Sewing Machine Feet: Invisible Zipper Foot
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Ever wonder how garment manufacturers put in a concealed or invisible zipper? It’s easier than you think. The secret is an Invisible Zipper Foot.
The Invisible Zipper Foot
Wait, don’t click away yet. I’m here to tell you that this can be easy AND inexpensive. I may have a nice Bernina invisible zipper foot, but there is an economical way to install an invisible zipper using a foot (affiliate) you can buy costing under $10 (or less at Joann’s with a coupon). It works as well as my fancy-schmancy foot and fits most machines. I used a foot like for over 20 years.
How it works
The key to either of these feet (and other manufacturers’ feet) is understanding the basic structure. All invisible zipper feet have grooves on the underside of the foot that allow the zipper coils to slide through smoothly.
The beauty of an invisible zipper foot is the way the coils fit perfectly into the grooves on the sole of the foot. Once in position, the machine needle glides right up to the edge of the zipper coils making for a very straight stitch.
Place the zipper coils in the groove, and set your machine needle in the center position. Slowly, begin stitching; the foot will place the stitching very close to the zipper coils. When you reach the bottom, the foot will not allow you to sew past the zipper pull. Stop, back stitch, and remove from machine.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Use a regular zipper foot to close the seam by stitching past the stopping place. Press open like you would with any regular seam.
You cannot even see the black zipper against the white-ish fabric when the zipper is closed.
Give it a try!
The invisible zipper is my preferred zipper. I promise this is easier than you think. To practice, get an invisible zipper and an invisible zipper foot. Cut two pieces of fabric 6″ longer than the zipper and 5″ wide. Set your machine on the longest stitch setting and practice. Rip out, and try again. After 2-3 times, you will have it down.
UPDATE: I recently came across this video from Bernina showing the invisible zipper foot in action.
