the seam.

You can (and invisible zip directions usually say to) sew the seam with a zipper foot starting at the bottom of the zipper, but I have found that hand stitching that first inch results in a much smoother insertion.

But, YMMV,

Beverly

Reply to
BEI Design

I machine the main part of the seam above and below the zipper at each end, but finish the last inch or so by hand for a neater look on clothes. For a bolster you might get close enough with the zipper foot. :)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

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