Gaynor Marshall | Sewing and Design

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Zips, Part 4: Exposed Zip

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This week, in Part 4 of my “How to insert a zip” series, I’ll be explaining how to insert an exposed zip into your projects.

What is an exposed zip?

With this method the teeth of the zip are completely exposed and therefore the zip becomes an intrinsic part of the overall design.

exposed_zip

This type of insertion can be used in a more decorative way.

For example:

  • use a contrasting colour zip to make it pop out of the fabric
  • use on the edge of the cushion in the seam itself either with or without piping
  • place diagonally across the panel for a funky twist

As always, when using a sewing machine it is better to use a standard zipper foot.

Did you know?

YKK is the largest zip manufacturer in the world. It makes zips in 9,500 colors and has 20 shades of black in its colour library.

Materials:

  • fabric
  • thread
  • zip
  • zipper foot

Method:

  • Cut your fabric pieces to the correct size.
  • Press a seam allowance along two edges where your zip will be attached.

press_seam_allowance

  • Place the zip face up and position one of the fabric pieces at the edge of the teeth.
  • You may wish to tack or pin it in place.
  • Stitch close to the edge of the fabric, taking care not to cover the teeth of the zip.
  • Repeat on the other side.

stitch_close_to_teeth

exposed_zip

There you have the fourth method of zip insertion, and I think the easiest to achieve.

What have we learnt?

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the various methods for inserting zips and I hope I have been able to demystify the whole process and show it really is quite straightforward if you take it one step at a time.

Over the course of these tutorials I have shown you 4 easy step by step methods for inserting zips into your sewing projects.

We looked at invisible zips, semi-concealed zips, concealed zips and exposed zips. They are all available here.

The uses for each method are varied, and many can be used for the same project.

Most of the time it will depend on how you the designer would like your finished project to look.

Experiment and play around with the different types.

all_styles_of_zip_insertion

Although not exhaustive, these tutorials explain the basics of working with zips and by following them you will soon be able to use your new skills with confidence.

Please feel free to pop any questions in the comments section below or send me an email and I will do my best to help.

Until next time…happy sewing!

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Creative Embroidery Templates: Think Outside the Box for Unique Designs

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I’m sure that like me, you try to get the most out of your creative purchases. We all like added value especially when we work hard for our money. So, when I designed my embroidery templates I was keen to explore other ways to use them. Of course you can use these creative suggestions for any templates that you may already have.

More than just embroidery templates

Alfie, Ethan and Sophie are such cute little characters, I immediately thought they’d look awesome appliqued onto cushions and of course hoop art.

The images can be used as they are but I decided to enlarge them slightly.

all_three_embroidery_templates

The simple shapes of the embroidery templates lend themselves perfectly to the technique of applique and of course they can be further embellished if you wish.

Ethan Whale: easy cushion

ethan_finished_cushion

  • I traced around Ethan onto some Bondaweb and ironed this onto my chosen fabric. For my little panels I used 8″ squares of cotton fabric. You can use any size for your projects though, it’s entirely up to you.
  • I then cut Ethan out and ironed him in place on the white panel.

ethan_template

  • Using some white thread, I machine stitched around the outside of Ethan close to the edge of the fabric. I used the normal foot on the machine and took my time, taking care around his tail. I did this a couple of times. Don’t worry if you wobble a little with your stitching, no one will see.

ethan_close_up_of_tail

  • I used the same fabric on the reverse of the cushion. Simply stitch the front and back panels together, leaving a gap for turning and then stuff with toy stuffing. Hand stitch the seam closed to finish and enjoy! A simple yet effective little, decorative cushion.

ethan_decorative_cushion

Sophie Elephant: bordered cushion

sophie_finished_cushion

  • As with Ethan, I used Bondaweb to applique Sophie onto the white cotton fabric.

sophie_template

  •  I chose a purple mini polkadot fabric for her ear, and I picked out the green in the fabric to stitch the ear close to the edge of the fabric. I also used this colour to stitch around Sophie.

sophie_close-up_ear

  • To make the border, I chose the same fabric I had used for Sophie, and cut 4 strips that were 1.5″ wide and long enough to border the main panel.

sophie_pinned_border

  • Stitch the border strips on the top and bottom first, and press in place using an iron.
  • Do the same on the remaining two sides and trim away any excess.

sophie_border_attached

  • I chose to use some of the purple mini polkadot fabric for the reverse. Cut to the same size as the front panel and sew together as before.

sophie_finished_cushion

Alfie Giraffe: appliqued hoop art

alfie_hoop_and_thread

This is the simplest project, but I think it’s still as striking and definitely fun.

  • Follow the steps above to applique Alfie onto the cotton panel.

alfie_template

  • This time I used a gorgeous turquoise thread to outline Alfie, using the same method as above.
  • I placed Alfie in a 6″ hoop, and gathered the excess fabric at the back. A quick and easy piece of original art. Bespoke and personal, a unique way to decorate your home.

alfie_close_up_with_thread

Wildlife Friends

wildlife_friends_finished_projects

I hope you like these projects, and if they inspire you to create your own, why not share them on Instagram using #gaynormdesigns, I’d love to see them.

Until next time…

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