Centered Zip Tutorial For Beginners

Centered Zip Tutorial For Beginners

Have you ever sewn a centred zip? It’s a great zip for beginners to start off with and it’s really not that hard so we’ve put together this Centered Zip Tutorial for you.

If you’re sewing a centred zipper for the first time or want to gain confidence in inserting them, this great tutorial contains a few tips and tricks to help you sew a centred zip.

Once you’ve mastered lining up the zipper tape, which can be the trickiest part, you’ll be able to insert a zipper with confidence and experiment with different types.

Zips! The most frequent task we are asked for help with. And something many get nervous about. With practice and a few surprising tools to hand they aren’t as tricky as you think.

Centered Zip Tutorial

What is a Centred Zip?

A centred zip is a type of zipper insertion in which the zip teeth are centred between the fabric. The fabric covers the sides of the zipper equally meeting in the middle and you are able to see the stitch on either side of the zip.

How to Sew a Centred Zip

 

Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner

You Will Need:

  • A simple zip project; try our cushion tutorial here or a pencil case.
  • A zip 1″ longer than needed, the length of the zip refers to the zip teeth, do not include the tape ends.
  • Contrasting thread for basting
  • Matching thread for sewing
  • Zipper foot
  • Medium weight interfacing

Optional additional resources:

  • Ghost tape (cloudy sticky tape/ Scotch Tape)
  • Lint roller

Top Tip:
While getting the hang of zips, insert them as the first step of your project; it’s far easier to work with flat fabric and it takes the pressure off any potential ‘whoops’ moments.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Step 1:

Apply a strip of interfacing to each side of the zip opening*. The 2 strips need to be the full length and width of the zip, not exceeding the length of the fabric.

 

Step 2:

Tidy the raw edges of the zip opening. Use a non-bulky method; zig zag stitch or overlocking are ideal.

Step 3:

Clip the 2 sides of the zip opening right sides together.

 

Step 4:

Baste along the zip opening with a 1.5cm seam allowance and contrasting thread.

Step 5:

Press the seam open.

*interfacing is not needed for heavier weight fabrics unless they are loosely woven.


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Step 6:

Align the zipper teeth along the seam line. Position the zip pull side down zip bar at the bottom of the project, pull overhanging the top.

 

Step 7:

Tape the zip in place.

Step 8:

Starting at the top of the project nearest the zip pull, begin sewing using a 2.5 straight stitch length and a zipper foot. Backstitch at the start then sew down to the bottom of the zip. If the zip has a metal bar be careful near the bottom.

 

Step 9:

Stop sewing just below the bottom bar. Turn and sew across the bottom carefully. Backstitch for added strength.

 

Step 10:

Turn and sew along the other side of the zip teeth to the top and backstitch

Step 11:

Turn the project over and unpick the basting stitches using a seam ripper. Remove all loose threads (a lint roller can help with this) then test the zip.

 


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How do I sew a centered zip into a project?

 

To sew the centered zip into the project, vertically pin the opening end of the zip in place then unzip it by 3cm or more before sewing. Carefully backstitch when sewing over the zipper teeth. Excess zip tape can then be cut off.

Zip tips

  • The edge of the zip foot should run alongside the zipper teeth with the needle on the side closest to the teeth.
  • Start sewing on the side that has the least bulk under the sewing machine arm.
  • To keep the zip tape/ seam aligned, sew slowly, keep the edge of the zip tape at the same depth along the seam allowance, the edge or the seam tidying can provide a guideline. Use the presser foot as a guide for keeping the seamline straight; part of it may align with the zipper teeth or part of the zip tape.
  • If alignment is still proving tricky, try sewing from the right side of the fabric, mark just above the bottom bar with a pin to mark where to stop.


We hope you found this centered zip tutorial useful!

Let us know how you get along in the comments below 🙂

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more step-by-step tutorials!

15 Minute Napkin With Mitered Corners

15 Minute Napkin With Mitered Corners

Here’s how to make a 15 minute napkin with mitered corners. We’re continuing out theme of helping you create a more sustainable Christmas… Fabric napkins are a fabulous step into sustainability & will make your Christmas table look amazing!

With some clever folding, a coordinating runner & some homemade Christmas crackers you will create an incredible focal point for your Christmas feast.

Follow this tutorial & learn how to stitch a mitred corner in just 15 minutes!

Mitered fabric napkins

And if you just wanna learn how to fold your napkins in to some fancy Christmas trees then scoot down to the bottom of the tutorial for the lowdown…

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

We have also published a tutorial on how to make Reusable Christmas Crackers – check that out here

Reusable Christmas Crackers

 

Want a printable copy of this tutorial? No problem! Request it below & a copy will be sent direct to your in-box

Reusable Christmas Napkin Tutorial

 

Skill Level: Beginner

 

To make ONE reusable napkin you will need:

1 x 49cm square of quilting cotton (we used fabrics from the Makower Joy collection)

Co-ordinating thread

Important notes:

1.5 cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.

For steps using machine sewing, always backstitch at the start & end unless otherwise stated.

Pre-wash your fabrics

1. Cut your fabric

Cut out a 49cm square of your chosen fabric

2. Press the edges

With the fabric facing wrong side up, turn over 2cm of fabric along each side & press.

Fold the raw edges under to the crease & press again forming a 1cm border around the napkin.

