How To Sew In A Zipper: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Put A Zipper » How To Sew In A Zipper: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 2 Simple Ways to Sew On Zippers PDF download Download Article Add a zipper to any fabric using these easy steps Co-authored by Kpoene Kofi-Bruce and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: July 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Sewing a Basic Zipper
    • |
  • Sewing a Concealed Zipper
    • |
  • Prep and Troubleshooting Tips
    • |
  • How Do You Sew a Zipper Onto Fabric?
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kpoene Kofi-Bruce and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 537,026 times.

Zippers are great additions to clothes, bags, and upholstery fabric so you can easily open and close them. While sewing in a zipper may seem like a daunting task at first if you’re just learning to sew, it only takes a few tools to do it properly. Keep reading, and we’ll cover how to add basic and concealed zippers to any of your next sewing projects.

If you’re wondering how to sew an invisible zipper, check out our article here!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Sewing a Basic Zipper

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 1 Pin one side of the zipper face-down to the edge of a fabric piece. Lay the piece of fabric down flat so the good side with the full-color pattern is face-up. Place the zipper face-down on the fabric so the right edge aligns with the fabric. Stick pins through the zipper and fabric every few inches to hold it in place.[1]
    • Use a zipper that’s the same length as the fabric’s edge if possible. If you can’t find a zipper that’s the perfect length, get one that’s slightly longer than what you need.
    • Move the zipper pull halfway down the teeth before you start so you don’t bump it with your needle when you start sewing.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 2 Stitch alongside the zipper teeth with a sewing machine with a zipper foot. Disconnect the presser foot (the square metal piece at the bottom of the needle) from the sewing machine and clip on the zipper foot.[2] Start the needle at the top of the zipper fabric so it’s about 5⁄8 in (1.6 cm) from the edge. Use your sewing machine by pressing on the pedal and adding a few basic straight stitches. Backstitch back to the start to secure the thread, and then slowly work down the length of the zipper.[3]
    • A zipper foot slides from left to right and lets you stitch closer to the teeth without the sewing machine getting stuck or caught.[4]
    • If the zipper pull gets in the way while you’re working, lower the needle and carefully move the pull out of the needle’s way.
    • As you sew down the length of the zipper, pull out the pins before the foot crosses over them.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 3 Pin the other side of the zipper to the second piece of fabric. Lay the second piece of fabric face-up on a flat surface. Lay the unsewn side of the zipper face-down along the right edge of the second fabric piece, just like how you did with the first one. Secure the zipper with pins so it doesn’t shift while you’re sewing.[5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 4 Sew along the length of the zipper’s fabric to attach the pieces. Start from the bottom of the zipper and use a basic straight stitch to start sewing. After going about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm), backstitch to where you started so the threads stay in place. Then, sew up to the top of the zipper and snip the thread with some scissors when you’re finished.[6]
    • Place your stitches the same distance from the edge as you did on the other side of the zipper so they look uniform.
    • When you finish, small portions of the zipper’s sides and the entire zipper will be visible between the pieces of fabric.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 5 Topstitch the zipper to finish sewing the zipper. The stitches holding the zipper in place aren’t visible from the front, and topstitching gives your piece a more finished look. Turn the zipper and fabric over so they’re face-up. Topstitch a line of thread about 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) away from each side of the zipper to add the finishing touches.[7]
    • Use thread that’s a complementary or accent color for the fabric for extra embellishment.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Sewing a Concealed Zipper

