I get a lot of questions about my exposed zipper that I insert on my Alberta Pencil Skirts and I decided to type up a quick tutorial! This is a quick and easy way to add an exposed zipper – it’s becoming my favorite zipper to install because of how easy it is!
Exposed Zipper Tutorial
Step 1: Finish the seams on both back pieces of skirt
Step 2: Lay jeans zipper flat on skirt and mark on fabric the bottom of the zipper tape. Pro Tip: It’s helpful to mark the bottom of the zipper tape to where it will be folded up under once we get to that step (see step 6 for a visual) – this will help make sure there isn’t a gap once we install the zipper – eliminating the need for hand sewing.
Step 3: Stitch the back skirt pieces right side together from the mark to the hem
Step 4: Press seam allowances open including above the stitch line we just stitched. This will make sure even seam allowance is included where the zipper is installed.
Step 5: Using wonder tape to keep the zipper in place, line up the zipper on the right side of the skirt ensuring that the zipper teeth are clear of the fabric. I like the line up the far side of the zipper teeth closest to the tape on the folded edge.
Step 6: Once you have the zipper lined up, fold up the bottom of the zipper tape to create a clean bottom of the zipper. You can also leave the zipper tape as is there, but I prefer the folded up look for a clean finish.
Step 7: Using your edge stitch foot, stitch in a matching (or contrasting color – whatever you prefer) down the side of the zipper until you get to the bottom.
Step 8: Leaving the needle down, lift up the presser foot and rotate your skirt to sew the bottom of the zipper (pro tip: use the hand wheel close to the zipper stop to avoid breaking a needle!)
Step 9: Leave the needle down and lift the presser foot again and rotate the garment and sew the rest of the zipper.
You may need to then either hand sew or use a zipper foot to close up the gap between your zipper and where you started your back seam on the skirt.
Ta da! Finished exposed zipper!
Great tutorial Lara – thank you! These exposed zippers can make such a nice embellishment anywhere – on sleeves, the bottom of pants or even in a section where you’ve blocked coloured a top!
This is interesting, I’ve never seen an exposed zipper done with the tape exposed too. Definitely a different look! Cool to see a different technique.