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Original poster

dressmaking question

21 replies

HellesBelles396 · 27/04/2013 08:25

so the gbsb book has a pattern for a tunic that I would like to try but, I really don't like the exposed zip. this is my first item of clothing so I am not confident to change the pattern. the zip goes in the seam down the centre of the back. could I leave the same opening but fasten it with a button and loop instead? or a clasp? leaving a bit of back exposed?

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DeafLeopard · 27/04/2013 12:05

I haven't seen the tunic so I don't know if the zip is the full length of the tunic or not. If it isn't and you would fit it like this then you could just swap it to an invisble zip I reckon if you didn't want to leave an opening.

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 27/04/2013 13:54

yes, it's like that.

how would I swap it to an invisible zip, please? I've noticed it's a 20" zip so actually not suitable to be left open and jut clasped at the top and full buttons are not an option since a live alone.

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DeafLeopard · 27/04/2013 16:03

As there is a seam below the fabric, then it sounds like the pattern is cut to allow for any kind of zip, so long as you don't clip where the zip goes.

This is my fave invisible zip tutorial.

Sorry I realise my reply is a bit vague - I haven't seen the tunic / pattern.

Is the book worth getting do you think?

fossil971 · 27/04/2013 18:45

Can you not just do it the usual way of a topstitched centred zip? The folds of the fabric cover the zip but not as fiddly as an invisible zip.

I haven't seen the book but it looks like the zip instructions are in it. Has the tunic literally got an exposed zip with the fabric folded back to display the teeth, as it were? Grin

fossil971 · 27/04/2013 18:52

(just looked on Amazon)

The method on pg 64 is for a covered zip in a centre seam.

UniqueAndAmazing · 27/04/2013 23:50

another option would be to have a short opening at the top (4" zip or your open and button) and put a zip in the side seam.
you do that by putting a closed end zip approx 3" below the armpit to bout 4" below waist. (that way, so it opens up the body)

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 28/04/2013 00:05

just to clarify, this will be my first zip in my first item of home-made clothing but there is no point my making something I wouldn't wear and I loath exposed zips.

if there is no way round it, I just won't make it until I know enough to be able to change the pattern.

thanks anyway.

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DeafLeopard · 28/04/2013 06:33

If its your first zip then I'd go with a standard zip. They're easy enough to do and the pattern pieces shouldn't need adjusting as your putting the zip inside rather than outside.

I hear you on the exposed zip. Horrid.

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 28/04/2013 07:57

how would I do that please?

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DeafLeopard · 28/04/2013 10:36

Good tutorial here - you're doing pretty much the same thing as the pattern I think, but just sewing the zip on the other side of the fabric.

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 28/04/2013 12:16

deafleopard thank you - you're a Godsend Grin

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DeafLeopard · 28/04/2013 15:19

Good luck - post up some pics please I love seeing peoples work

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 28/04/2013 17:10

now that I'm not as scared, I can go and pick out fabric, thread and a zip Grin. I have my list for haberdashery.

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Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 28/04/2013 19:07

sorry deafleopard, my current projects are a knitting needle bag and a shopper both made out of old trousers.

the knitting needle bag just needs a zip.

the shopper has the base attached to all four sides, and on of the side panels is sewn to the front and back panels. I'm neatening each seam with a zig-zag stitch and am overstitching on the outside to give that jutting-out finish (i don't know what it's called.

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UniqueAndAmazing · 29/04/2013 22:53

buy a load of zips cheap from the market and practise. :)

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 29/04/2013 22:54

that's a good idea, thanks. now I just need to find a market!

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Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 01/05/2013 17:15

woo-hoo! fabric, zip and thread chosen for the top and zip acquired to finish knitting bag - that'll be my practice run. I've asked around and nobody can think of a market with sewing supplies (northumberland)

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UniqueAndAmazing · 03/05/2013 12:10

yeay Grin to first part - have fun

but :( to 2nd part.
i was obviously very spoilt - coming from Nottingham, there's fabric/sewing supplies everywhere . i've had the same problem as you since coming down to Kent. it's weird.

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 03/05/2013 13:23

it's rural - I didn't know you could get stuff like that on markets!

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ChocolateCremeEggBag · 04/05/2013 09:27

Helles - try your charity shops for zips etc as I am finding lots of people's old stash get donated to charity. I have loads of old zips and buttons etc from having a rootle in the charity boxes. You have to test the zips to check nothing has got stuck with age, but is a good way to practise if nothing else.

If you are ever venturing south (as in County Durham) then try a Boyes dept store for haberdashery - they have pretty much everything.

Original poster
HellesBelles396 · 04/05/2013 16:12

will do, thanks.

there are a couple of small places locally but the ranges are limited and mostly home furnishing related.

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