Closure science - everything about zippers
How are zippers constructed and how do they work?
Zippers or zip fasteners are fastening systems that are based on a positive fit. These fasteners are usually made of metal such as aluminum, brass, nickel silver or, increasingly, plastic. When closing, the two toothed strips are hooked together by the slider and released again when opening.
What types of zippers are there and where are they used?
These locking systems can be divided into the following types:
- endless zipper
- concealed zipper
- non-separable zipper
- divisible zipper
- two-way zipper
- waterproof zippers
Zippers are needed and used in various garments such as:
- bed linen
- bag
- Pants
- jackets
- jeans
- Pillow
- Dresses
- pencil case
- swaddling bags
- Shoes
- Boots
- backpacks
- bags
- tents
What needs to be taken into account when sewing in zippers by the meter and what care tips are there?
How do I sew in a zipper?
Depending on the sewing project, the zipper can be sewn in uncovered or concealed on both sides. If the focus is on the hold of the garment, such as with trousers, skirts, etc., the more practical, uncovered zipper is used. Before the closing system can be sewn in, the seam allowances on the skirt or trousers must first be ironed inside out. The garment is turned right side out. The zipper is placed under the opening with the good side facing up and secured well with pins. The folded edges of the seam allowances are then placed over the teeth on both sides and aligned with each other. Then sew along one side of the zipper using the zipper sewing foot. The distance is approximately half a centimeter. When you have reached the end of the zipper, leave the needle in the fabric and raise the sewing foot. The needle remains in the fabric and the garment is turned at a right angle for the bottom seam. Now carefully sew over the zipper, which is why the speed should be reduced here. Once this seam is set, the presser foot is raised again and the needle remains in the fabric again. Another turn at a right angle is made and the other side of the fastener is sewn to the fabric at a distance of half a centimeter. If the zipper extends beyond the waistband due to its placement, it can be shortened flush. Make sure that the slider remains on the teeth.
The other variant is the zipper that is concealed on both sides. This is often used for covers and cases. If, for example, a case is being sewn, it is best to draw a seam line on one of the two cut pieces the length of the fastener to be sewn, at the point where the opening to be closed will later be. A seam allowance of 1.5 to 2 cm is drawn on the left and right. Once the position has been determined, both cut pieces are placed right sides together and secured together. Then, using a straight stitch and a short stitch length, sew from the beginning of the seam allowance to the planned beginning of the zipper. The beginning and end of the seam are locked by sewing back and forth. For the middle part, where the fastener is to be, sew to the planned end using the longest stitch length. For the second and last opposite piece of the allowance, proceed as at the beginning. The pieces of fabric are then turned over again and placed with the wrong side facing up. The seam allowance is then ironed apart. Then the position of the zipper should be transferred to the seam on the front again, ideally with pins. The project is turned over again. On the left side, the zipper is positioned protruding from the markings and placed with the good side facing up and secured well on the other side with pins. The teeth lie on the seam with the long stitch length. The project is turned over to the right side again. Using the zipper foot, the zipper is sewn along the pinned markings, again at a distance of half a centimeter, until a closed rectangular seam is created around the fastener, which is then locked. Finally, the wide seam in the middle is undone and the zipper, which is hidden on both sides, is revealed.
How do you properly care for zippers?
It is recommended that you always close a plastic zipper when washing so that it can still be opened and closed easily. This recommendation should also be followed for metal zippers, so that the rest of the fabrics in the wash are protected from the sometimes very sharp metal teeth. If the zipper or slider is lost, it can usually be replaced with a new one without having to buy another one.
Zippers that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions in particular need good care to ensure they work for a long time. Zippers in backpacks, bags, shoes, boots or tents should be cleaned regularly of dirt such as sand, dirt and other foreign substances. To care for them and to ensure that they run smoothly and therefore last longer, we recommend applying silicone spray. Applying silicone-based sprays also creates a light impregnation that can significantly reduce the penetration of dirt and water particles.
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