Stitching Together Your Experience!

Unlock the door to fabric knowledge!

Popular Searches:
330
Q:

How does Crepe fabric behave with different types of zippers?

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a beautiful crepe fabric and I'm planning to create a dress out of it. However, I'm confused about which type of zipper to use for it. I've heard that different types of zippers can behave differently on different fabrics, and I don't want to ruin the fabric while attaching the zipper.

I'm specifically looking for advice on how crepe fabric behaves with zippers. Should I use a metal zipper or a plastic one? Which size would be best suited for crepe fabric? Are there any other considerations I should keep in mind while attaching the zipper to crepe fabric?

I'm new to sewing and any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

All Replies

balistreri.terrell

Hello!

I've been sewing for many years, and in my personal experience, I've found that the type of zipper to use on crepe fabric depends on the weight and thickness of the fabric. If the crepe fabric is lightweight, then it's best to use a plastic zipper. A metal zipper may be too heavy for delicate fabric and can distort its shape. A light plastic zipper will be gentler on the fabric and won't weigh it down.

However, for crepe fabric that is medium to heavy weight, a metal zipper can work well. The heavier fabric can hold up to the weight of the zipper and won't distort its shape. If you do choose to use a metal zipper, make sure not to pull too hard on it while sewing as it can easily get stuck on the fabric.

When it comes to size, I would recommend using a zipper that's at least 7 or 8 inches long for a dress made out of crepe fabric. Zippers that are too short can be difficult to sew onto the fabric, and longer zippers tend to be easier to work with.

Lastly, as the previous respondent suggested, using interfacing when attaching the zipper is crucial for preventing distortion or stretching of the fabric.

I hope my experience helps! Good luck with your project!

wrau

Hello there!

As someone who has worked with crepe fabric and different types of zippers, I agree with the other contributors that it's important to choose the right type of zipper for your crepe fabric project.

Another consideration when choosing a zipper for your crepe fabric dress is the type of closure you want. A zipper with a closed end would be best for a seam opening, while a zipper with an open end would work well for a center back opening where the dress is pulled on and off over the head.

Additionally, I've found that using a zipper foot on your sewing machine when attaching the zipper to the crepe fabric can make a big difference in the finished product. A zipper foot allows you to sew close to the teeth of the zipper without catching the fabric. This helps achieve a neat and professional-looking finish.

Lastly, I recommend practicing on a scrap piece of fabric before attaching the zipper to your dress to get the hang of it. This will prevent you from making mistakes on your actual garment and will give you the confidence to tackle the project!

I hope these tips help in choosing and attaching a zipper to your crepe fabric dress. Good luck and happy sewing!

angelica45

Hi everyone,

In my experience with crepe fabric, it's important to take extra caution when sewing with zippers, especially when attaching them to curved seams or corners. Zippers can easily cause the fabric to pucker or crease, which can be difficult to fix.

To prevent this issue, I recommend making small notches at the seam allowance where the zipper will be attached, especially for curved areas. These notches will allow the fabric to lay flat and conform to the shape of the curve, preventing any puckering or creasing.

Another tip is to baste the zipper in place before sewing it onto the fabric with a permanent stitch. This will allow you to adjust the positioning of the zipper before securing it in place. Once you're happy with the placement, you can sew it onto the fabric with the appropriate stitch length and tension.

Lastly, it's important to think about the overall design and placement of the zipper when choosing one for your crepe fabric garment. For example, a contrasting color zipper can add a fun and playful touch to a simple dress, while a minimalist and sleek invisible zipper can create a clean and modern look.

I hope these tips on sewing zippers onto crepe fabric help you achieve a polished and professional-looking garment. Happy sewing!

conn.brown

Hi there!

I've worked with crepe fabric a few times, and in my experience, it's best to use a plastic zipper rather than a metal one. The reason is that a metal zipper can easily snag on the delicate threads of crepe fabric, causing damage or ruining the fabric altogether.

As for size, I typically use a size 3 or 4 zipper for crepe fabric. Any smaller and it may not hold up the weight of the garment, and any larger and it can look overwhelming on the fabric. Of course, this can vary depending on the specific project you're working on.

