How to Add Zippers to Clothing

Choose an appropriate zipper for your project. Finding the correct length of zipper is the most important step in this process. If possible, you should also match the color of your project (with the same color or an accent color) and use a suitable weight when you add zippers to clothing. For example, very fine zippers are good for elegant dresses but not so good for duffel bags or other items where they may be under a lot of stress.

Prepare the area. If there is no existing seam, cut a slit of the appropriate length in your item where you will be installing the zipper. If there is a seam, and it is closer, remove the stitches.

Turn the item inside out. Turn both edges of the seam under about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and press with a hot iron.

Look at the right side of your garment. Line up the closed zipper under the seam, making sure that the zipper-pull is at the correct end of the seam. Line up the seam over the zipper so that the folded edges meet in the middle of the zipper. Starting at the top of the zipper, pin the fabric to the zipper.

Use a needle and thread or sewing machine to sew the fabric to the zipper using small stitches. Catch the folded edge of the fabric, too. Sew on the fabric part of the zipper as close to the teeth as reasonably possible. Sew down one side, across, and up the other half of the zipper in the same way. Finish off your thread.

Unzip and zip your zipper to make sure your item functions correctly.