Install a Zipper with your Serger: A Tutorial

One thing we'd like to start having on the blog are little tutorials for our readers, so today, we are going to get started with something amazing! Installing a zipper with your serger!

Many of you know that if you purchase a machine from Creative Sewing, you actually are able to have FREE access to our monthly clubs! One of these clubs is called Serger Technique and you can gain a WEALTH of serging knowledge in it! We would LOVE to have more of our faithful customers attend this club! We taught this zipper skill in this club this week and everyone was amazed at how easy it was to do!

Installing zippers with your serger is a perfect thing to do when needing a zipper in a pillow or a bag, it's not used quite as often in garment construction, but could be in some cases.

For this tutorial, you will need:

• two scraps to practice with
• a cording foot for your serger
• an extra long zipper (you always want MORE zipper than you need) 

Make sure you start with your needle all the way up. We are serging with the incredible BabyLock sergers, so there is usually an added ease of use with these machines than others. You will need to practice to make sure your serger is set at the right settings for your machine.

Ready to get started!?
Snap that cording foot onto your machine and set your machine to a 4 Thread Overlock. Length 2.5 - 3.5; Width from 6.5 - 7.5. If you are using one of our amazing BabyLock sergers, then you will also need Stitch Selector A.

Your zipper will guide through the cording groove.

Next, lay your zipper on the right side of your fabric, right sides together. You can leave a little seam allowance if desired, but it is not necessary. If you do, your knife will trim it off!

Next, feed your coil through the cording groove and serge your zipper in place.

Next, flip your zipper around the opposite direction and repeat these same serger steps!

And that is IT! You've installed a zipper! Perfect for bags, purses, and the like!  It's so fast and easy, you will definitely want a serger, if you don't have one!

It looks so well done and professional inside, serging really takes your hand-made item to the next level!

This was one of FOUR techniques covered in the FREE clubs that Creative Sewing offers to customers that have purchased machines! Please be sure to sign up for this monthly club and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and skills that can be gained through it!