Snipping zips / zippers when sewing around a curve. Can I snip a zip?

[@pattystein3143]

I really enjoy when you share from your experience. It reinforces why your expertise is incomparable.

[@SpencerOgg]

Thank you Patty, you are too kind 😘

[@lindatarle5162]

This is an excellent tutorial. The 'why' is often skipped in 'how to do' tutorials. You are the best!!

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks Linda 😘😘

[@cathymackay5534]

Well, I never knew that about the line in the zip! I’d always thought it was to show me where to stitch…many thanks xxx

[@SpencerOgg]

Happy to help 😘

[@user-hk9jb2vc6i]

I am happy you posted this so we would know the differences! I haven't bought the striped zip and will now avoid it. As always, another great video and good advice! This is something we wouldn't know...but you do and are trying to make us better sewers! Thank you Diane!

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks so much for you kind words, glad you found it helpful. 😘

[@spat7378]

I'm rather new to bags and installing zips, so this is good info to have. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@SpencerOgg]

Happy I can help 😀

[@KelleAnnRN]

Oh my goodness! I was devastated when a backpack I'd made as a gift for my 80-year old aunt, had this exact issue. She came to visit with what looked like a shredded zipper and it broke my heart. Yes, I'd used a striped zipper, yes, I'd cut into it over a curve and I thought secure because I'd used a lighter on the areas I'd snipped. Mystery solved. Thank you!

[@SpencerOgg]

Oh no! That must have been so upsetting.

[@BellaSandella]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!’ I cringe every time I see zippers being snipped! I hear my mother’s voice saying, if the zip was supposed to be snipped they’d have made it that way! I appreciate this most helpful vid ❤

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks, I hope it does expain a little more about what we can get away with 😍

[@karenprim5295]

I watched this video when you first made it and thought I'd tuck the information away.......nope.....made a small bag....clipped and it frayed! LOL I wracked my brain to remember who had an explanation....and you popped into my head :-) Thank you! I WILL remember next time!

[@SpencerOgg]

Sorry!

[@donnadickerson5061]

Always knew tape weave went 2 directions, but never knew why. Thanks for teaching me something today!!

[@SpencerOgg]

😘😘😘

[@sandramorris7964]

Thanks for the tips. This is so helpful and will save a lot of tears and frustration.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ckperks1]

Thanks for the info. When things are explained it’s unlikely mistakes are made. Genius, but that’s what we get from you at all levels. Thank you once again.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad to help and thank you for your kind words 😘

[@lynneseta]

Thank you so much. This is very timely as I am about to teach a group how to sew zips, add zipper pulls, and other tricks. I too have fallen victim to a 'designer' zip that fell apart and I couldn't figure out what in the world made it happen.

[@SpencerOgg]

Good luck with the class. You'll be amazing. We always surprise ourselves with how much we have buried in our minds over the years that we are able to share ❤️

[@sheilanickeas9629]

Great video Diane thank you. I used a stripped zip and didn't snip at all and it frayed. Ended up taking the bag apart. Will only use them now for little straight pouches x

[@njame2137]

Me too

[@mummysimpsonhomemadebyhilly]

Thank you so much. I have some striped zipper tape and was worried about using it but now I know when it will be safe. You always explain things so clearly.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad I could help!

[@MuzikInZpired]

That’s very helpful! Thank you. I did notice some people who were one way or the other die hard but I guess it really comes down to the material.

[@SpencerOgg]

My pleasure, definitely always worth checking your own zip of course, but just keep your eye out for that reinforcement line and you should be fine :)

[@manonhache-mcneil5410]

Thank you so much for your explanation! I will use this info for future projects. 🥰

[@clombard7134]

Thanks for this video. I have resorted to using a bit of Fray Block on a zip that I snipped into. Oops!

[@sherylcorgan7862]

Wow, extremely useful information on zips. Yes, I have gone through all my zip tapes and found one that does not have the line. And now I know what not to do. Thank you.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Sharon-tg1li]

Thank you so much for this video, it answers a lot of questions. It's good to know we can snip them except for the stripped or designer zippers. Love your video's.

