One of our regular (and favorite!) customers, Sheri, came in to Purl the other day with an immaculately knit sweater in one hand and a ready-to-go zipper in the other. Like many of us she was a little daunted by the idea of zippers in knits, and no wonder – when it came time to sew in the zipper, her pattern instructed her to take everything to a tailor!

Instead of running to your nearest expert, why not become one yourself? Sewing in a zipper doesn’t require an apprenticeship with an Italian suit maker, or some kind of fashion degree – it’s easy!

This tutorial comes from our Snuggle Sack and uses a non-separating zipper, but the instructions are the same for a separating zipper.

Step 1: Block It

First, if you ever intend to wash your project, you should do so now (visit our How To Hand Wash A Sweater tutorial if you need help with this step). This will prevent unexpected stretching or shrinking.  Of course, let the project dry before you sew in the zipper…

Step 2: Pin the Zipper Into Place

With the zipper closed, pin it into place. Make sure the bottom and/or top of the zipper are where they are supposed to be. (In this case, the bottom of the zipper is tucked right into the bottom of the zipper opening.) Bring the edge of the knitting up close to the zipper but not so close that yarn will get caught in the teeth when you zip and unzip. Also, both the zipper and the fabric should be flat and relaxed; don’t pull the fabric unnaturally or allow it to pucker between pins.

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

Step 3: Sew the Zipper

With a sewing needle and thread the same color as the yarn, back stitch the zipper into place. Working with the right side facing you, sew in a straight line, following the column of stitches just next to the edge of the knitting.  I started at the bottom of the zipper and worked my way to the top, but unless you’re custom cutting a zipper, it doesn’t really matter.

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

Here’s what the knitting looks like all sewn to the zipper.

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3

Pin the other side of the zipper into place (including the bottom, if you’re using a non-separating zipper).

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

Sew this side of the zipper the same way you did the other side. (Sew across the bottom too, if you’re using a non-separating zipper.)

Step 5: Baste the Inside of the Zipper

Turn your project inside out, so the wrong side is facing you.

Fold the excess fabric from the top of the zipper down to the inside of the zipper and sew it into place.

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

Whipstitch the outside edge of the zipper to the knitting. Again, sew along a straight column of knit stitches so that everything stays in alignment. And, be sure you don’t pull the thread too tight. Try to stay relaxed and easy!

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

That’s it!  Not so bad, right? And so much more satisfying than dropping it off at the tailor!

Zippers in Knits | Purl Soho

 

Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!