A Smart Sewing Technique for an Imperceptible Zipper - Special Release

Threads Contributing Editor Kenneth D. King shares a smart method for installing an (almost) invisible zipper in this special release of an exclusive Threads Insider member video.
The process calls for a couple of quick rows of basting stitches to control the zipper’s position and a nifty trick with a hemostat for getting the slider out of the way so you can sew to the zipper end.
Become a Threads Insider for more expert technique videos. goo.gl/s15KCM
--------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Threads: www.threadsmagazine.com
Facebook: / threadsmagazine
Twitter: / threadsmagazine
Instagram: / threadsmagazine
Pinterest: / threadsmagazine

[@whatkindofnameisella682]

the calmness and patience with which this is explained makes it SO MUCH EASIER to understand. agh!! finally a helpful tutorial!!

[@viviancovington7813]

Amen to that!

[@nofirstorlast8405]

Yes! He is a wonderful instructor!!!

[@polymorphseviltwin]

Who in the world downvoted this video??? It's clear, comprehensive, and incredibly helpful. Usually I end up FF chatty obnoxious people to get to the directions I need but this video is perfection! TY! I will definitely be looking for other tips and tuts by you!

[@nataliadedios]

Kenneth King was my professor for my haute couture sewing techniques class at FIT in new york! He taught us this same method - amazing teacher!

[@simonebooyse6927]

This is so far the best video I have ever seen. He jumps right in and shows you how. No OVER explaining and talking so much it hurts your ears. ❤️

[@JL-ge5pt]

And no annoying musical soundtrack - a wonderful tutorial.

[@veraprollius361]

Brilliant, thanks!

[@noplacelikehome9116]

I've been sewing for nearly 50 years and have never put in a perfect zipper... until today! Your technique is amazing. Love your teaching style. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us! ❤️

[@carey-loujones7860]

I've also been sewing for 40 years & your tutorial is the first time I've successfully installed an invisible zipper ! I watch it every time I do one now ❤

[@PibbleMom297]

I've been sewing zippers for over 60 years and this idea is the best I've ever seen for inserting an invisible one; It's brilliant! Thank you.

[@Noelani-jk8vh]

I've got THREE dresses waiting for invisible zips to go in... I'm a perfectionist and like my dresses to look good inside and out, one my sewing phobias is invisible zips... not any more I think after watching this video. Thank you Kenneth.

[@tiggyliggy]

Sooooo very well explained!! Steady, calm, methodical, step by step instructions and straight to what you need to know. Many, many thanks Kenneth for this

[@sallyadams3981]

Hello.Kenneth D King, I have just installed the perfect invisible zip. You are a wizard...... it came out perfectly in a heavyish corduroy. Thank you ever so much.

[@Maryam-mw1wm]

I always feel confident in using your techniques - your explanations are so calm, thorough and detailed. It is the little things that help so much - for example, "the zipper teeth should be perpendicular - not leaning in either direction". Thank you!

[@7andromeda]

not sure why would anyone DISlike this video!? Awesome instructions and it helped me figure out my zipper problem. I just quickly pinned it to check out if it's going to fix my problem, and it did. Thank you!

[@msuebentley]

I'm a sewing and upholstery professional. I appreciate your attention to detail and craftsmanship. That's what keeps us going. Good work is its own reward.

[@labresults3650]

Wow, the best procedure I've seen on invisible zipper installation. KUDOS Kenneth!

[@roxannlegg750]

Ah - basting and directional sewing...the keys to smooth dressmaking! At school - where dressmaking was a full year subject for 3 years for me....basting (or tacking as we call it here in Australia) we were taught to baste everything. Period. I cant communicate enough how much basting is now part of my DNA. 40 years later I still baste everything. Well nearly...my skill can cope a lot now. But basting is the key for success for places that require precision. Great video and this is also the way I was taught to do it.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

As I watch more and more tutorials from experts like Kenneth I realize how fortunate I was to have an excellent sewing teacher in high school in the UK. This was back in the 70s and I took 4 years of Needlework. I don't know what my teacher's background was but she taught us so many couture techniques. This was how we were taught to do zippers. I don't do much garment sewing these days, but that attention to detail has carried over to all my sewing projects. I'm so grateful for all my teacher taught me.

[@Princesspuffer]

When sewing for the theatre we never use invisible zippers and usually replace them with lapped. Just finished a commissioned dress that required an invisible zipper. On velvet no less. Never put one in before today. This tutorial was amazing and I got on the first shot. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial. I grumbled but I didn't cuss. Once again, thanks for a great video. PS I did use a Bernina invisible zipper foot.