[@SpencerOgg]

Thank you. Happy sewing!

[@alicebestjackson]

Great explanation of zippers. Thank you!

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@catherinemorgan6402]

Thanks so much Diane. I’m pretty new to bag making and have a lot to learn so forewarned is forearmed. Cheers. Just going for a tea break now and possibly a Jaffa cake or two or three!

[@SpencerOgg]

Yeyy. Can't do any sewing without a jaffa cake or 10 🤣

[@jolynnbrummer5382]

This was a very good video. I never knew this about a zipper.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was useful, many thanks

[@melindapat1744]

Oh my gosh!! That video was so helpful. I appreciate your knowledge and brevity. Thanks

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks, glad it helps

[@anneg5786]

Your expertise always helps me so much! Thanks for your videos!❤

[@SpencerOgg]

Happy to help!

[@pamhoppe9751]

Thanks for this explanation - I never realized this!

[@SpencerOgg]

You are so welcome!

[@iamges1]

Great video and learning opportunity! Thank you!

[@gabbybagsnmore6864]

Thank you for this VERY informative and educational tutorial!!! I’ve learned a lot for this video!!!

[@SpencerOgg]

😘😘

[@MelodySlachter-wx3hl]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! It helps tremendously!

[@SpencerOgg]

So glad :)

[@anneg5786]

Thanks!

[@SpencerOgg]

Thank you so much 😘😘😘

[@eviepatterson2530]

Thank you for the Great info .🌸

[@v.r.sumner9693]

Thanks for the good information!

[@barbaraspendiff717]

Such useful information. Many thanks. X

[@elainefagin513]

Diane, thank you! That was such a great explanation. Thank you for the demonstration as well!

[@SpencerOgg]

You are so welcome!

[@kjerstibakke2326]

Thank you for this explanation 🙏👏🏻😊 That explains a lot 😇

[@SpencerOgg]

You're welcome 😊

[@allsewpetite]

Great information as always! Thank you for sharing!

[@SpencerOgg]

My pleasure!

[@nickytetlaw2298]

Great information about zips, thank you ❤

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Noskipstitch]

Interesting, great info. Thank u! I don't know if u changed your hairstyle, but whatever u did, keep it. U look fabulous

[@SpencerOgg]

Thank you Sonia - I've grown my hair, (and I've been on a fitness campaign too lol)

[@cherieemmons6833]

I knew it! It was going to be about fraying zips!! Great explanation! I, too, was wondering if any reinforcement stitching could be added in the curved areas to stop the fraying, but knowing the manufacturing process now, I’m guessing it would not reliably hold up over time. Thanks for the info and backing it up from experience in the industry!! Now I want to buy the pattern for the shirt you are so brilliantly wearing in the color that is so perfect for you!!! Is there a garment group I’m missing?

[@SpencerOgg]

I really don't think I would trust just stitching a couple of extra lines on the zip tape sorry! Thanks, wish I'd made the shirt, it's from kettlewell colours - they do fab colours to suit your own seasonal pallet 😍 (sounds fancy but you just do the online quiz 😂)

[@JadeWoodson]

MUCH THANKS! Excellent information.

[@SpencerOgg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jjk109]

Got it! This was helpful! TY 😊

[@klwmadeit]

Great information, thanks!

[@sleeplessinscandia6452]

Thanks! I had no idea! 😮

[@NLVStitches]

Really informative thank you so much 😊

[@SpencerOgg]

My pleasure 😊

[@carolynlasala5257]

Great info. Thanks!

[@pamelahall3699]

This was such good and useful information! Thank you for taking the time to share!!!

[@jakehoe9279]

Thanks, very informative.

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks for watching!

[@njame2137]

Mine on the Boothstown frayed on the centre straight part. It’s put me right off striped zips. I have about 9 yds of it too 🤦‍♀️- I believe from the shop I bought it that they’ve had lots of complaints where used on curves.

[@SpencerOgg]

Its a shame because its very pretty. Hopefully you can use it up on projects with straight zips

[@njame2137]

I might try Adding Binding to edge of the striped zips before using - maybe that will help...

