The Virtues of the Invisible Zipper

You've found the perfect fabric, cut out the pattern pieces, and sewn the first couple of seams.  Everything is going swimmingly until...it's time for the zipper!

If you're like me, you hate the way that zipper interferes with the smooth symmetry of your skirt or dress.  You don't appreciate the way that, although you've re-sewn it several times, the fabric gaps out just a little bit.  It just doesn't seem as nice as it should be...

Enter the invisible zipper!  Though putting in an inivislbe zipper is counterintuitive - even bizarre - the first couple of times, when it's finished, it's everything a zipper should be.  It's smooth!  Other than the small zipper tab at the top, it's invisible!  Once you get the hang of it, I bet you won't even be tempted to go back to the old standard zippers.

Here are a few things you should know about invisible zippers:

1) Pattern instructions do not anticipate the use of invisible zippers.  When using an invisible zipper, ignore the pattern instructions to sew your seam together below the "dot."  Instead, put in your zipper FIRST, and then sew the rest of the seam.

2) Instructions on how to install invisible zippers are found in each invisible zipper's package.  Follow these instructions rather than the zipper instructions in the pattern.

3) You need a special invisible zipper foot to get the best results from an invisible zipper.  The appropriate zipper foot should be available at any fabric store, and features a groove to keep the needle as close to the zipper teeth as possible.  In a pinch, you can use a regular zipper foot, but it will be more difficult! (I've tried.)