Zipper Question

#1

Hi
So I’ve finally finished the hooded alpaca sweater from “Knitting with Balls”, only I made mine with Cascade Superwash…now I need to put the zipper in. I’ve read everything I can find about installing zippers, but I am wondering if I should be looking for a particular type of zipper (aluminum, plastic, nylon, brass). I need the get a zipper that’s about 29.5" long, and I want something sturdy that will stand up to active use.

Is there anything I should take into consideration regarding the weight of the zipper vs. weight of the yarn? Nylon/plastic zippers don’t seem to be very sturdy to me, but I’m afraid brass might be too heavy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

#2

The only thing I know about zippers is that the sound they make scare away sheep which is why Scots wear kilts.
:rofl:

#3

Mason, ROFLOL :roflhard:

Sue, I can’t help much, but Artlady recently finished a gorgeous Central park hoodie with a zipper, maybe she could help? She did a beautiful job inserting the zipper. Good luck!

#4

HERE IS A LINK that makes custom zippers very inexpensively!

I installed a separating plastic zipper in my daughter’s Central Park Hoodie. I hand stitched it into place using 2 strands of DMC floss in an identical color. I took teensy running stitches right next to the bind off row. It is very sturdy and durable with taking the hand stitches instead of trying to sew the zipper on a machine. I have done this for sweaters and jackets for some of my grandchildren! The true test of durability!

HERE IS A LINK if you want to see my Central Park Hoodie here in Whatcha Knitting at KH.

Also, I posted info and photos in my Ravelry projects folder.
Click HERE to see it and my notes in Ravelry.

Let me know if I can be of any further help.

#5

Wow, Artlady, what a beautiful sweater! I can only hope someday to be able to do work like that!

So, do you think the plastic zipper is sturdy enough? I only ask because my 24 year-old son for whom I knit this sweater tends to be a little rough on things (not necessarily abusive, but I intentionally didn’t want to make anything too fussy for him; he wouldn’t wear it if he had to hand wash it, which is why I made it out of the Superwash), especially where the sweater was specifically made for him to ride his bike in.

That’s why I was considering a brass zipper, but then worried it would be too heavy and pull down on the front of the sweater… I’d love to hear what you think…thank you!

#6

Hi Sue!

Have you looked at the separating zippers at the fabric store? They come in different “weights”. Some for sweaters, some for parkas.

I think a lightweight brass zipper would be very nice. I don’t think it would weigh down the sweater. Just check out your fabric store and see what you can get, and what colors are available.

I used a plastic zipper with chunky, sturdy teeth. (Not like the nylon zippers we put into skirts. They are obviously too feminine for a man’s sweater jacket.) I couldn’t get the exact leafy green of my CPH, but the dark pine green worked out fine! I didn’t have to custom order a zipper…but I woulda if I couldn’t find a suitable zipper at JoAnn’s.

Let me know what you find out! :thumbsup:

#7

Thanks so much, Artlady, I’ll look for a lightweight brass zipper and let you know!