How to perfectly align checkers, stripes and other lines when inserting an invisible zipper

Usually it is quite easy to insert an invisible zipper. But if we have to align checkers, stripes and other lines of separate pattern pieces (like a contoured band or yoke) it can be a problem. In this tutorial I want to show you how to do it easily.

Pin pattern pieces together aligning them in the process.

Mark where you want your zipper end.

Most of the time we insert invisible zippers before the seam is stitched together. But in our case we will do differently.

So stitch the seam from the mark down, and don’t forget to secure stitches in the beginning. Check pattern alignment. If it is not good, redo the seam.

Now stitch together the other part of the garment in place where the zipper should be inserted.

But for this use basting stitches of your sewing machine – put the stitch length at 5mm and tension at 0. In the end you will have to take it out. In this tutorial I even used different color threads. Check alignment. If you pinned pieces properly your alignment should be perfect.

Change your presser foot. Insert a regular zipper foot, not the one special for invisible zippers.

Move the needle of your sewing machine away from the inside of the zipper foot toward where you want to sew.

Stitch both parts of the zipper with basting stitches. Try to sew as close to the coils as possible. But you don’t need to keep stitches straight. You will have to take them out later.

Stop stitching exactly at the mark you made earlier. Don’t bother to secure stitches. You are just basting the zipper to the seam.

Now you are ready to sew the zipper in place. Make necessary machine adjustments – proper stitch length, proper tension, etc. If you want you can use the invisible zipper foot, or you can stitch with the regular zipper foot we already used.

Take out basting stitches from the zipper. You are almost done!

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