Oops. Got a little sidetracked from zippers there. First we had the Guinness-Book-Of-World-Records Longest case of chicken pox in an 8 year old. Or at least it felt that way - 8 days and he's back at school. Then we had a run-in with a stick which resulted in a trip to the emergency room and some Frankenstein like stitches across the forehead of the 6 year old. My mom said I'm out of the woods because things come in threes - broken foot, chicken pox, stitches. Let's hope so! So, zipper is pinned in place...

The next steps are as follows:

1. Baste zipper in place.  You can see my basting stitches in the first photo.
2. Also first photo, use a back stitch to sew zipper in place on the wrong side.  I left pins in and removed them as I came to them.
3. Turn over and use an overcast stitch to sew edge of sweater to zipper.  This is where you can move the sweater around a bit to get an even look.  The stitches are like little lines perpendicular to the zipper. (Not a great photo!)
4. If you like a nice look on the inside, sew pretty ribbon over the zipper.  Margene taught me this, and it really is fun to find and use these decorative ribbons!

All zipped up!

Ok, did I make that sound painless?  It's not!  Zippers aren't difficult, and they add a sporty look to a sweater.  But there is a lot to think about and a fair amount of tedious stitchery.  I was so careful to measure, and still my zipper seemed too long!  I actually shortened it by removing the little metal stop at the top, removing about an inch of teeth, and replacing the stop.  There was a lot of cussing going on at that point, and can you see what it did to my fingernail in the first photo?

Time to move on.  Na Cragna is calling!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Comments

[Susan]

Thank you so much for this -- it does make putting a zipper in look easy. I don't know if I'm feeling confident about trying it, but if I ever do, I'll definitely be using this post as a resource. And, yes, I did notice what you did to your fingernail in the first photo. . . today someone asked me if I had a fancy design painted on one of my nails. I said, no, that's dried blood under the nail from a previous accident!

[Lauren]

Wow, it looks fantastic. zippersource picked the perfect color. I'm still wondering how many sts you crocheted out of how many knit sts? I'm so jealous you're finished with BPT and are wrapping yourself in Lana d'Oro!

[Lynette]

Your BPT is awesome! Yes, you make putting zippers in sound like a breeze, but I know it was a lot of work. It looks flawless. Take care!

[Vicki]

Fabulous! Thanks so much. It's taken a year, but I'm edging closer to making buttonholes with the machine on a knitted vest. Some of the technique for inserting a zipper will apply, as I'll be sewing grosgrain ribbon on the wrong side(s) for stability.

[Margene]

You did another great job. Here's hoping life slows down a bit to let you catch your breath.

[Cindy]

Wow! wonderful. I am so into the pretty ribbon addition to the zipper. Thanks for the class. : )

[Cindy]

sorry ..double comment. I remember March of 1990 I spent the whole month with Chicken Pox kids. One got them then the other. My son was only a year old and his poor diaper area was horrible. I was sooo depressed after all that, I still, too this day remember it like it was yesterday.
So glad you've reached your quota.

[Annie]

Your BPT looks great. Thank you so much for the "Zipper 101" course. I know it is helping me a bunch.

Hope your weekend is calm.

[monica]

I like the zipper idea. I have some of that yarn also in my stash (what don't I have) that I could use for the same sweater. Hmmmm.....

[Norma]

I love that ribbon -- what a lovely finish. I'm nervous, but excited, about my upcoming first zipper -- that is, if I ever get to finish the Kirstin sweater.

[chris]

Thanks for the primer. I skipped the ribbon because the fabric of the jacket is just too drapey. The weight of the zipper was already too much for it. And it was too wide for the zipper. Yours looks great!

[Siow Chin]

That really is lovely work on the zipper! I just admire your positive attitude, hope everyone can get well soonest!

[Jackie]

Thanks so much for the great zipper instructions - I was feeling very nervous about putting a zipper in my BPT (if I ever finish!), but your tutorial has made me feel a little better. It looks beautiful!! Enjoy wearing it.
About threes - YES!! You should be free now. :)

[Eva Shiu]

Thanks for sharing the zipper idea. I am knitting a vest with zipper now. It is the my very first project with zipper. I love the idea off adding a ribbon. at the back. Beautiful !

[Kathleen]

Looks terrific! I would have no patience to put a zipper in though. I hope things lighten up at home. I am glad everyone is on the mend. I hope you had a good weekend. Owen and I did. :)

[Jean]

Love the look of the ribbon inside. You did a great job sewing it in.

[Kim]

Hey! What's goin' on over here? BPT is gorgeous, you tiny little Miss Thang! The ribbon idea is such a good one--thank you for the photos. Now please--get to knitting, will you? ;)