Sew What's Up

So, I thought I was finished with Simplicity 3640. At the store yesterday, they did not have a 20" separating zipper, so I picked up a 24" separating zipper. Now, I realize that the end of the zipper goes below the edge of my jacket. Is there a way to shorten it? I know with regular zippers, I'd just sew some straight stitches at the desired length, but will that work for the separating zipper? I really don't want to have to take out the zipper, especially since I didn't even see a space for 20" zippers at the store... Please help!

I'm anxious to know the answere here. I just recently settled fpr the wrong color of zipper to avoid the wrong length.

Oh Smilie, I had the same problem with the same pattern and I just fudged it. It wasn't pretty and neither was the top edge of the pockets. I didn't like the fit of the pants and the whole outfit ended up in the bag for the thrift store.

I just trimmed the top of the zipper to a little longer than the length I needed and then folded it over and hid it inside where the hood attaches. LIke I said, it wasn't pretty but I don't know how else to do it. Maybe someone else will know.

Hopefully the rest of your outfit turned out well.

I found this page online about shortening zippers. I've finished the outfit, and I am satisfied with it. I ended up turning the zipper under at the bottom, because I was not about to remove all the stitches for the zipper. I like the fit of the outfit (especially the pants, actually). I'd make this pattern again. I took a picture, but I can't find the cord that goes from my camera to my computer. When (if?) I find it, I'll post the picture.

Nice to know that I actually did it according to the instructions you found. But I still wasn't happy with the outcome. I think a lot of not liking it had to do with the fact that I'm probably just too old for that style anyway. Big sigh..............

Please, please do post a picture of your finished outfit. I'm very anxious to see it.

I'm confused> How do you separate the zipper if it is follded under or is the extra zipper tape at the bottom of the zipper all that was turned under??

I sort of tucked it under, but didn't sew over it. Therefore, if I zip/unzip carefully, I can go around where it's tucked under. (Not sure if that makes sense, but I'll post pictures when I have my camera-PC cord...) It's certainly not ideal, but it works.

I know a person who does that all the time. She cuts off at the top of a separating zipper and used a satin stitch with the very shortest length right beside the top teeth on the zipper for a zipper stop at the top.. Works great.. She does it on both sides of the zipper at the top.. I do the same method on shortening any regular zipper. I use a wide zigzag stitch and it goes over the teeth when they are closed.. Of course on a regular zipper you do it on the bottom.. Easier , of course..

If my zipper has the plastic teeth, I remove them at the length that I want, by cutting them off with wire snips. They pop off quite nicely once the tooth part is cut. You can pry off the metal teeth, but you need a special tool and patience which I don't have either of. I've tried to shorten a separating coil zipper, and it was disastrous.

When I have to shorten a separating zipper.. AND look pretty... I will stitch a tiny "facing" or stop out of the fabric I am using.. Saves the bulk of a fold under and allows a nice finish at the top.