When working on any sewing project, it is not just the fabric that is important to the process - it is also the Haberdashery items, of which there are hundreds to choose from. One of the most purchased items both in our stores and online is zips - this simple fastening can be used in countless garments for so many different reasons, both functional and decorative, and in a huge number of various places in any outfit that any attempt to list them all would be near enough to impossible.
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The zip is a hugely popular item for dressmakers all around the world.[/caption]
The history of the humble zip (or zipper for our overseas customers looking to buy Haberdashery) dates back all the way to 1851 when Elias Howe filed and received a patent for what he called an "Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure". However he did not try to market it properly and missed out on recognition that he might have otherwise received. Rather than a zip, his device was closer to an elaborate drawstring than a slide fastener. It would be sixty two years and several versions later before the modern zip that we know and use today was finally designed, and initially it was used for the fastening of rubber boots when the name "zipper" originated and stuck. After this it was used to keep tobacco pouches closed, and finally in 1925, the zip began to be used for clothing, starting with leather jackets produced by a company name Schott NYC. Today zips are found on numerous items such as luggage, shoes, clothing, cushions and so much more.
There are plenty of different types of zips to choose from and here at Calico Laine we carry a fantastic range in our Haberdashery section. Whether it is a standard dress zip, a concealed (or invisible) zip or an open end zip, we keep plenty in stock in a great choice of colours, lengths and types. It is important to choose the correct zip for your project as selecting the wrong one could have an impact on the fit of your garment - for example, choosing a metal zip for a lightweight fabric is a bad choice, as it will only weigh the fabric down and make it sit on the body incorrectly. If you are unsure of what zip to choose, feel free to give our friendly sales team a call on 0151 336 3939, or email us at sales@calicolaine.co.uk and we will do our best to help you.
Do you have any tips for when it comes to sewing zips into garments? Leave a message on our Facebook page - we love to hear back from our customers and share methods!
The zip is a hugely popular item for dressmakers all around the world.[/caption]
The history of the humble zip (or zipper for our overseas customers looking to buy Haberdashery) dates back all the way to 1851 when Elias Howe filed and received a patent for what he called an "Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure". However he did not try to market it properly and missed out on recognition that he might have otherwise received. Rather than a zip, his device was closer to an elaborate drawstring than a slide fastener. It would be sixty two years and several versions later before the modern zip that we know and use today was finally designed, and initially it was used for the fastening of rubber boots when the name "zipper" originated and stuck. After this it was used to keep tobacco pouches closed, and finally in 1925, the zip began to be used for clothing, starting with leather jackets produced by a company name Schott NYC. Today zips are found on numerous items such as luggage, shoes, clothing, cushions and so much more.
There are plenty of different types of zips to choose from and here at Calico Laine we carry a fantastic range in our Haberdashery section. Whether it is a standard dress zip, a concealed (or invisible) zip or an open end zip, we keep plenty in stock in a great choice of colours, lengths and types. It is important to choose the correct zip for your project as selecting the wrong one could have an impact on the fit of your garment - for example, choosing a metal zip for a lightweight fabric is a bad choice, as it will only weigh the fabric down and make it sit on the body incorrectly. If you are unsure of what zip to choose, feel free to give our friendly sales team a call on 0151 336 3939, or email us at sales@calicolaine.co.uk and we will do our best to help you.
Do you have any tips for when it comes to sewing zips into garments? Leave a message on our Facebook page - we love to hear back from our customers and share methods!