Let’s Talk Zippers

This post is part of a series of posts sponsored by Craftsy. Watch for fun information and deals pop up here over the next few months about some online sewing classes-don’t worry; all opinions are, and will always be, 100% mine. 

Today I’m going to share a fun little project that I’ve agreed to take on for the next 4 months.  It’s one that I’m very excited about and one that I think you will really enjoy.  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take some of those “online” sewing classes you hear so much about in the blogosphere?  

Table of Contents

• What is Craftsy?
• Tips for Sewing Zippers
• The Right & Wrong Way to Insert an Invisible Zipper

I know that I always wondered- they would pop up in my Facebook feed or on Pinterest, and I’d think, “those look cool, but I wonder what they are like..”. Well, wonder no more- I’m here to be your proverbial guinea pig! I’ve teamed up with Craftsy and have agreed to take 8 Craftsy Classes over the next 4 months- am I crazy??? Maybe, only time will tell on that one *wink*… but don’t you want to stick around and see how much I get done??

I’ve been chatting with the folks over at Craftsy about what kinds of classes you’d like to hear about and what kinds of things I want to learn. I thought about some of my most asked questions on this blog and even posted a few questions on Facebook to see what y’all are interested in.

Over the course of the next few months, I’ll take a class then report back to you what I learned and what I thought of the class. I should also have some enjoyable finished projects to share with you too. Let’s see how many things I can get off my “to do” list  (see, I do at times have ulterior motives)…

What is Craftsy?

Craftsy is an online learning website. You can take classes on various topics such as Sewing, Quilting, and Jewelry Making. You enroll in a class then take the class at your own pace. There are no deadlines, and you can access the class anytime you want. The classes are taught by some of the best instructors in the industry.

Which brings me to today’s topic:  Zippers…

Tips for Sewing Zippers

Yes, you can sew a Zipper. I promise. I know it makes many of you nervous because you tell me things like “I love that, but I can’t sew a zipper” and “is there a way to make it without a zipper?”

One of the best ways to learn something, in my opinion, is by doing it. You’ve just got to sit down and try it out.  I’m here to offer you a little bit of help with that today. Did you know that Craftsy has a FREE class on Mastering Zipper Techniques?  Yep free.

Sunni Standing, who I had the privilege of taking a class from at the Sewing Summit last year, walks you through step by step inserting different types of zippers. The class is in video format, so you can pause when you get stuck and rewind if you miss a step. I took the class, and even though I was familiar with many of the techniques, I picked up several tips and tricks along the way. I also learned something essential.

The Right & Wrong Way to Insert an Invisible Zipper

A few years ago, I made myself this top. I had never sewn an invisible zipper before and did the best I could base on the pattern directions. When the top was finished, I knew that I didn’t do it correctly and hadn’t been wearing the top too much as a result.

See, that zipper’s not too invisible, is it?? I took the zipper class, used the techniques explained in the class, took out the zipper, and put it back in again.. and VOILA! It’s now invisible.

I quickly realized what I had done wrong and was able to fix it. The best part is if I forget again how to insert the zipper, I can go back and re-watch that section of the video again.

Now, if I had only thought to line up the pattern on the fabric before I cut out the top (yes, I know the pattern is not properly matched up)… but that’s a topic for another day (or class).