[@monicaraine4189]

I've been intimidated by invisible zips for years.... Never could get them right. THANK YOU for this excellent tutorial. I've put in 4 today..... All perfect.

[@SR-qg7hw]

Finally a tutorial that taught me how to put one of these little monsters in! Thank you for taking the time time share yhis

[@janiceblack9646]

MAHALO!!!!!!! The best and easiest technique I have ever seen.

[@mernabrown9479]

I’ve been searching all over for a slant-shank invisible zipper foot! Thank you so very much I already have the foot you use in this video. I’ve never been able to sew a zipper in perfectly. Thanks again!

[@lisamccaff9217]

New to sewing and so happy to have learned this method early! Thank you Kenneth D King

[@karlanielsen8896]

Genius idea. I like invisible zippers but never use them because of that little bump at the bottom and I will definitely try this. Oddly, I have had a hemostat in my sewing room for thirty years - I have no idea where it came from but now I'm glad I never got rid of it.

[@DiannaAtherton]

Long time sewist here and this isy method for success thanks to you.

[@DiannaAtherton]

I have your video saved and I can't tell you how many times I've had to refer to it when I put in your flawless zipper. I appreciate you mading this video

[@wendyb7993]

Ohhh it’s like a revelation I have struggle with the bump at the end of the zip for years used all sorts of feet and spent a fortune and I already had everything I need 😂😂THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH for this video 💕💕💕🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@martinarett3460]

The BEST way! Thank you, thank you, thank you! No more frustrating pucker! You've brought back the joy of sewing.

[@LCmonman]

Can’t believe how beautifully this works!!

[@kathleencompton9006]

Thank you so much! I put 1 zipper in a test garment it came out fine. The next one I had to do it 3 times before it was in correctly. Now, I will not have to pull my hair out while putting in the invisible zipper anymore! Easy-Peezy!

[@ericamackenzie7166]

What a brilliant tutorial!! my first ever successful invisible zip!

[@CLT51154]

Yet another invaluable tip from Kenneth! I've been following him since he was "Just a kid with a crazy dream". He's such a doll!

[@sallyrich2195]

OMG!! 4 years of sewing at Tafe and I just learnt the perfect method! Thankyou so much for this ..... it IS perfection!

[@amywaller8437]

I could listen to Kenneth explain things all day.

[@christabradley424]

Thanks SO much. I've spent three days looking at and trying tutorials for installing invisible zippers! This is by far the best and most well done that I've seen ANYWHERE! Thank you!

[@kellyross4801]

Where has this technique been all my life?? I love that you don't need an invisible zipper foot, and I love how smooth it is!! It never occurred to me to open the zip *past* the end. 🤦 Brilliant!! I have wondered occasionally if the trend of exposed "decorative" zips had anything to do with other people also finding it a challenge to sew a perfect invisible zipper. 🙄

[@morningglorify]

I have been sewing 40+ years and just now learned your wonderful technique! Thx Threads and Kenneth!

[@DianeConway-yc8fl]

Probably not the first time you have heard that you are amazing! So calm, so clear - no blah blah blah - Thank You!

[@katyafransheskahernandezsi6519]

Kenneth D. King, the most fabulous sewing instructor ever. Thanks for this great method, you've saved my life.

[@vickirogers4565]

Thank you. I just put the zipper in my daughter's wedding dress following this tutorial. It came out perfect.

[@nicolafortune587]

Thank you soooooo much for sharing your brilliance with us. Well done Kenneth...

[@Safiabensafghoul]

OMG!! Forever thankful...trying for years (I’m self taught, the bad the good and the ugly but love it all) to find a way that would work for me...and I find it, THANKS to you. It’s perfect.

[@olayinkanwachukwu4215]

This is awesome! I have had a generic zipper foot for decades, and a few years ago I also bought an invisible zipper foot. I have had a measure of success with both when installing invisible zippers( but always struggled either to get the teeth truly hidden, or to avoid sewing over them!). I will definitely try this immediately. Thank you Kenneth.

[@bakerj323]

Just sewed my first zipper. Thank you. Instructions were amazing.

[@deborahwelch1272]

I really appreciate how you explain the process. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@carvinganish]

Kenneth D King is the best!

[@bsevde1986]

Kenneth King, you have always rocked! And you still rock! Thank you for this!

