Versus: Subtle – or – Stand-Out Zips?

Exposed zips and invisible ones can make a whole lot of difference to your dressmaking. A lot of the time, you can get away with a straightforward zip fastening. In reality, changing the fastening is a great way to make a pattern more distinctive.

I’ll let you in on a secret: zips give me nightmares. They’re super precise, there’s not much wiggle room and, to top it all off, they usually come in right at the end of the project. In other words, they can make or break it.

And if something can make that much of an impact, it’s worth sparing a moment to consider the options.

Barely-There Fastenings

Fancy making people wonder where on earth the fastening could be? Standard zips do the job just fine, but invisible zips are kind of magical – even more so when that little marvel of dressmaking comes direct from someone’s dining table.

If you love a challenge or you’re wavering over whether to add a new skill to your repertoire, just think of the loveliness you could achieve:
– That beautiful finish. You can’t beat a well-sewn invisible zip for professional-style results, and it’s perfect if you’re set on making a formal dress.
– Your silhouette won’t run riot. With the zip fitted flush with the edges, you shouldn’t get any unexpected bits of fabric popping up or rumpling.
– You can finally use that attachment. Remember that special invisible zipper foot that came with your sewing machine? At last, you can give it a run!

All that elegance comes at a price, though:
– No rushing allowed. Clear the decks and sit down for some in-depth work. This isn’t one to attempt if you’re running up a last minute make.
– Test your attention to detail to the limit. Folding this way, that way, pinning and tacking – there’s no avoiding any of it.

Zips To Be Proud Of

But maybe you don’t want your zip to fade into the background. If you want to double up on functionality and detailing with an exposed zip, you’re in for some sewing-table fun:
– The choice is yours! Picking a neat silver-coloured zip or a larger-toothed, brass-toned one could make the same skirt an Anthropologie lookalike or vintage-inspired gem. The options are endless.
– And speaking of vintage… This is the perfect way to make the most of a cool vintage zip you’ve been hoarding or admiring at the market. For William Gee’s Pot Luck Metal Zip promotion, click here. 
– Recycling, recycling, recycling. Some patterns I use once, others I just keep on recycling. Putting the spotlight on that perfect zip is an easy way to switch things up, giving an old faithful pattern a makeover.
– This trend’s still going. Since making a comeback a couple of years ago, these little guys haven’t budged an inch. If they’re good enough for ASOS, who am I to argue?

View our full YKK range here

On the inevitable downside:
– You’re going to need a better zipper. Perhaps not better, necessarily, but when your zip’s an embellishment in its own right, it’s got to be awesome. Choose wisely.
– Keep it neat. A statement zip feels less formal to me, but remember your handiwork’s going to be very visible.

My Zip Pick?

I love the look of invisible zips, but after a few wobbly attempts I’ve come to terms with the fact that they’ll never be my forte. And besides, with a whole wide world of haberdashery and my inherited collection of bits and bobs to rummage through, it’s fun to make that essential component into something a bit special.

That’s just me, though. Are you gifted with the finer points of invisible zip fitting, happier sticking to the basics, or do you love adding an extra detail?