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 1 Baste-stitch the fabric pieces together where you want the zipper seam. Lay one piece of fabric so the good side with the brightest colors is face-up. Set the second piece of fabric on top of the first one with its good side face-down. Change your sewing machine to the baste stitch setting. Measure about 5⁄8 inch (1.6 cm) in from the edge where you want to attach the zipper and put in a straight baste stitch along the fabric’s length.[8]
    • Basting stitches are temporary and are just meant to hold fabric pieces in place while you put in the permanent stitches.
    • After you sew the seam, flatten out the flaps (or allowances) by pressing them with an iron on low heat. That way, it’ll be easier to make more accurate stitches.[9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 2 Pin or tape your zipper face-down along the seam. Make sure the zipper is completely closed so the pull tab is at the top. Lay the zipper face-down so the teeth are centered on the baste stitch and so the top and bottom edges align with the fabric. Stick pins or strips of fabric tape every few inches along the zipper’s length to hold it tightly in place.[10]
    • If any excess zipper hangs over the edges, just cut it shorter along the bottom of the seam and remove the stop. When you sew the zipper, just whip-stitch the bottom to prevent the pull tab from falling off.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 3 Stitch along the length of the zipper fabric from top to bottom. Set your sewing machine to a basic straight stitch and put a zipper foot onto your machine as well so it’s easier to maneuver the needle.[11] Start the straight stitch at the top of the zipper fabric on the left side so the needle is about 5⁄8 inch (1.6 cm) away. Sew down the entire length of the fabric until you reach the stop at the end of the zipper.[12]
    • Use a thread that complements or accents the fabric because it will be visible when you’re finished.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 4 Turn the fabric and sew a short seam at the bottom of the zipper stop. While the needle is still down, carefully rotate the fabric clockwise by 90 degrees so the stitch you just made runs from side to side. Continue making a short straight stitch just below the zipper’s stop until the needle is on the other side of the zipper.[13]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 5 Finish stitching up the opposite side of the zipper fabric. Turn the fabric clockwise by 90 degrees again so the top of the zipper is closest to you. Continue sewing the loose edge of the zipper until you reach the top again. Backstitch the last section before snipping the thread with a pair of scissors.[14]
    • Make sure all of your seams are the same distance from the zipper to ensure they look uniform.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 6 Remove the basting stitch with a seam ripper. Flip the pieces of fabric over to reveal the seam left from the basting stitch. Slowly move the blade of the seam ripper through the middle of the seam to break the threads and expose the teeth of your zipper underneath. Then, just pull the excess thread out and you’re finished.[15]
    • Work slowly so you don’t accidentally snag any permanent threads on your zipper.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Prep and Troubleshooting Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 1 Preshrink the zipper if you’re using stretch fabric. If you plan on adding a zipper to natural fabrics that are stretchy, like cotton, place it under hot tap water for a few minutes and let it air-dry before sewing it. That way, the zipper won’t shrink or break the seams the next time you wash the fabric.[16]
    • Many zippers are already pre-shrunk, so check the packaging to see if you need to.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 2 Add interfacing along the seam to add support for thinner fabrics. Interfacing is a type of thin fabric that makes lightweight fabrics stronger and stiffer so they’re able to handle the zipper being opened and closed repeatedly. Cut the strips into the length of the zipper and the width of your seam allowances. Place the thin strips of interfacing on the duller side of the fabric right next to the seam. Iron over the fabric and interfacing with low heat to make them stick together.[17]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew in a Zipper 3 Press the zipper fabric flat with an iron if it’s curled. If the fabric on the sides of your zipper is a little warped, it’s more difficult to sew them down correctly. Set your zipper face-down and lay a press cloth over it. Turn your iron onto low heat and gently move it back and forth over the zipper until the fabric lays flat.[18]
    • Be careful ironing zippers made from plastic because they’re more susceptible to melting. Keep the iron moving at all times so the zipper doesn’t get too warm.
    4. Advertisement

How Do You Sew a Zipper Onto Fabric?

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I hand sew a new zipper? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, it's possible. Cut the teeth off the old zipper, and sew the new zipper onto the protruding tab from the "toothless" old zipper. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 41
  • Question How do I sew a zipper in the middle of fabric if there is no seam? Community Answer Community Answer Add a 1/2 inch on both sides of fabric to allow enough fabric for the zipper. It does work even if zipper is supposed to be hidden. Practice on another piece of fabric first. I did this on a nice dress I like, as it had no zipper and I needed a front zipper for easy access, as I am a cancer patient and needed to get my arm in without lifting it. The zipper is hidden into a seam. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 21
  • Question How do I prevent the fabric from stretching while sewing in a zipper? Community Answer Community Answer Pin the zipper in the right place to prevent the material from moving and stretching. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 20
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

