On Wednesday, I headed off to JoAnn’s to find a separating zipper and a “Knit Picker”, the zipper I found but the knit picker? No luck there, but I did find these needles with a latching eye. I thought they would work better, especially since I could not get this zipper.
Yesterday, I began the Zipper Undertaking on my Rock the Lobster…
Step One: Determine how many loops to “pick up” on my zipper and mark my “dots” on the zipper tape. How did I determine this? I used my row gauge, which was 8 rows to the inch. **Key tip if you cannot get the above zipper – use a wing needle on your sewing machine and contrasting thread to easier see where to pick up stitches! A wing needle makes a larger hole in the zipper tape making the insertion of the darning needle much easier. I stitched on paper first to count stitches per inch and adjust stitch length so my gauge would match.
Step Two: Pick up the loops and place them on a spare knitting needle.
Step Three: Pick up the same amount of stitches plus two on the sweater (why two extra stitches? The bottom of the zipper tape when lined up with the bottom edge of my sweater was had a space of 2 stitches between the bottom and the zipper teeth, I just did the I-cord edge to continue to the bottom of the sweater edge) and place on another knitting needle in preparation for this applied I-cord method (on step 3, I inserted the needle through a stitch on the zipper and a stitch on the cardigan.)
Step Four: Repeat the above steps on second half of the zipper. Oh, and how did I make sure the zipper was even on both sides? When I started the second half, I began with the zipper closed with both halves together. Once I had a few stitches complete, I unzipped and continued with the I-cord join.
Step Five: Cover zipper tape and steeked edges with ribbon (which I have yet to do. But, the row of picked up stitches on the zipper will make the perfect edge for stitching one side of the ribbon on.
If you click on the images, you can scroll through the gallery:
Things I learned: I thought I could mark my stitches with a dressmaker pencil, but the point of the darning needle was not sharp enough to penetrate the zipper tape. The wing needle made a nice hole, but it was impossible to see on the black zipper tape, so contrasting stitching solved that problem.
The first half went slower than the second half, but I completed both sides yesterday. Now I just need to find the perfect ribbon for the inside! I highly recommend this method of zipper installation as it gives an absolutely gorgeous finish! And, again – thank you Vicki for making this recommendation!
Now, how about a couple of links?
This is a gorgeous transitional knit!
Thinking about fall? Aine
And, finally (and free!) Verity
That is all I have for the week! Happy Friday and I will see you all back here on Monday!
I love how you did your zipper! It’s so polished and professional looking!
That turned out beautifully. I had never heard of latching needles before OR that there were zippers specifically for knitwear!
I hope you and the sweater have a long happy relationship!
The zipper looks perfect – great job!
What a great technique to install that zipper. Last time I added a zipper was over 25 years ago, and it was so not fun. This looks like a MUCH better method.
Your sweater is gorgeous!
And always, thanks for the links!!!
Gorgeous! Congratulations!!!!!
Beautiful job with the zipper, Kat – and thank you for all the tips and photos. It’s funny … I’m more nervous about zippers in knitting than sewing. and I’m a way better knitter 🙂 I got a smile, too, from your links. Isabel’s latest pattern is “winter” for me… fall just means a little wool. and sleeves 🙂
Beautiful! Watching your odyssey in zipper installation left me in awe!
Nice zipper finish!!!
🙂
Have a great weekend.
Zipper installation looks good. The sweater will be warm and pretty to wear this winter. Strong work.
your zipper installation looks flawless and perfect. I love your attention to detail, finishing touches make the project!
Absolutely brilliant! Well done, you! It’s a real beauty.
The sweater is gorgeous. I have pining for colorwork. Maybe once I get unpacked!
I’m not a sweater knitter, and sewing a zipper into a sweater makes me sweat just thinking about it, but you have managed it beautifully and professionally. You are indeed a fearless maker, and your sweater is gorgeous!
WOWZA!!! That is FANTASTIC!! Congrats, Kat! (And you’re welcome!)
🙂
Gorgeous work, Kat! Thanks so much for documenting the process…wow and congratulations 🙂