Struggling to sew an invisible zipper into your cosplay? It's quick & easy once you have a few helpful tools! Grab you costume and follow along with this demonstration of a tried and true method for installing an invisible zipper onto the seams of projects.
Supplies List
- Sewing Machine
- Invisible Zipper
- Matching Fabric & Thread
- Invisible Zipper Foot
- Wash Away Stay Tape
- Washable Marker
- Straight Pins (or Wonder Clips)
- Iron
Tutorial Video
For this video, I used our print-at-home sewing pattern to make a cosplay inspired by Princess Zelda's ceremonial dress from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You can find this pattern in our store, along with others that call for an invisible zipper - scroll down for links!
When it comes to installing an invisible zipper, a sewing machine foot designed for this purpose is arguably the most important tool to have on hand. You can find universal invisible zipper feet online for low-shank machines (the most common style of home sewing machines) for a few dollars.
The second most important tool is your iron. Ironing the zipper teeth away from the zipper tape before installation is a key step in installing a zipper that completely blends in with the seam of your garment.
While optional, I also recommend using 'Stay Tape' as mentioned in the video, along with pins or wonder clips to hold the zipper in place. Having stay tape adding additional hold to the zipper tape, and keeping the tape firmly in place while sewing, can save you from the stress of seam ripping out an imperfect zipper and starting over.
If you keep these tools and steps in mind, invisible zippers will feel less like a daunting sewing task and more like a bragging point on your cosplay.
Happy Sewing!