Sewing a mitered corners fabric napkin step 2

3. Mitre The Corners

Starting at one corner, open out the 2cm hem on both sides.

Fold over the corner, the creases will have formed a small square. Align the 2 sides of the small square with the two 2cm creases on the underside of the napkin. Finger press along the fold.

Mitre the Corners of the fabric napkin 3

Unfold the corner and mark out the fold line

Fold the corner in half bringing the 2 right sides together.

Pin and sew along the marked line.

Trim the seam allowance to 3mm and clip the end.

Turn out the corner, use a turner to shape the point

Mitre the Corners of the fabric napkin 4

4. Repeat

Sew mitered corners fabric napkins step 4

Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other corners

Press then sew the border of the napkin with a 1cm seam allowance.

 

And your napkin is finished!

Want a printable copy of this tutorial? No problem! Request it below & a copy will be sent direct to your in-box

Learn The Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

 

Why not get extra creative with your table setting and check out some napkin folding tutorials.

Fold the napkin into quarters

 

Christmas Tree Napkin Fold step 1
Christmas Tree Napkin Fold step 2

Fold up 1 corner of fabric at a time each one lying 2cm below the previous

Turn the whole thing over

 

Fold the left most corner up to the right pivoting at bottom centre.

Repeat with the right.

Turn the whole thing over

 

Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Step 3
Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Step 4

Rotate the napkin

Fold under one corner at a time to form tiers

 

Lift up the top layer and form a cone shape

 

Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Step 5
Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Step 6

Stand up the tree and you’re done!

 

 

Want a printable copy of this tutorial? No problem! Request it below & a copy will be sent direct to your in-box

We hope you enjoyed that tutorial and have fun making it. If you make your own version please tag us @PlushAddict #PAReusableNapkin

We would love to see your creations!

Reusable Christmas Cracker Sewing Tutorial

Reusable Christmas Cracker Sewing Tutorial

Fancy a more sustainable snap at your festive table this year? This reusable Christmas cracker tutorial (oh yes they did!) will have you repurposing your recycling, reducing your rubbish & reusing resources!

These christmas crackers can be refilled time & time again & stored away for the following year without fear of the snap losing it’s spark!

The core of these reusable crackers is a plastic milk carton & the snap sound comes from a knotted elastic band that pings on a milk bottle top & makes a satisfying SNAP sound! A fantastic re-purpose of your old rubbish… Don’t you agree?

 

Want a printable copy of this tutorial? No problem! Request it below & a copy will be sent direct to your in-box

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Reusable Christmas Cracker Tutorial

Skill Level: Beginner

 

To make ONE reusable Christmas cracker you will need:

1 fat quarter of quilting cotton (Check out our Christmas Fabric here)

1m Ribbon (we used Berisfords Festive Gold Edge Satin Ribbon)

40cm 3mm elastic

1 4pt milk bottle (label removed, bottle washed & dried)

2 milk bottle lids (washed & dried)

2 small elastic bands

Additional resources:

Glue gun & glue sticks

Domestic scissors

Important notes:

1.5 cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.

For steps using machine sewing, always backstitch at the start & end unless otherwise stated.

Pre-wash your fabrics

1. Cut your materials

From fabric:

Outer cracker barrel 44×18.5cm

Inner cracker barrel 44×16.5cm

For directional pattern fabrics; the shorter measurement spans the circumference of the cracker & the larger spans the length.

From the milk bottle:

1 Outer cracker barrel 9×16.5cm

1 Inner cracker barrel 9×14.5cm

2 Cracker ends 5 x 15.5cm

2. Make the snap

Cut a slit through the rim in each side of a milk bottle lid.

Slot an elastic band into the slits & tie a knot close to the underside of the lid. Repeat with the other lid.

3. Form the barrels

Using a glue gun form 4 cylinders from the cut plastic. All should be curved along the long edge.

The outer & inner barrels should be glued with a 1cm overlap.

The end barrels need to be formed with the snap at one end, the underside of the lid facing into the cylinder

4. Prepare the fabric

Fold over the short edges 1.5cm & press.

Open out the pressed edges then pin & sew the long edges right sides together.

5. Form the cracker

Turn half of the outer cracker barrel fabric out the right way to form 2 layers of fabric.

Insert the corresponding plastic cylinder between the 2 fabric layers & guide it down to the fold line.

Insert a snap section, lid end 1st, inside both layers of fabric. Position it just above the barrel section.

6. Elastic casing

Tuck in the pressed seam allowances. Pin & sew around the top of the cracker.

Sew around the top edge of the cracker leaving a 2cm opening for threading.

Thread the elastic through the casing twice to form 2 loops. Tie off the ends of the elastic.

Sew the opening closed.

7. Finishing touches

Guide the cracker snap up to meet the elastic casing.

Tie a bow each and with 30cm of ribbon between the barrel & the snap.

Thread 15cm of ribbon through the loop in the snap elastic and secure in place with a knot.

To set up your cracker, pop your chosen treat/ joke/ quiz question inside the thinner central barrel. Insert the thin barrel into the wider one and your cracker is ready. To activate the snap, each person pulls the ribbon inside the end of the cracker then releases as the cracker is pulled apart.

Want a printable copy of this tutorial? No problem! Request it below & a copy will be sent direct to your in-box

 

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

We hope you enjoyed that tutorial and have fun making it. If you make your own version please tag us @PlushAddict #PAReusableChristmasCracker

We would love to see your creations!