Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Installing pants zipper?! Never made pants....
SquishSews   Advanced Beginner Member since 1/18/09 Posts: 322	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/1/12 6:15 PM And now I'm remembering why they are so intimidating. I've looked in several of my books, and I've looked at the instructions so many times my eyes are crossed. I just cannot figure out what they mean for me to do. I'm sure it's simple, but my Pooh brain is very spatially limited... help please? This is Vogue 8751. link if image doesn't show: pants zip instructions -- Edited on 12/1/12 6:15 PM --
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5000	Login to reply to this post In reply to SquishSews << 2 members like this. Date: 12/1/12 6:59 PM The instructions are pretty straight forward. I find when I have brain freeze, it is best to just stop and go to something else that will take my mind off the project. Then, when I go back to the project it is usually a slap to the forehead/duh moment. This video tutorial by Sandra Betzina may help you through this step. -- Edited on 12/2/12 1:20 PM --
GlButterfly Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/28/08 Posts: 2391	Login to reply to this post In reply to SquishSews << Like this post Date: 12/1/12 7:19 PM Do one step at a time. Do not go onto the next step until your work looks just like the one in the photo/sketch. For certain procedures I need to pull out at least six sewing books before I find an explanation or pics that I can fully understand. I base my zip sewing on Palmer/Pletsch. ("Pants for Real People" and "Pants for Any Body") I like the Sandra Betzina method that PattiJ mentioned except that she doesn't include a zipper guard if I remember correctly, but the method is good. ------ I have not yet begun to procrastinate
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 652	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/1/12 9:29 PM It helps if you have marked the center front line and the foldline. Did you mark those? In steps C and D you are stitching the zipper to the extensions only...keep the fronts free from your stitching. You will unpick the fly basting later on.
sewsally   Intermediate WA USA Member since 8/18/02 Posts: 1200	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/2/12 3:04 AM My favorite way to do fly zippers is in Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing Step by Step - starting on page 62. Lots of photos and I have my own notes. Perfect every time.
NonieA1   Advanced FL USA Member since 11/3/10 Posts: 75	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/2/12 6:22 AM When I first did simple alterations for my father, a dry cleaner, he sent me a man's wool trousers needing a new zipper. I had never done one before. I removed the zipper and it took me 2 hours to replace it. By the time I no longer worked for my father, it only took me 20 minutes to replace a fly zipper. He supplied the zippers and thread. They were metal zippers of good quality. Working in wool is so much easier than in denim. Practice made it easier for me.
Andsewforth   Advanced PA Member since 11/6/06 Posts: 39	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/2/12 10:27 AM I agree that Sandra Betzina's way is the best. The video link posted shows how to do it the way she explains in her books also. Makes a nice flat fly zipper.
SquishSews   Advanced Beginner Member since 1/18/09 Posts: 322	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/2/12 11:16 AM I still do not understand the included instructions, but that video made all the difference in the world! Thank you do much! (Runs off to try!)
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1055	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/2/12 11:21 AM I agree, pattern instructions on fly zippers are usually pathetic- so I reach for the videos and my sewing books. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
abcameo   Intermediate CA USA Member since 11/17/04 Posts: 72	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/2/12 1:17 PM Don't feel bad. I recently installed my first fly zipper. Though I bought two zipper dvds (one was Sandra Betzina's, the other from Australia never got it to play right) but they don't help me. Also have looked at countless explanations from my reference books and printouts online. The only thing that helped me was paying a seamstress friend/ instructor to teach me step-by-step. She went over each step with me but had me do the actual sewing. I took some notes on the pattern instruction sheet and saved it. I haven't made pants again, but now, when I look at instruction sheets, I feel pretty confident I'll be able to sew the fly. I also bought Nancy Zieman's booklet "Zippers--Close the Gap," and I think it's very clear.

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.