George Boyle
Zippers are one of the top wedding day beauty emergencies, but it is uncommon to see a full-on zipper breakdown. A broken zipper isn't usually broken and just requires a simple repair. If you're looking to hide a zipper on a wedding dress, you can try folding the rest of the open zipper back and taping it to hold it. You can also sew a piece of matching ribbon to each side at the top of the dress so you can tie it in a bow or knot. If you're looking to install an invisible zipper, it might be best to leave it to the professionals, especially if you're a novice with a sewing machine.
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What You'll Learn
Use a slip stitch to hide the zipper tape between the fabric and lining
When sewing an invisible zipper with a lining, it is important to first stabilize the zipper area. One way to do this is by using a fusible stay tape and pressing it onto the seam lines. This type of stay tape should have no stretch, so be sure to use the straight variety and not the bias variety. You can also use regular woven interfacing, but be sure to cut it on the straight grain. When applying the fusible stay tape, ensure that it extends slightly below the bottom of the zipper.
Once the zipper is in place, you can use a slip stitch to hide the zipper tape between the fabric and lining. Thread a sewing needle and insert it through the top edge of the zipper tape. Bring the needle through the folded edge of the lining to make a stitch. Pull the thread taut and insert the needle back into the lining. Repeat this process, creating slip stitches between the folded lining and the zipper tape until you reach the bottom of the zipper. Make your stitches about 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) long so they are short and strong.
After slip stitching one side of the zipper tape, sew slip stitches on the other side and tie off the thread. It is important to use the same thread that you used to sew the zipper to the garment. Additionally, be careful not to pin the liner over the teeth of the zipper, as this can cause snagging. Instead, carefully pin the lining to the zipper tape, being mindful not to push the pins through the tape and into the fashion fabric of your garment.
Some people choose to stitch the base of the zipper tape to the seam allowance, but this is not recommended if you are lining your dress or skirt. Instead, you can pin the other side of the zipper tape to the lining and stitch only that portion with a longer stitch, such as 5 mm. This will allow you to check the matching and make adjustments if needed before moving on to stitching the rest of the zipper in place.
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Sew a piece of matching ribbon to each side to tie in a bow
If you want to hide a zipper on a wedding dress, sewing a piece of matching ribbon to each side to tie in a bow is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
Firstly, you'll want to choose a ribbon that matches the colour or theme of your wedding dress. Consider the width of the ribbon as well, as a wider ribbon will create a bigger bow. You can even opt for wired ribbon if you want to create a more structured or dramatic bow. Once you have your ribbon, cut it to the desired length, allowing for enough ribbon to create the bow and any tails you may want.
Next, you'll want to attach the ribbon to the dress. Position the ribbon at the top of the dress, where the zipper ends, with the wrong side of the dress facing you. Sew the ribbon securely to the dress, ensuring that it is attached firmly on both sides. You can use a needle and thread for this step, choosing a thread colour that blends with the ribbon and the dress to minimize its visibility.
Now, you can create the bow. Take the left side of the ribbon and bring it over the right side, creating an "X". Then, insert the left side underneath the right side and pull it gently to tighten. At this point, you should have two loops. Take the right side of the ribbon and bring it behind the loop on the left, wrapping it over the folded left end. Finally, form a loop with the remaining right ribbon and insert it through the opening between the two sashes. Adjust the bow to your desired size and tightness.
You can add some final touches to your bow by trimming the ends of the ribbon. Cut the ends diagonally to create classy points, or try a chevron cut by forming an even triangle with the ribbon, so the point sits in the centre of the tail. You could also attach a charm or bauble to the centre of the ribbon for a personalised touch.
By following these steps, you can effectively hide a zipper on a wedding dress by sewing matching ribbons and tying them into a beautiful bow.
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Use hem tape to fuse the zipper
Hem tape is a great alternative to sewing a zipper onto a wedding dress. It is a no-sew finish that can be used to bond and keep the fabric together. This method is especially useful if you want to avoid visible stitching on the outside of the dress.
To use hem tape to fuse a zipper, start by choosing the right type of tape. Hem tape comes in various widths, ranging from 1/4" to 2" and beyond. Select a width that is suitable for your fabric and zipper length. It is recommended to use a hem tape that is slightly smaller than the hem you want to fuse. Additionally, consider the fabric type and weight, as not all fabrics are suitable for the fusible hemming technique. Silk and sheer fabrics, for instance, may experience bleed-through from the adhesive. Medium-to-heavy weight fabrics that can withstand potential staining are ideal for this method. Always pre-test the tape on a scrap piece of your fabric to ensure it bonds properly and doesn't stain or negatively impact the drape of the fabric.