[@cruzmaribellara961]

Wow! I am so elated over this technique. Thank you very much for obviously loving sewing like I do and for sharing your knowledge. I am self-taught since I was first given my first sewing machine by my father when I was 13 years young. I strive now to learn more about everything sewing; thankfully through KZbin and still continuing to create my own visions.

[@cedainty]

You've explained this troublesome installation very well. This is pretty much what I've done since those beautiful zippers came on the market!

[@erikaalexandraparrabernal2021]

Mr Kenneth D. King, you are a saviour! I was about to give up and your indications are just incredible and useful for my projects. Thank you @threadssewing for this incredible video!

[@NadoCrowFriend]

Kennith King & Threads mag: A marriage made in Heaven! Thank you for yet another fabulously presented video!

[@susanstolarski4153]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Also appreciate you step by step tutorial utilizing a separate sample for each stage of the process.

[@pamelagibson7732]

I have sewn for 40 years and I think this is absolutely the best way to install an invisible zipper--- Thanks for sharing!!

[@suzanbolarinwa877]

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH for this video, it's the best invisible zipper installation technique I've seen. It's so perfect.

[@christinehogendijk473]

Thank you so much for your teaching of the invisible zipper installation. This is superior to all other methods I have attempted, it gives a smooth finish at the end instead of the usual "tail" I have seen many times.

[@christinezwicke1002]

Mr. King, your technique and teaching style is perfection! Every necessary detail is covered in a crisp and understandable style. Thank you!

[@campbellcreek]

Amazing. So easy to understand. Thank you. It was so helpful today on a wedding dress. I combined this method with the technique Louise Cuttings teaches to finish off top of invisible zipper. Absolutely perfect. So happy. Thank you Kenneth! I will use this method exclusively now too.

[@viviennecampbell2058]

I am minoring in clothing construction at my university and they taught us the usual way to sew an invisible zipper, but this method is so much better because it really makes the transition of the zipper to the fabric seam perfect! Your solution is great! So proffesional, thank you!

[@nanastevens4094]

Wow! Glad this popped up, it's amazing. I even have a few hemostats (left over from suture removal kits). Thank you so much for sharing this technique.

[@DonnaAskins]

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your expertise! For years I have struggled with that pesky zipper slide. Getting it out of the way will change everything.

[@missqlalah]

I love you Prof King!! I was honored to have you as my Prof at FIT! ❤

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Very thorough demonstration about invisible zipper installation. Your step by step method with preface examples to show makes this video especially effective. Thank you. I met you when I took your course on Craftsy for the fly front coat, and you are as excellent and precise in your explanations as ever. Thank you.

[@FearlessBoricua]

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you Kenneth! God bless you for sharing your talent!!!!!!!!

[@jeannettegriffinwilson7388]

He is by far the best sewing instructor ever!!!!! I just love him !!!

[@Nettieoiuyt]

Thank you so much Mr King - your advice is amazing. Thank you SO much for sharing it publicly.

[@eileenfb1948]

This makes so much sense, it takes away the guesswork of how close to the seam should the zip be. Thank you so, Sew much.

[@carey-loujones7860]

I so LOVE this tutorial. Perfect length, perfect explanation, perfect result ! Thank you so much. Like many, I have struggled to get my invisible zips in and looking good, but not now ! xxxxx

[@carey-loujones7860]

I did this and it worked perfectly! Battl s for years with these darn zips ! Thank you so much 😊

[@youngmanmary2918]

I was taught this method also. Glad I found this .Each time I sew I get better.My favorite hobby is sewing.

[@katzwhite5962]

I bought the hemostat and I put invisible zip in a top and for the first time ever there was no wierd bump at bottom of zip. Thank you sooo much for the tutorial. I was so pleased 😃🤩💕🇬🇧

[@maureenabueva192]

Just saw your video and used this fantastic method. First time I have no bump on my bum. Mr. King thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. Keep up the awesome work. Thanks to Threads for releasing the video.

[@tunnasch]

Oh, my goodness. Frickin’ GENIUS. I haven’t sewn many garments with, or without, zippers so I’m glad I know this technique right off the bat, Thank you so much! :)

[@GreatBelinda]

Great video. I haven’t installed an invisible zippers eons! I am going to be guiding a young girl in making a fancy dress for a fine arts competition and the pattern calls for an invisible zipper. This cam at the perfect time! Thank you Kenneth!!

[@Inaneassylum]

What a Godsend this technique is! No more struggling with invisible zippers! Thank you for sharing this.

