Molly's Sketchbook: Invisible Zippers, New Liberty, AND the Barcelona Skirt!

I love our new high quality zippers! They come in really great colors and an amazing array of sizes and styles. I understand that zippers might not seem like the most exciting thing in the world but they make so many great things possible... like this pretty skirt. I made it using Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirt pattern which is a great place to start if you're new to zippers, particularly invisible zippers. It's both quick to sew and beautifully wearable. Plus it teaches you step by step how to sew in an invisible zipper (I used the 7-inch invisible zipper in Navy). 

This was one of those great confidence building projects for me. Zippers, especially in garments, always make me nervous, but I just followed the instructions and I'm so happy with how it came out! 

This picture is of the zipper at the back of the finished skirt (it's half way unzipped). As you can tell, it's pretty invisible!

When you're tackling zippers it's helpful to keep a few things in mind:

• Get a zipper foot for your machine! It's possible to put in a zipper without a zipper foot but it's much harder. With that said, I haven't had much success with the special invisible zipper feet and have found it easier to put in invisible zippers with a regular zipper foot.
• Buy the correct size and style of zipper: Invisible zippers have smaller teeth which are hidden by fabric. Molded Plastic zippers have large chunky teeth. Separating  zippers come apart at both ends. Your pattern will usually specify what type to get.
• Don't worry, if you mess up the first time, you can take your zipper out and start over again! Nothing ruins a garment like a messy, bunchy zipper.

Since this skirt is such a simple shape I thought I'd use it to highlight a really special fabric... this lovely blue floral is Blue Mitsi, one of the new Fall Liberty of London prints. As everyone who reads the Purl Bee must know by now, Liberty of London is one of our absolute favorite fabrics. It has a silk like feel and the most beautiful printing. I love how detailed and intricate this print is without feeling prissy or dowdy. I usually think of Liberty as a summer fabric but since this skirt is fully lined I plan on wearing it with tights all fall! I love the print I chose but with so many incredible, autumnal Liberty of London prints, I might have to make another one! Below are some more options. Happy sewing and happy zipping!  --Molly

P.S. You can find our collection of invisible zippers here, and ALL of our zippers here.

Comments

[Lauren]

This gives me encouragement to try sewing a skirt with an invisible zipper - thank you for the inspiration!

[Zana]

Just beautiful! I am afraid of zippers...maybe now I will attempt to sew myself a skirt! Thank you for your continued inspirational ideas and tutorials!

[Tina Mammoser]

Not sure I'm quite ready for an invisible zipper, but still a cute skirt I could probably tackle. And such GORGEOUS fabric. Are these Liberty as in the London Liberty?

[Martha]

Lovely skirt, Molly. What did you use to line it? I am curious because the Liberty itself is indeed silky -- how would a shot cotton work with it?

Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Tina-
Yes these are London Liberty fabrics! Thanks for your comment- Molly

[purl bee]

Hello Martha-
I used Moda Quilters Muslin to line the skirt. It has a very smooth hand. You could try using the shot cotton too. It would be very soft, and if it ever peeked though it would be a nice visual surprise! Thanks for your comment. - Molly

[Terriaw]

This skirt and the zipper look very professional. Thanks for the reminder that you can always take it out if it isn't working for you. Sometimes I want my project to be perfect the first time, and that's not always realistic. Thanks for the boost of confidence when sewing clothing.

[Melanie]

Nice job! You have a talent that not to many women have...You can Sew!

[kelly]

those liberty fabrics are gorgeous! sigh.

[Cate]

Having sewn in many, many zippers during a career as a seamstress, I finally gave in and started hand basting them in first. Well worth the time up front as it saves grief & picking out stitches later.

[Maia]

I just made this skirt at the wonderful Home Ec. Workshop in Iowa City. The zipper part was over in about 45 seconds and the rest of the skirt was a breeze (plus the teacher was great.) Seriously, I had to wait longer for my turn at the machine with the foot, than it took to install the zipper! Have no fear! :)

[Sara]

The quilt on top of the armoire is beautiful. Is there any way you would send me a full photo? I really want to copy cat...

[Sandy]

So Lovely, Molly! Cannot wait to see you wear it in the shop...

[Isadora]

Love this skirt. Isn't Liberty just the most beautiful fabric ever? Have fun wearing this. You did a beautiful job making it.

[Amanda]

That skirt looks great! I love those Liberty fabric prints, they are gorgeous!

[muge]

Nice job! Thank you for sharing

[unreliable narrator]

Molly, bless you for posting this—it's just gorgeous. Maybe I'll finally finish my own A-line skirt with invisible zipper now! Though it's just in plain blue cotton—not the gorgeous, mouthwatering Mitsi.

And, by the way—will y'all be getting any more of that in, someday? I crave it painfully.

[Joyce]

Great article! I'm looking for a 4" zipper for a craft project, does anyone know where I can get one? Thanks-

Joyce