How toSew an Invisible Zipper with Lining How toSew a Zipper in a Dress Sew a Fly ZipperHow toSew a Fly Zipper Sew PipingThe Best Way to Sew Piping In Your Projects How toReplace a Zipper Add a Zipper to BootsHow toAdd a Zipper to Boots Sew a PocketHow toSew a Pocket Line a SkirtHow toLine a Skirt Sew a Hook and EyeHow toSew a Hook and Eye Sew a JacketHow to Sew Your Own Jacket How toSew Bias Binding Sew a VestHow toSew a Vest How toBackstitch SewHow to Sew Basic Stitches by Hand for Beginners Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sewing zippers, check out our in-depth interview with Kpoene Kofi-Bruce.

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Lxvdx7Pb-20?t=33
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/xRAXNsxxt68?t=20
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/vbWL4E4k6fk?t=225
  4. ↑ Kpoene Kofi-Bruce. Couture Bridal Designer. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/pi5Q6BmKNEg?t=251
  6. ↑ https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/fcs2/fcs2842/fcs2842.pdf
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/pi5Q6BmKNEg?t=362
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/I4lIJ-9p7jQ?t=9
  9. ↑ Kpoene Kofi-Bruce. Couture Bridal Designer. Expert Interview
More References (10)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/I4lIJ-9p7jQ?t=41
  2. ↑ Kpoene Kofi-Bruce. Couture Bridal Designer. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/E24q5O8pUcY?t=196
  4. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C221/index.html
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/E24q5O8pUcY?t=296
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/I4lIJ-9p7jQ?t=88
  7. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4-h320-35.pdf
  8. ↑ https://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/introduction-to-interfacing/
  9. ↑ https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2024/09/how-to-sew-invisible-zip.html
  10. Videos provided by So Sew Easy

About This Article

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce Co-authored by: Kpoene Kofi-Bruce Tailor This article was co-authored by Kpoene Kofi-Bruce and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane. This article has been viewed 537,026 times. 22 votes - 85% Co-authors: 16 Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 537,026 Categories: Zip Fasteners Article SummaryX

To sew in a zipper, start by machine basting the zipper opening closed, keeping your seam allowances the same as the rest of the project. Next, press the seam open, ironing the seam allowance against the wrong side. Make sure the zipper is in the closed position, then pin it in place and machine baste it to your project. Use a zipper foot to top stitch the seam through the fabric, remove all of the basting stitches with a seam ripper, and give your new zipper a try. If you want to learn which types of zippers you should use for your project, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian French Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 537,026 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Apr 22, 2024

    "Very clear and simple instructions. This is the correct invisible zipper tutorial that I could not find elsewhere...." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kpoene Kofi-Bruce Co-authored by: Kpoene Kofi-Bruce Tailor Co-authors: 16 Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 537,026 85% of readers found this article helpful. 22 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 22, 2024

"Very clear and simple instructions. This is the correct invisible zipper tutorial that I could not find elsewhere...." more Rita Campbell

Rita Campbell

Aug 2, 2017

"Very clear instructions on how to place an invisible zipper. I have watched various training videos but yours is..." more Esther W.

Esther W.

Apr 29, 2017

"Thank you, I needed a refresher on how to sew in a zipper. Instructions are very clear and easy to understand." Cecelia Pedescleaux

Cecelia Pedescleaux

Sep 1, 2017

"Helped me learn which side to place the zipper, how to base and sew. " Linda Parker

Linda Parker

Mar 27, 2018

"The pictures help, as well as possible mishaps." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Sew an Invisible Zipper with LiningHow toSew an Invisible Zipper with LiningSew a Zipper in a DressHow toSew a Zipper in a DressSew a Fly ZipperHow toSew a Fly ZipperSew PipingThe Best Way to Sew Piping In Your Projects

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Tools
  • Fastening Tools
  • Zip Fasteners
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --597

Tag » How To Put A Zipper