Though I do prefer an invisible zipper, sometimes it just isn’t practical. So I usually end up centering an all purpose zip, which is probably the easiest zipper ever. I’m going to show you a method using a glue stick and clear tape, in place of a bunch of basting stitches. Which makes it even quicker and more simple!
1. Start by placing your two pieces of fabric right side together, lining up the raw edges. Mark where the end of the zipper falls.
2. With 5/8” seam allowance, sew a row of basting stitches from the top down your mark. Without removing the needle from the fabric, set your machine to your regular stitch length, backstitch, and continue sewing the rest of your seam.
3. Press your seam open and flat. At this point, apply your desired seam finish.
4. With your zipper facing right side up, coat each side of the zipper tape with a generous amount of glue stick. Carefully place, face down, on top of your seam. So that the zipper coil lines up perfectly down the center of the seam, and the top of the coil is about 5/8” down from the top raw edge. Press firmly, and let the glue set for a couple of minutes.
5. Flip over so that now the right side is facing you. Feel the end of the zipper coil from behind, and mark on the front. Place a piece of 1/2” clear tape directly over the center of the seam, and stopping right where your mark is. The tape will act as your straight guide for stitching.
6. Place your zipper foot on your machine.
Starting at the bottom of your zipper, place your needle and zipper so that they are on the right side of the presser foot. Using the tape as your guideline, topstitch all the way up to the top. Backstich.
Now move your presser for over to the other side, so that the zipper will be to the left of it. Start by topstitching across the bottom of the zipper. Again, using the tape as your guide. When you get to the corner, keep your needle down and pivot. Continue topstitching up the other side of your zipper. Backstitch when complete.
7. Remove the tape, and then remove your basting stitches with your seam ripper. Press if necessary.
All done!