[@SpencerOgg]

They are fine when used on the straight, its only if you are snipping into them that the problem arises 😊

[@amandatrask9695]

Great info.

[@marykirtley3474]

Good info, thanks.

[@joniwittwer5280]

Good information

[@margitrammus6388]

Thank you! Very useful information (y)

[@rourkuscreations]

Great advice video Diane thanks. Instead of fancy zips would Chris Hawkes dressing a zip idea be a more suitable option?

[@SpencerOgg]

Hiya xxx Absolutely! That works a treat and really helps jazz up a plain zip.

[@mechelleflippo5489]

Fantastic information! Is there a way maybe to reinforce the striped zips to emulate the solid colors? Ex: see a triple stitch in the same location as the solids or just in the areas that need to be snipped? Also, you are glowing in this video! I very much enjoy your tutorials and pattern expertise.

[@SpencerOgg]

You could try sewing a few lines of stitching across the middle of the tape, I havent tried it out but to be honest I'm not totally convinced it would work, you would have to grab every thread in there somehow. Give it a trial run perhaps, never say never lol. Thanks - just back from my holidays :)

[@mechelleflippo5489]

If I give it a whirl, I will let you know how it goes :) @@SpencerOgg

[@galefick1877]

Hi....Thanks for that informative info.....❤

[@SpencerOgg]

My pleasure 😊

[@PrincessAndMonkey]

A lot of people are having shredding issues with the stripe zipper. I recommend folding over 1/4’ fusible interfacing around the outer seam to strengthen the weave. Great video tutorial as always!

[@SpencerOgg]

Great tip 😀👍👍

[@jaimesparkman5071]

Thank you!

[@jcnyc55]

Wow I’m first. Hi love your patterns

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sharonmaue6812]

Thanks Diane! I made a Bummity Bum bag for friend with a striped zipper. I stitched over the zipper a few times but also trimmed the seam allowance as directed. Do you think that it might also fray? In the future I’ll be sure to use a fray check product on its edges.

[@SpencerOgg]

It might be absolutely fine. If you haven't heard anything after a week it's probably OK 🤞🤞

[@sharonmaue6812]

Thanks Diane! I did end up seeing her yesterday and asked her about the zipper and she told me it’s fine and that she loves the bag! ❤ 🎉

[@donnacornell6340]

Great info.... thx!!

[@beckgillette]

Would it help to stitch a line of short stitches where the reinforced line would be?

[@SpencerOgg]

You could give it a try but I honestly don't think it would be enough to 'grab' all the threads within the zip tape?

[@denisehosner3405]

Good info!!!!

[@SpencerOgg]

Thanks!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Thank you. Would it help to sew a line of stitches about one-eighth inch from the edge first and then snip to the line??

[@SpencerOgg]

I'm not sure a line of stitching would be secure enough, you could try it on a small piece of this stripey zip though.

[@inthekitchen8842]

@@SpencerOgg thank you. Appreciate your work and creativity.

[@sallysnowball1866]

THANK YOU !!!

[@SpencerOgg]

Welcome!

[@Karen626]

Thank you SO MUCH for this, Diane!!!! So helpful and informative.

[@SpencerOgg]

You are so welcome!

[@TACHICENT]

Love channel ❤❤❤

[@judyslonestarshop]

In my experience when using the striped zippers, they frayed even when I did not snip them. Those zippers will fray even when slightly stretched along a curve.

[@SpencerOgg]

I kind of agree Judy, they are not very stable at all

[@jeaninedrylie1499]

Very helpful video - thanks!

[@MonaDidWhat]

I never snip a zip along the tape. I snip the fabric instead

[@SpencerOgg]

Lots of people do, but hopefully this tut explains which parts of the zip tape (and which zips) are safe to snip 😍

[@SewFelicia]

❤❤

[@soniaaltbck2990]

[@nitababcock3977]

I've never snipped my zippers

[@SomeAB]

afaik @spencer_ogg in the zippers that don't have reinforcement already.. we can just make a custom reinforcement line by sewing it before making the cuts

[@SpencerOgg]

That would definitely help, but I don't think it would solve it completely :)