Once you have selected the appropriate hem tape, cut it to the desired length. Place the tape between the fabric and the zipper, ensuring that it is smaller than the hem you want to fuse. Do not let the hem tape touch the iron directly, as it will melt. Instead, use a damp cloth between the fabric and the iron plate. Set your iron to a medium or medium-high heat setting, and press it onto the tape for a few seconds to fuse it in place. You can also use the iron-basting technique, where you hold the iron at different places and press instead of running it over the surface to prevent the tape from sliding out of place.
After applying the hem tape, let it cool down before checking if it has fused securely. Use your fingertips to ensure that no edges are coming up. If there are any unsecured areas, go back and apply the iron again until the tape is properly fused. Remember that fusible bonding is more permanent than stitching, so be sure of your placement before proceeding.
By following these steps, you can effectively use hem tape to fuse a zipper onto a wedding dress, creating a seamless and elegant finish.
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Use pliers to fix loose sliders
If the zipper on your wedding dress has loose sliders, you can use pliers to fix it. This is a common issue with zippers, especially when they have been used a lot. The mechanism that moves the zipper up and down is called the slider, and over time, it can start to loosen and create gaps, making it less effective at fixing the teeth in place.
Firstly, you need to examine the teeth of the zipper. If they are out of alignment, you can use pliers to bend them back into the correct position. If the teeth seem to be in the right place, this means they have been worn down. In this case, you can paint them with clear nail polish, which will thicken the teeth and restore their original shape.
If the teeth are in good condition, the problem is likely to be with the slider. To fix this, you will need to use pliers to gently squeeze the top and bottom plates of the slider together to make it narrower until it reconnects. This will help restore the slider to its original, tighter shape. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can break the slider. Instead, be patient and gentle, gradually compressing the plates until they are nice and tight.
If the slider is damaged and cannot be fixed by tightening, you may need to replace it. You can buy a new slider from a hardware store, making sure to get one with the same number as the original. Use pliers to remove the top stop (the metal part at the top of the zipper that keeps the slider on the tracks), then move the slider up and off the zipper. Feed the new slider onto the teeth, starting where you removed the top stop. Finally, use pliers to replace the top stop.
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Stitch the shell fabric to the tape
Stitching the shell fabric to the tape is a crucial step in installing a zipper on a wedding dress. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, prepare the shell fabric and the tape. The shell fabric is the outer layer of the dress, and the tape is a thin, flexible material that will be used to attach the zipper. Cut the shell fabric and tape to the appropriate size, ensuring they align with the length of the zipper.
Next, pin or baste the shell fabric and tape together. This will help to temporarily hold them in place while you stitch them together securely. Place the tape and fabric together, right sides facing, and use straight pins or basting stitches to attach them.
Now, it's time to stitch! Using a sewing machine or hand-stitching with a needle and thread, sew along the length of the tape and shell fabric. Ensure your stitches are strong and secure, as this will be a functional part of the dress. A straight stitch is a good option for this step.
Once you've stitched the shell fabric and tape together, it's important to check your work. Remove any pins or basting stitches that were holding the pieces together temporarily. Carefully examine your stitches to ensure they are even and secure, and trim any excess threads.
Finally, test the zipper. Install the zipper according to your preferred method, ensuring it functions smoothly and seamlessly. The shell fabric and tape should now be securely attached to the zipper, creating a polished and invisible closure for your wedding dress.
By following these steps, you can expertly stitch the shell fabric to the tape, creating a well-crafted and concealed zipper for a wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
If your dress only needs a few more inches to zip up, try wearing it without your bra or using pliers to loosen the sliders. If you have time, go to a bridal store to see if they can provide a bigger size or do some last-minute alterations.
If your zipper is stuck, use a bit of liquid soap to get it unstuck.
If your zipper is broken, you can use a safety pin or two to hold the dress together. You can also use hem tape to fuse the dress together or sew a piece of matching ribbon to each side of the dress so you can tie it in a bow.
One way to hide a zipper on a wedding dress is to slip stitch the lining of the zipper so that the tape is sandwiched between the two layers. You can also stitch the shell fabric to the tape and manipulate the fabric between the shell and lining to machine stitch it.
If you are unable to install a zipper, you can use safety pins, ribbon, or snaps to hold your dress together.
