The plastic bag hoodie: How to fuse plastic bags and sew them into a hoodie

Step 10 The zipper

I do not know where to buy a zipper but I know how to to install one

1. Align the first half of the zipper on the front

2. Pin down

3. Stitch up to top

4. Then go back down so it is firmly in place

5. repeat

And if you all don't mind can you suggest a place to buy zippers?
UPDATE' k now you don't have to,

Comments

[LottaTroublemaker]

You can buy all kinds of zippers at a FABRIC STORE. Make sure you get the right kind of zipper. For a coat that opens all the way, you need a separable zipper, or you would have to step into the rain coat, as ordinary zippers are closed at the bottom. Zippers may cost quite a bit. If you have an old jacket that you aren't using anymore, or maybe you find a dirt cheap one at a thrift store, you can always use a stitch ripper to remove it and re-use it on your rain coat. When sewing a zipper, it is a HUGE advantage to use a special zipper foot for your sewing machine. Go to google (or find a how-to here or on youtube) to find an instructable on how to sew a zipper. Zippers are a frequent huge frustration for people new to sewing, but it is not a big deal if only you do it right and have the right sewing machine foot which allows you to stitch close to the zipper coils. Most sewing machines come with a special foot for this, but they may vary a lot in how they work, so do consult your instructions manual for the foot you will be using. If you do not have a zipper foot, but do have a cording/piping/welt foot, that may be used also, as it has a groove underneath which the zipper coils may run through (if it is made for thick enough piping to fit your zipper coil, that is, check to see). It may also be an advantage to sew in the zipper BEFORE sewing the garment, depending on which technique you prefer for the zipper. Take your time in doing the zipper right on your first try, as needle marks will be visible on this plastic "fabric", so ripping it out and doing it over, is no fun when you'll be reminded of it each time you use the coat because of marks left... :P Good luck! I wonder how comfy this hoodie is, when I tried fusing plastic, it got quite stiff. But maybe different types of plastic bags make different fabric? I'll think I'll give it a go to fuse other types of plastic bags. The thin crinckly (sp?) type is not used much where I live, mostly a somewhat thicker and softer type is used, so I guess it's worth a try to see how those turn out... I don't have much plastic bags though, would have to go out to get some, as I always use reusable totes instead of plastic bags when I shop. So every now and then I have to buy 10 at the supermarket to use for my garbage bin... ;P

[imrobot]

thanks! the hoodie isn't uncomfortable the plastic gets stiff if you use too many layers so stick to three or 4 layers

[LottaTroublemaker]

Thanks a lot, Imrobot! :)

[jamiespark]

you can buy zippers at any craft to or a store with sewing section

[ESWads]

This is so freaking awesome! I crochet all kinds of things out of grocery sacks (purses, water bottle holders, rugs, tapestries, etc.) but have found Target bags grip too much on the crochet hook. I've been trying to find a good way to reuse Target bags and now I've got one! Thanks so much. You rock!

[imrobot]

glad to be of service! imrobot

[socalgrl]

Jacket zips are very specific--if you pick one up, be sure it OPENS at the bottom. OR--try buttons with button holes (button hole: pre-strengthen the spot with a circle of packing tap about 2" across, then cut the buttonhole slit across the middle,make a slit exactly 1/8 longer than the button is wide. Use a similiar circle behind the button so it won't rip the plastic. Why not colored duc tape for this!) I am going to try your jacket technique! It's awesome....

[imrobot]

hmmm.... very cool idea. thank you and don't forget to vote

[michael J. caboose]

dude this is an awsome instructable i hope you win, oh and you can buy zippers at michaels of joahns

[dindanpacman]

ii bought a set of zippers on the cheap at goodwill

[imrobot]

ya I know I'm not going to win cause by the time voting starts the popularity will have died sigh...

[greensteam]

Every backpack or garment that has come to the end of that phase of its life is harvested for useful future parts. I keep all buttons, clips, fastenings and zips and sometimes whole pockets and straps. Result? I have a big bag of rucksack spare parts and zips of all sizes from 4inch to 6 foot.

[Kialei]

Zippers can be found at any fabric store (JoAnne's or Hancock Fabrics) or even at a well stocked Walmart. They aren't too pricey costing a couple of dollars for very longs ones. I LOVE this project. It is very creative and using bags I was tossing away as I had so many. Now I know what to do with them. Thank you for sharing this project. Well done!

[imrobot]

thanks!