Mastering Construction: Zippers & Waistbands
Sara Alm
Class Preview
0:45
- In-depth Instruction; over 217 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction
1:38
Meet designer Sara Alm and learn how to use this class and the "Mastering Construction" series as a reference for all your sewing projects to produce more professional results.
Zipper Considerations
23:50
Sara gives an overview of different zipper types and their applications, then shows how to set up your fabric for a zipper application and how to shorten a variety of zipper types. Miniature pattern pieces are included with your class materials so you can practice!
Slot & Invisible Zippers
34:26
Try the vintage appeal of a slot zipper, especially on garments with lots of topstitching. Or consider Sara's favorite, the invisible zipper. Sara walks you through the zipper's insertion, even with tricky fabrics, and you'll see just why you'll want to add an invisible zipper foot to your arsenal of presser feet.
Lapped, Exposed & Separating Zippers
40:17
Lapped and exposed zippers pose unique challenges, but follow Sara's guidance and you'll have rewarding results. A hidden lapped zipper is perfect for the side seam of a skirt, while an exposed zipper can provide a pop of color in a garment or bag. You can use either style with a separating zipper -- Sara will show you how!
Fly Front
34:51
Commercial patterns sometimes include a mock fly rather than a full zipper fly. Sara shows how to add a true zipper fly to your patterns and draft a facing to keep the zipper teeth safely away from your skin. Then sew it all together along with Sara! Practice pattern pieces are included.
Waistbands
21:45
Sara reviews straight and contoured waistbands and how to cut them out, whether on the straight of grain or the bias. You'll also learn the best ways to stabilize your fabric with elastic, interfacing, ribbon or stay tape, particularly on contoured waistbands, where too much bias can cause distortion.
Waistband Finishing
30:21
Give your waistbands a tidy finish with binding or using the selvage edge of your fabric. Sara demonstrates an easy way to make belt loops and how to attach them for different belt options, then shares tips for adding button or hook-and-bar closures. Finally, learn how to enclose the waistband extensions and the waistband itself without hand-stitching.
Facings
29:18
If you opt to finish pants or skirts with a facing or yoke instead of a waistband, Sara's got you covered. Using the miniature pattern pieces provided, you can practice drafting your own facings or yokes and adding them to skirts with invisible, slot or lapped zippers. Sara will show you how!
Choose, shorten and insert the perfect zippers for your garments with Apparel Arts instructor Sara Alm as your guide. From how to sew a fly front zipper, a vintage slot zipper and an elegant invisible zipper, to simplifying lapped and exposed zippers, you’ll achieve sophisticated results every time – even on tricky fabrics! See how to modify commercial patterns that include a mock fly by adding a full zipper fly instead. And learn to draft and sew your own zipper shield. Move on to creating straight or contoured waistbands and enclose them without a single hand stitch. You’ll even see how to sew belt loops and button or hook-and-bar closures. Plus, learn to finish pants or skirts with a facing or yoke instead of a waistband. Master zippers and waistbands to take the next step toward sewing like a designer!
Sara Alm
Sara Alm started sewing dresses at age 6, and she's never looked back. After graduating from the Apparel Arts patternmaking program in 2005, Sara work has worked as a patternmaker, designer and sewing instructor at Apparel Arts. She also shares her passion for garment-making by teaching sewing and fashion to at-risk teenage girls. Sara recently launched a line of women's activewear and is the author of "Designing Clothes With the Flat Pattern Method" and co-author of "Famous Frocks."
Bonus materials available after purchase