Awesome, thank you so much for experimenting! I got these zips in about 2003 and I can’t even remember where I got them from, so I am not precious about them. I have three of them, and on one, it looks as if it has been made with the metal ends of the zip teeth past the end seal of the zip, so I reckon I might be able to pull the zip slider off without even cutting it, I will experiment in the morning, cos it is MP bedtime here! Thank you!
You are going to have to cut both ends…the ends won’t go over the end stoppers…even a thin pin will block them. I added more instructions for your particular zipper.
I buy my zippers in rolls with the slides separate. I can make whatever kind of zipper I need and often mix and match the colors as well! ![]()
Ace, thank you so much. I am not averse to chopping them. I also found a gian length of black continuous zip. Two bits are both about 10 feet long. It looks to be a coil zip, and it is apparently 7.11mm wide (I got out the vernier calipers!) so I think it is a number 8 zip, need to find some sliders for it, then I am set for life!
I know you will do it! You have inspired me to learn new ways to add zippers…and I have discovered a couple new ones as well .I love making pouches so keep them coming!
Thank you very much, I’ve got it! I cut one end, took one zip pull off, and put it on the other end so that they were facing the right way. The first attempt was misaligned, so I slid the zip pull I didn’t move near the open end and drew a couple of lines across the teeth on the back.
That let me know my second attempt lined up.
Thank you very much ![]()
What was supposed to be a simple top is turning into a way too long project! I don’t have enough fabric to do sleeves and I don’t have anything on hand to make different sleeves. So now the top is going to become a sort of vest.
My main reason for making this is that I want to use a purchased clothing embroidery pattern.
Back to the drawing board. So far, I have sewn the shoulders and stabilized the neckline with staystitching. I saw a cute video on a tabard style vest with side ties, so I think I might go in that direction. I have a tunic that will go perfectly underneath.
I just want to get to the embroidery part!
I have no idea why I purchase downloadable clothing patterns. I have no idea how to do this. Good grief. So, I have to print a zillion pages and tape them all together? I probably should have just ordered a paper pattern…ugh. Looks like clothing is not in my immediate future. The simple top has frustrated all the enthusiasm out of me.
I’m going to put all the stuff away and come back later. All the clothing stores are having fall sales, so I guess shopping is on my list on SPENDALLYOURMONEYFRIDAYAFTERTHANKSGIVINGDAY!
Oh that’s a shame
My experience with downloadable patterns is extremely limited for the very same reason. It just doesn’t work for me. I also find printer paper very inconvenient to use compared to pattern paper on a roll.
Did it come with a file formatted for large printers? A few patterns I’ve purchased can be printed at a print shop that does large banners and the like.
If not, what I have found manageable is to print it all out, and trim the two edges down on each sheet according to the instructions. Then, I cut out the pattern pieces from each sheet and tape them up individually, rather than taping the whole kit and caboodle at one time, then cutting out each pattern piece.
Yes, there are options for large printers as well as projection files. Is it costly? The instructions say that a place like UPS or Staples can do it on two sheets? The patterns were relatively inexpensive ($8-15). It might be worth it for me to look into this. Just seeing the PDF files had my head spinning!
I haven’t used a print shop before, but Office Depot does allow you to do it all online and pick up later. So, you can see the price before committing to anything. A dress pattern I have comes out to three pages under their ‘blueprint’ format, and when it’s printed in black ink-only comes out to about $12.
We’re so lucky to have a small indy sewing shop in town that has a large format printer. I’ve had a few patterns printed there but only free ones, otherwise the cost is more than just buying a paper pattern. I’m hoping to finally make the Patterns for Pirates leggings, they look great & so many variations.
Yikes. I am super lucky. My company has a plotter and i am able to just use that.
I did notice that the coat pattern i bought said to sew the paper pieces together instead of taping. I thought that was odd. Would it really make a difference?
Oh, I would not do that. I’m pretty sure paper blunts the sharpness of needles just like it does to scissors
Some of the patterns say you can print on special pattern “paper”. It is more like interfacing. I have a roll of it but can’t use it to print on unless I want to cut a bunch of letter sized pieces!
I sew paper and yes, it does blunt the needles so have a few handy to replace before sewing fabric!
Good use for them at the end of a project. I have a bunch saved in an old tictacs container to get rid of when it’s full. Or do something with? Future plans for the undisposable hoard…
Mood Fabrics is offering this free pattern download. You have to give your email but you can then unsubscribe. I thought it was a cute dress for the holidays.
Huh! Well that’s a first. O_o.
Ok! I think I know what happened, this poly cotton fabric will melt at high temps, and I’m only guessing here, when the fabric warped, the interfacing got tore, to which the glue began sticking and tore the interfacing more.
I think I can expect this shirt will only be wearable once.
. Will have to see what happens after its first washing in medium temps.
After taping up a bunch of papers for a downloadable pattern once, I decided once was enough (it took me longer to tape everything up than to sew the item
). I have since had patterns printed through etsy.
If you search AO pattern printing, you’ll get a variety of sellers offering the service.
I have so many unopened patterns that I would love to make but the thought of printing, taping, etc. just is not appealing to me.
I have been watching a lot of videos on making clothes out of simple shapes like rectangles, etc. I can make my own patterns but even that requires paper, taping, etc. A lot of Japanese clothing is based on simple measurements so I am going to start there.
Let’s see how big my butt got over the past few years… ![]()


