Introducing a Zipper Foot
A zipper foot is a specialized sewing machine foot that makes putting zippers on fabric easy and accurate. A zipper foot is an invaluable tool for sewers, dressmakers and even quilters. It allows you to sew close to the zipper teeth and to follow the exact shape and size of the zipper coil. It also comes in handy when working with tiny zip fasteners on garments or when closing invisible eyes.
Types of Zipper Feet
There are several types of zipper feet available and they all have different uses. The most common type is the general-purpose zipper foot, which is typically universal and can usually be adjusted to fit on different machines. The narrower zipper foot, on the other hand, is designed for smaller sewing machine throat plates and narrow fabrics. There are also left-handed and right-handed zipper feet available for machines with left or right zig zag stitch selection.
Prepping the Sewing Machine
Before you can begin using a zipper foot, you must first set up your sewing machine. The first step is to determine which presser foot you will need. If you have a Brother machine, there are several presser foot options available. For general-purpose zipper feet, you will want to use the standard spring-action presser foot, while the narrower presser foot is best for delicate fabrics.
Installing the Zipper Foot
Once you have determined the appropriate presser foot for your project, you can begin to attach the zipper foot. Begin by loosening the screw on the foot holder. Once it is loosened, slide the zipper foot over the bracket and re-tighten the screw. Most Brother machines come with a selection of presser feet, and the machine will generally indicate which presser foot is appropriate for a particular project.
Sewing with a Zipper Foot
Once the zipper foot is attached, you can begin sewing. When stitching, it is important to keep the zipper foot as close to the zipper teeth as possible. This will ensure that the stitches remain even and neat. If your machine has a seam guide feature, you can also use this to help guide the needle and fabric along the same path. On a Brother sewing machine, you can also adjust the stitch width and length to create the desired effect.
Zipper Techniques
When attaching a zipper, there are a few techniques you can use to ensure that the stitches remain secure and the zipper remains functional. One of the most important of these techniques is backstitching. This involves stitching at the start and end of the zipper and then backstitching to secure the stitches. This ensures that the stitches stay in place and won’t unravel. You can also add extra security by hand sewing bar tacks at the start and end of the zipper.
Working With Invisible Zippers
Invisible zippers require special attention. To ensure that the stitches remain neat and secure, it is important to use a zipper foot that is specifically designed for invisible zippers. The zipper foot should be narrow enough to fit between the zipper coils and the fabric, and should be adjusted so that the needle is as close to the zipper teeth as possible.
Troubleshooting Zipper Feet
If you are having trouble getting the zipper foot to attach properly, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that the presser foot is securely attached to the machine and that the presser foot height is adjusted correctly. If the presser foot is not secure, the fabric may not feed correctly, resulting in uneven stitches. If the presser foot height is not set correctly, the fabric may not feed correctly.
Using a Zipper Foot for Seams
A zipper foot can also be used for creating clean and professional seams. To do this, you will need to adjust the stitch length setting on the sewing machine and adjust the tension setting, depending on the type of fabric you are working with. You should also carefully follow the seam allowance you have marked on the fabric and use a seam guide to ensure that the stitches remain neat and even.
Creating Topstitching on a Zipper Foot
Topstitching can be used to provide a professional and decorative finish to your work. To create topstitching with a zipper foot, you will need to adjust the stitch length and tension settings on the machine. You may also need to increase the feed dogs on the sewing machine and use a stitch guide to ensure that the stitches remain even and neat.
Using a Zipper Foot to Attach Bias Piping
Using a zipper foot is an effective way to attach bias piping. To do this, you first need to baste the bias tape onto the fabric. Start by aligning the raw edges of the bias tape with the raw edge of the fabric. Then, with the zipper foot attached to the machine, stitch the bias tape to the fabric. When stitching, make sure to keep the zipper foot as close to the edge of the fabric as possible.
Using a Zipper Foot for Multi-Layered Seams
A zipper foot is especially useful for attaching multi-layered seams. When using a zipper foot for this type of project, you must ensure that the stitches remain even and neat. You will first need to baste the layers together. Then, with the zipper foot attached to the machine, stitch the layers together. As with any other stitch, you should make sure to backstitch at the start and end of the seams to ensure that the stitches remain secure.
Using a Zipper Foot to Add Finishing Touches
A zipper foot is also great for adding decorative touches to your projects. For example, you can use the zipper foot to add bound or blanket stitching along a seam or to add decorative edging. To do this, you will need to adjust the stitch length and stitch width settings on the sewing machine. You should also adjust the needle position to ensure that the stitches remain even and neat.
