Date: 11/16/09 7:33 PM

I am sewing a leather skirt and changed the invisible side zipper to a Riri zipper that I want to sew as an exposed zipper. I want to keep the tapes under the seams, with only the teeth exposed. I know how sew it with a facing forming an opening not in a seam, but I can't figure out how to get a square bottom at the seam line. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I've made 4 or 5 samples that don't work.

------
www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

Reply to Nancy K
Date: 11/16/09 7:44 PM

I haven't tried it yet, but this looks like a good guide. Hope this helps!
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/49907/how-to-sew-an-exposed-zipper

Date: 11/16/09 11:58 PM

I used the 45 degree snips into corners, like the method in the Husqvarna exposed zipper tutorial at:

Husqvarna Tutorials

I used fusible interfacing for the fabric stay piece and topstitched the zipper in place.
-- Edited on 11/17/09 0:02 AM --

------
Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.

Reply to Vivienne
Date: 11/17/09 10:04 AM

I actually figured out how to do it. There are two ways, both of which have to actually be done before you put in the seam below. I made two samples this morning. I marked 1/8" outside the seam line and laid a piece of silk organza over it so that I could see the marked line. I sewed down and pivoted across to the cut edge. I trimmed it to 1/8" and cut into the corner. I then understitched the organza to the leather, stopping at the corners and then sewing the end. Then I pressed it to the wrong side, gluing it in place. Yes, you can press leather. I also pounded it flat. Then I lined up the pressed, horizontal edge and sewed the rest of the seam. The zipper will then be laid under the opening, with double sided tape and topstitched in place. The other way to do it, and it's a lot sportier, is to just cut an opening and lay the zipper under and topstitch.

------
www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

Date: 11/17/09 10:47 AM

Nancy, thanks for sharing your success. It makes sense that this would work. Can't wait to see your snazzy zipper.

------
Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success

Reply to Patti B
Date: 11/17/09 11:54 AM

This is a version of what Claire Schaeffer calls the magic window opening for a pocket or putting in an exposed zipper in the interior of a garment.

------
www.nancyksews.blogspot.com