Another consideration to keep in mind is to always stabilize the area where you'll be attaching the zipper with some interfacing. This will prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting as you sew on the zipper.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your sewing project!

abernathy.thaddeus

Greetings!

Like the other contributors, I have experience working with crepe fabric and zippers. In my experience, it's important to consider the color of the zipper when working with crepe fabric. If the fabric is lightweight or sheer, a contrasting zipper may show through the fabric and be more noticeable than you would like.

It's a good idea to match the color of the zipper as closely as possible to the color of the fabric. This will create a seamless look and prevent any unsightly zippers from showing through.

Another thing to consider is the type of stitch you will use when attaching the zipper to the crepe fabric. I recommend using a straight stitch that's not too close to the edge of the zipper tape. A close stitch can catch on the delicate threads of the fabric and create puckering.

Instead, place the zipper tape slightly away from the edge and use a straight stitch with a medium-size length. This will allow the fabric to move freely without getting caught on the stitches, giving a clean and even finish.

I hope this helps in choosing the best zipper for your crepe fabric project. Happy sewing!

dare.glen

Hello everyone,

I also have experience working with crepe fabric and zippers and would like to share my tips. When choosing a zipper for crepe fabric, it's important to consider the weight of the fabric and the size of the zipper.

For lightweight crepe fabric, a small plastic zipper or a concealed zipper can work well, as they won't add too much bulk to the garment. For medium to heavyweight crepe fabric, a larger metal zipper can provide the necessary support for the weight of the fabric.

Another thing to keep in mind is the position and length of the zipper. If you're attaching a zipper at the center back of a dress, it's a good idea to make the zipper slightly longer than the opening. This will make it easier to get in and out of the dress and will also allow for a cleaner finish.

Lastly, when sewing the zipper onto the crepe fabric, it's important to use a stabilizer to prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting. I recommend using a strip of fusible interfacing along the seam line to reinforce the fabric and prevent any stretching.

In summary, choose the type and size of zipper based on the weight of the crepe fabric, position and length of the zipper, and use a stabilizer to prevent stretching or distortion. These tips will help you achieve a polished and professional look for your crepe fabric garment.

nico.conn

Hello everyone!

I would like to add my own experience with crepe fabric and zippers. One thing that I have found helpful is to use a colorfast zipper when working with crepe fabric. While the color of the zipper may match perfectly with the fabric at first, it can fade or bleed onto the fabric when washed or dry cleaned.

To avoid this problem, look for zippers that are labeled as colorfast or washable. These zippers are treated to prevent color fading or bleeding, ensuring that your garment will stay looking great even after multiple washes or dry cleanings.

Another tip is to sew the zipper in place before sewing the side seams of your crepe fabric dress. This will create a neater finish on the inside of the garment and ensure that the zipper is placed properly. Once the zipper is sewn in, you can then sew the side seams of the dress.

Lastly, be sure to test the zipper before wearing the dress out. This way, you can ensure that it zips up and down smoothly, and that the fabric isn't getting caught on the zipper teeth.

I hope that my experience can be of help to those working with crepe fabric and zippers. Good luck and happy sewing!

jaime.medhurst

Hello sewing enthusiasts!

When working with crepe fabric, I've found that it's essential to choose the right type of zipper and to use the right needle when sewing the zipper onto the fabric. Using the wrong needle can cause damage to both the zipper and the fabric, so it's important to choose the right size and type.

For example, if you're working with a lightweight crepe fabric, I recommend using a size 60/8 or 70/10 needle. These sizes won't leave big holes in the delicate fabric and will prevent it from getting caught on the needle.

When it comes to zippers, a concealed zipper is a great option for crepe fabric. These zippers have a hidden teeth section that blends into the fabric for a seamless look. However, if you prefer a visible zipper, consider using a metal zipper with a matching satin tape. The satin tape will prevent the zipper from rubbing against the fabric and causing snags or damage.

Lastly, when sewing the zipper onto the crepe fabric, use a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine for accurate positioning and neat stitching. A zipper foot allows you to sew close to the teeth of the zipper without catching the fabric, creating a clean and polished finish.

I hope that these tips help you create a beautiful and well-made garment with crepe fabric and a zipper. Happy sewing!

New to Fabric Guide Community?

Join the community