Learn about the anatomy of a zipper and how to choose the right one. Cookie 5 6 3 – protect your online privacy fence. How to Install a Zipper. Learn how to install a zipper into your garments. Replacing a broken zipper is a common mending task, and it's easier than you think, even if you have to shorten the zipper to make it work. Lapped Zippers Rule Lapped zippers are easier to insert and look better than centered zippers. Sewing 101: the easiest zipper! If you’ve never sewn an invisible zipper, it might surprise you that it is the easiest kind of zipper. Classification: Dimensions (A) Dimensions of top tape extension (B) Dimensions of bottom tape extension(C) Closed-end zipper: From the top end of the slider to the tip of the bottom stop: From the top stop to the to the tip of notches of the cut end. Finished zippers are used for applications where you want the sides of the zipper to separate completely, such as on a coat, a genoa sleeve or the side panels of a cockpit enclosure. A continuous zipper is a little different. These zippers do not have a beginning or an end point (no starter box or zipper stops).
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“Sliders” are really the simplest of things to use but are a complicated subject when it comes to understanding them and their application. There are literally thousands of kinds of sliders, and we have thousands of cases of tens of thousands of pieces of them to prove it! There is so much to explain here that we will only touch on it briefly to get you started so you can make some good choices right away, then you can review in depth details in Zipper 101 if you like. The important thing to remember is that sliders are defined by the chain they are to work on. Metal zipper chain needs to have sliders made specifically to work on metal zipper chain. Nylon coil zipper chain needs to have sliders made specifically to work on nylon coil zipper chain. Plastic zipper chain needs to have sliders made specifically to work on plastic zipper chain. Now I know what you are thinking, “I got it already”, but I have to make sure it is understood that only matched sliders and chain will work. Now, after you identify a nylon coil slider for the nylon coil chain for instance, you also need to make sure the gauge of the slider matches the gauge of the chain. ONLY a #3 nylon slider will fit #3 nylon coil chain. There are lots of caveats with sliders and they are all dealt with in Zipper 101, where I urge you to read more, especially if you are going to match sliders and chains purchased from two different sources; something I would advise against for the most part.
The main part of a slider is the body of the slider. This is the actual part of the slider that slips onto the zipper chain and runs up and down. To this body there could be no other parts at all or as many as four or five, really small parts, but parts non the less. The main part attached to the slider body would be the puller and would be the most common.
Now I would like to give a brief explanation of the different slider types and their functions. Simplest of all is the non lock slider. It is as its name implies; a slider that does not lock in any way. To refresh your memory of what is locking or not, I am referring to the slider body in relation to the zipper chain. The term locking means the slider stays put where you want it to as opposed to one that can move up and down the chain as the garment or item is moved about simply by casual contact or gravity. A non lock slider can move about on its own; it is used on things like futon covers or handbags. The next major type is the locking slider, one that stays where it is
put. This can happen automatically when it is released, or can happen
when a certain action is taken, like pushing the puller down to lay
parallel with the zipper chain. The types of locking sliders are many,
much more information can be found in Zipper 101.
put. This can happen automatically when it is released, or can happen
when a certain action is taken, like pushing the puller down to lay
parallel with the zipper chain. The types of locking sliders are many,
much more information can be found in Zipper 101.
Everything else about sliders is variable and optional. There are literally thousands of puller combinations for any number of slider bodies. Some of the pullers affect the function of the slider and some are purely decorative as well as functional. For a Pin Lock slider for example, the puller is integral to the operation of the overall slider since the locking pin is actually on the puller, engaged only when the puller is pushed into the chain by the user. Some sliders are even defined by the overall combination of parts, like a small rounded short puller mounted to a non lock body is commonly referred to as a Bell Tab slider. The finishes we offer also can be overwhelming. Most sliders made for metal chains match the chain finish; antique brass chain would almost always dictate an antique brass finish on the slider. But on nylon coil or plastic chain, the slider finishes can be any shade of paint or any type of plated or oxidized finish imaginable.
This class will demystify the installation of zippers and in the process, you will sew a lovely travel zip pouch! Zip bags can be made in any size and in most any kind of fabric or material. Quilters cotton is the easiest to work with but zip pouches can even be sewn from plastic. You will also learn how to shorten zippers. This class is designed for beginners who have maybe used a sewing machine before, but even if you haven’t, you will learn quickly on the super easy to use Ragfinery sewing machines.
Impact: Smaller bits of fabric and other discarded textiles are transformed into useful zipper bags, while teaching the skill of zipper installation.
Sailrite Zipper 101
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Zippers 101
Participant and Materials Requirements: Please bring pre-cut fabric, a zipper at least as long as the long side of your rectangle fabric pieces (the zipper can be easily shortened but not lengthened), and thread. Please cut your fabric as follows: four identical rectangle sizes of fabric in approximately the size you wish your zip pouch to be. Cut the rectangles one inch larger than the finished size of your zip pouch. Two pieces will be the outer fabric and two pieces will be used for the inside lining. Make sure each rectangle is cut exactly the same as the others. Accuracy is important! Ragfinery has perfect little quilting fabric rolls in bins for this zip pouch project. A good size zip pouch is 11 inches across and 9 inches wide making a finished zip pouch of 10 x 8 inches.
Sailrite Video Zipper 101
About the Instructor: Jennifer Willner has been an avid sewist her entire life. She loves making her own clothes and is especially keen on the technical construction skills necessary to perform alternations on fancy gowns. Jennifer really loves showing people how to make cool things with a sewing machine. She is a patient and enthusiastic sewing teacher. This year she started Sewcially Concious, the custom sewing and alternations business she’s been thinking about for forever.