Sewing Tip - Pre-shape Zippers Before Sewing In Curved Seams

Here is a sewing tip to help you when you are sewing a zipper in a curved seam.

Zippers are straight and your fitted garment has curved or shaped seams.

You need to pre-shape your zippers before you insert them into curved seams.

By pre-shaping the zipper tape, you remove the stiffness of the zipper, make it work easily into a shaped seam and allow it to conform to the body curves without buckling.

Follow this process:

Remove the zipper from the package.

Wet the zipper thoroughly and let it dry to preshrink it.

Press the tapes flat on each side of the metal teeth or nylon coil with a steam iron or with a damp cloth.

NOTE: Be careful when you are pressing near a nylon coil. If the iron is too hot, it will melt the coil.

After the first press, dampen the tapes once again with a damp sponge or wet cloth.

Press the tapes while still damp - one side at a time. This time, stretch the tape and shape into an outward curve while pressing.

Press until dry using the stretching, curving motion.

By shaping the zipper this way, you make it more flexible. When you insert it into a curved seam, it will conform to the curve beautifully.

Try it! It just makes sense!

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