[@australopithecus6015]

Thank you for this tutorial! I hated doing invisible zips and this has been the best zip technique for me so far. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@giselablee2709]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this excellent demonstration - I just need to remember to buy an overlong zipper in future. I couldn't get the tab far enough out of the way this time so have ended up with a slightly shorter zipped opening. I can't believe how great it looks!

[@maymayHaiLua]

The instructors are very detailed, professional and very enthusiastic! Thanks teacher !!

[@goskip7206]

Clear and easy to understand instructions. I was afraid to install an invisible zipper for years but following these instructions I did it beautifully the first time. Thank you!

[@texbex1117]

KDK! This was a game-changer! Thank you so much. I've struggled with that dang pucker for so long. No more!

[@wulfrenne]

I just tackled my first one using your method. Perfect on the first try. The only area I had issues with was making sure I had the coils on the seam. Thanks!

[@Dean56Bell]

WOW!!! Thanks so much for this video! I have viewed many tutorials on KZbin on how to install an invisible zipper..... yours is by far the best I have seen. This one really made the most sense to me. Tried it on a blouse that I was making and it turned out great! Thanks again for a very informative video!

[@aquariuslady8277]

That is the best invisible zipper installation technique I've seen! Thank you.

[@mmills5951]

Following your steps, Mr. King, I just completed successfully my first invisible zipper! This process works on knits just as easily as you showed with wovens. I’ve been sewing for 50 years but have avoided invisible and separating zippers, both of which I have now successfully completed. You are a great teacher Mr. King! Thank you!

[@labresults3650]

Me too!

[@karenobrien6567]

Loved this. First time in 40 years of sewing that I am happy with my zipper install first time. Thank you

[@VAshley]

The best invisible zipper tutorial I've seen yet. THANK YOU!!!!

[@wsksklyn2541]

Great video! Learned how to do this back in the 60's. I have since forgetton who taught me. Thanks for the refresher, as I haven't put a zipper in in about 30+ years. It's a bit more work but the piece has a more professional look.

[@janiewilliams5803]

Thank you, Mr. King! I just tried this, and it worked!! I don' t have that tool (yet), but was able to use small tweezers to move the slide. I am thrilled :)

[@terryivey5374]

Thank you for such an informative video. Love the pace and how clear you are in the instruction. Now we can all tame those wobbly pesky zippers into place :)

[@sueiverson258]

This is exactly how I do it but I didn't think to use the hemostat! Thank you!!!

[@Nancy-bz8ge]

KDK is a magician! and a generous and kind teacher to the home sewer... this is so darn perfect. I have hemostats... now another use for them. Thank you Professor King!

[@Threads]

We totally agree. He's the best!

[@csknight]

Found your video just before sewing in my first invisible zipper ever - thank you!! So pleased to have learnt this technique - you do beautiful work !♥

[@susanallison5101]

Wow, this is wonderful - the first time ever that I have put in a concealed zip successfully.Thankyou So Very Much.xxx

[@garden4561]

Thank you for not waffling, but explaining the technique so clearly.

[@veemercer1698]

Love you Kenneth King! Great video on invisible zipper install. ❤️

[@MP-ng1sc]

Basting is the key to sewing tricky things like this zipper, THANKS SO MUCH🙏

[@thembikunene5175]

Newbie here, and this is a game changer for me!!! ❤❤❤

[@lesliecollins3580]

Fantastic technique! Not only does it solve the pucker at the end, it also makes sure that the waistband seams and patterns match up on either side of the zipper. I have always basted the zipper in but the technique with the machine basting before hand basting ensures that everything is perfectly lined up. Thank you for sharing. I will no longer be stressing out before putting in an invisible zipper.

[@louiset2079]

Oh wow! I have searched many videos on invisible zippers and found them so confusing. This is so much more intuitive. You have revolutionized installing the invisible zipper! Brilliant.

[@CBromfield]

Like some commenters here, I am a fairly advanced sewer. I have put in invisible zippers with no bumpity bump issues.....until....the dreaded bias cut dress and there was no way this dress could get on and off (easy) with out a zipper. I installed the zipper so many times (it's only the muslin silk, not the actual fabric) and each time ugh! I was becoming discouraged and then I remembered stumbling on your video a few years ago. Followed the method and it is incredible how beautiful this works. Thanks 5 years later and I am grateful for this tutorial. Thanks PS I have been holding off getting a Hemostat for a long time, but I really need to go ahead and get one for my toolbox.

[@corlissyamasaki3476]

Tried your method last night except i used the invisible zipper foot. Perfect results! Thank you!

[@eileenfb1948]

I’ve just tried this and it really works. Thank you, thank you. Love these videos.