Zippers range from 7 to 22 in (18 to 56 cm). Opt for a zipper that will go from the top of the dress to just below the hips. This will likely be around 16 to 20 in (41 to 51 cm) depending on the wearer. [1] X Research source

Even if you plan to hide the zipper with the fabric at the dress’s opening, choose a color that will blend well with the dress. Black is often a good choice for dark dresses and white is a good choice for light-colored dresses. Dress zippers are often more delicate than the ones you see in pants and on handbags. They also come in a wider range of colors and lengths.

Be careful not to sew through the zipper teeth. Adjust the zigzag stitch to the widest setting and sew back and forth into the fabric beside the zipper teeth You can also hand-sew across the zipper using a needle and thread, if you prefer. Thread a needle with a matching color thread and sew back and forth across the zipper teeth where you want the zipper to end. Stitch across the zipper teeth 7 or 8 times to ensure that the new zipper ending will be secure.

Note that this mark indicates where the zipper pull will come to, not where the zipper’s fabric ends. If you adjusted the length of your zipper, then use the position where you stitched across the teeth as the end of your zipper. Use a fabric marker or chalk to make this mark.

Insert the pins so that they are perpendicular to the edges of the fabric. This will make it easier to remove them as you sew and avoid damaging your sewing machine.

Position the stitches about 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm) from the raw edges of your fabric unless your pattern instructs you to do otherwise. This distance from the seam to the edge of the fabric is the most common seam allowance.

Do not sew across the unpinned area! This area must remain open until you attach your zipper.

Make sure to select the lowest setting on your iron, especially for delicate fabrics. You can also lay a clean towel or t-shirt over the fabric to help protect it from the heat. A flat seam and crisp edges will make it easier to attach the zipper. Taking the time to iron the dress opening and seam will give you a much neater looking result.

To hide the zipper, position the zipper so that the teeth are aligned with the edges of the dress fabric. Insert pins through the dress and zipper fabric right along the zipper teeth. This will ensure that the 2 sides of the dress opening meet when the dress is zipped and the zipper will be hidden.

Use a zipper foot if you have one. This will make it slightly easier to sew along the edge of the zipper. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a normal foot to install a regular zipper. [12] X Expert Source Kpoene Kofi-BruceCouture Bridal Designer Expert Interview. 28 January 2021. You’ll need a zipper foot if you want to learn to sew an invisible zipper. [13] X Expert Source Kpoene Kofi-BruceCouture Bridal Designer Expert Interview. 28 January 2021.

Cut the excess threads after you have finished sewing the zipper into place.

Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Cut the excess threads after you finish hemming the dress.