quilterj

I have tried this 2 or 3 times now. I don't understand why it is curling up on me. Is it because I may have my stitches too tight?
Or is this what it does until I put it together?
Well I was going to post a picture but don't know how with the new forum. Sorry.

Painiacs

The zipper is curling? Sounds like stitches too tight. never had it happen hmmm. Wish I could see. Is it the whole zipper? Ends?

buslady

is the feed dog too tight? it sounds like maybe the fabric and zipper are not feeding evenly.

DOTTYMO

What type of zip are you using with cotton fabric

quilterj

I am using a metal zipper with cotton fabric. It has a ripple effect. A couple people said that I needed a heavier fabric and they didn't think my stitches were tight. What do you think? Can I use cotton fabric with a metal zipper?

quilterj

And also the purse I am making is with cotton. When they told me that I needed heavier fabric I bought some twill fabric. One of them told me if I were to use the cotton to use some interfacing with it.

roserips

I have done a lot of zippers over the years yes you can use metal zippers try basting the zipper in then sewing. Make sure your machine is sewing right though.

Pat M.

Before nylon zipper were manufactured all we had was metal zippers! So, hand stitch the zipper in place and then stitch it with the machine. Maybe your tension is off.

GEMRM

In addition to what's suggested, sometimes if you reverse the layers (i.e. sew opposite layer on top) that works. Or stretch the cotton slightly while sewing so it matches the twill tape of the zip

gmcsewer

If you have washed it, zippers do shrink and fabric shrinks so thus the ripple effect. I have found lately that if I stretch the zipper and then lay the garment flat to dry there is no ripple.