Hi Everyone! This week we round out the zipper topic with a look at sewing closed end zippers. These types of zippers can cause a bit of frustration because the pull is difficult to sew around, but I've learned a few tricks and tips that I'm excited to share with you to make this process much easier!

Pattern Overview (LJ designs that use a closed end zipper):

• Liberty Jane Penny Peplum Lane Top

Resources:

Separating zippers can be harder to find when shopping for doll size items If you like to shop online, check out these sources:

• Homesew.com (Same larougetdelisle styles both 5" and 6" metal teeth and 6" nylon coil)
• Zipper That Doll (Separating zippers )
• Zip It (Etsy shop) Invisible and Separating - (note - their metal teeth zippers are too large for doll items) They have a large selection of colors of invisible zippers!
• Check your local fabric stores for invisible zippers - you can use any length longer than 7" (for a dress) and trim them down. Stores like Pacific Fabrics, JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, even Wal-Mart!

Week Four task:

• Watch the videos and practice on one of the suggested patterns or a pattern that you already have :)

Next Tuesday  - New Topic: Specialty Fabrics!

Hi Everyone! This week we're going to take a look at replacing an existing hook and loop tape closure with a zipper. This is a great way to elevate the overall look of your garment. After doing this a few times this might be your go-to closure, no more snagging hair, broken needles, or skipped stitches! Zippers are also easy for little hands, so this type of closure is a great alternative for "play clothes" too.

In the video posted below, I share with you an example of swapping the back closure on the Salina Dress from hook and loop tape to an invisible zipper. For the most part I followed the pattern instructions to make the dress, but decided to sew the bodice lining down a little differently on the inside for a cleaner finish. I actually love the way this dress looks with a zipper and may go back and add this method to the original pattern too! I hope this will encourage and inspire you to try something new!

Pattern Overview (designs you could change to a zipper):

• Liberty Jane Salina Dress 18" Dolls 
• Liberty Jane Salina Dress 14.5" Dolls 
• Liberty Jane Kimberley Dress 18" Dolls 
• Liberty Jane Killara Dress 18" Dolls 

Resources:

Separating zippers can be harder to find when shopping for doll size items If you like to shop online, check out these sources:

• Homesew.com (Same larougetdelisle styles both 5" and 6" metal teeth and 6" nylon coil)
• Zipper That Doll (Separating zippers )
• Zip It (Etsy shop) Invisible and Separating - (note - their metal teeth zippers are too large for doll items) They have a large selection of colors of invisible zippers!
• Check your local fabric stores for invisible zippers - you can use any length longer than 7" (for a dress) and trim them down. Stores like Pacific Fabrics, JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, even Wal-Mart!

Week Three task:

• Watch the videos and practice on one of the suggested patterns or a pattern that you already have :)

Next Tuesday  - Week 4: Wrap up, closed end, and exposed zippers...

Hi Everyone! Let's talk about - Separating Zippers!  If you want to add a higher level of authenticity to a doll garment, then this is the added detail that will make that difference. Tiny separating zippers really make the garment look like a miniature version of the real thing. There are two basic types of separating zippers - nylon coil teeth and metal teeth/pull. The plastic (nylon) style is easier to find and comes in a variety of colors and lengths. It's fairly easy to shorten as well. The metal teeth version will usually need to be bought from a seller that has them specifically for doll scale items. The version you can find at a regular retail shop usually has a pull that is too large (doll scale is size 3 or smaller). In the past we sold these types of zippers through larougetdelisle, but now we've created resource list (posted below) of a few different places you can find them online. Home Sew is carrying the same color and style selection that was formerly available on larougetdelisle, as well as a variety of other notions that recommend. Zipper that Doll carries both plastic and metal, but in a different selection of colors. They also carry a tiny closed end zipper which is great for the smaller dolls (just be sure to purchase the zipper stops!). Zip it (on easy) carries a great selection of colors for both separating and invisible zippers.

In the video posted below, I share with you a method for installing a separating zipper into a lined jacket as well as an example of shortening a metal teeth zipper. I hope this will encourage and inspire you to try something new!

Pattern Overview (designs with invisible zippers):

• Liberty Jane Avila Aviator 18" Dolls 
• Liberty Jane Avila Aviator 14.5" Dolls 
• Liberty Jane Motorcycle Jacket 
• Liberty Jane Motorcycle Jacket BFC Ink Doll 
• Liberty Jane Bomber Jacket 18" Dolls
• Liberty Jane Ruched Hoodie 
• Liberty Jane Peleton Cropped Moto Jacket 18" Dolls 

Resources:

Separating zippers can be harder to find when shopping for doll size items If you like to shop online, check out these sources:

• Homesew.com (Same larougetdelisle styles both 5" and 6" metal teeth and 6" nylon coil)
• Zipper That Doll (Separating zippers )
• Zip It (Etsy shop) Invisible and Separating - (note - their metal teeth zippers are too large for doll items)

Week One task:

• Watch the videos and practice on one of the suggested patterns or a pattern that you already have :)

Next Tuesday  - Week 3: Adding a zipper closure...

Hi Everyone! Let's talk about - Sewing with zippers!  Let's be honest, Zippers can be pretty terrifying! But rest assured, practice makes perfect! Early on, hook and loop tape was my go to closure, I let my fear of sewing with zippers influence my decision for the best way to finish my garment. But after a bit of practice, I can now say a zipper closure is definitely the way to go (when appropriate, of course!) There are still many times when snaps or buttons may be best, or a thin piece of hook and loop tape is the most practical (especially for little hands). My hope is that after this course, you will no longer fear zippers and have the confidence to sew one into your doll garment when desired!

So let's dive into this topic and take a look at the different types and installation methods!

In the videos posted below, I share with you an overview of the month long topic, a quick look at the zipper foot, and then a hands on tutorial for inserting and sewing an invisible zipper into your garment. I hope this will encourage and inspire you to try something new!

Pattern Overview (designs with invisible zippers):

• Liberty Jane Hello Oscar 
• Liberty Jane Opening Night 
• Liberty Jane Abbey Road A-Line Dress 
• Liberty Jane Cosplay Day Dress
• Liberty Jane Blossom Dress 
• Liberty Jane Sheath Dress 

Resources:

Invisible zippers can be found just about anywhere, and there's usually a large variety of colors available! You can buy any length, and shorten them to the desired length very easily. If you like to shop online, check out these sources for invisible zippers:

• Homesew.com
• Amazon.com
• JoAnn Fabrics (in store and online)
• Hobby Lobby (in store and online)
• Fabric.com
• Etsy

Week One task:

• Watch the videos and practice on one of the suggested patterns or a pattern that you already have :)

Next Tuesday  - Week 2: Separating Zippers...