Ever wonder if you could add a real zipper to the front of the Liberty Jane jeans? Well, in today's post, we're about to show you how....
Today's pattern hack was inspired by a post originally shared by Donna of Sweetscraps on Liberty Jane Patterns in 2011. Thanks for the great hack Donna!
I'm going to add a zipper to the front of a pair of cut-off shorts -- it's been so warm here lately that it's been hard to think of wearing much else! :) You'll need all the normal pieces for a pair of jeans or shorts, plus:
One rectangle 1" wide x 2" long (this becomes the Facing) One rectangle 2" wide x 2 1/4" long (which will be the Fly). And of course, you'll need a zipper! The regular kind works great.
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Line up one side of the pants front with one side of the zipper -- right sides together. Pin. You want about 1/8" of zipper tape showing beyond the raw edge, so that way when you sew at 1/4", the teeth will be close to the seamline. Set this aside for a minute.
Fold the fly piece in half (it should be 1" wide), and sew a curve along one lower edge. Clip and turn right side out.
Use the fly to sandwich the zipper tape to the Pants Front. The raw edges of the Front and Fly should line up, but you should still have about 1/8" of zipper tape showing.
Stop stitching right at the bottom of the fly, and clip into the seam allowance on the Front side just to the stitching.
Press and topstitch! If you want, you can also zig zag here. Just be sure to leave the clipped edge of the seam allowance free....
Sew the Facing piece to the other Crotch edge on the other Front piece. Clip into the seam allowance as you did before, and then fold the facing around to the wrong side. Press. (I zig-zagged my facing first, just to keep all the edges tidy.)
Close the zipper, and then line up the two fronts so that the facing edge covers the zipper entirely.
Hold the facing in place; pin the free side of the zipper tape to JUST the facing. Stitch.
Sew a bar tack over the bottom of the zipper, and cut off any extra tape. Finish sewing the rest of the front crotch seam.
Then, re-fold the Front over the facing; carefully topstitch to hold everything in place. Be sure not to catch the Fly when you topstitch!
Whew! Congrats! Now you can finish sewing the pants together.
When you reach the waistband step, you have two options: 1) sew the waistband as directed in the pattern, in a circle or 2) sew a modified waistband to let you open the pants fully at the zipper, which I'll show you next...
Cut a waistband 3/4" longer than the pattern calls for. (This extra is to account for the width that the fly adds.) Press under 1/4" along one long raw edge, and pin the waistband to the inside of the pants. Leave 1/4" extending beyond the opening on either end. Sew!
Fold the short ends back on themselves, and pin. Cut a piece of elastic 3/4" longer than the pattern calls for (I used 11" of 1/4" wide elastic). Include the elastic when you sew this seam. Tricksy, right? :) You should have a loop of elastic floating around the waistband, just kinda hanging out.
Now turn the waistband right side out, and carefully fold it over the elastic as you pin it into place. Sew that waistband down!
At the front openings, sew squares to hold the front edges of the waistband flat.
Finish off your pants by adding a small snap or a little patch of velcro at the front.
Congratulations -- you just added a real working zipper to the front of a pair of jeans!
Thanks everybody, and have fun with this!
For Pixie Faire, Melinda and Cinnamon
100 Comments
Diana Scott
July 31, 2015
These shorts could be worn with any of your top patterns you offer,these shorts are very verstial,the embellishment and stitching detail are awesome ,so “in”,so stylish in today’s fashion.
Thanks for the easy tutorial .
Bekah
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a lace overlay floral top!
Rachel Koppleberger
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a green or white t-shirt or tank-top.
Judi Wilson
July 31, 2015
I think these cute shorts would look great paired with a white cropped top with a sweetheart neckline. Like in the Town and Country crop top pattern.
I have been hoping for a way to put zippers in jeans. Thank you so much for the great tutorial
Sue Myers
July 31, 2015
Definitely calls for a halter top. Then the shorts could look really cool. Love the infi you share with us.
Diane
July 31, 2015
What a cute pair of shorts!!!
Betsey
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a dressy western/cowgirl shirt.
Nel
July 31, 2015
These shorts look great with almost every summer top.love the ruched hoodie for colder evenings.
Heather Mclaughlin
July 31, 2015
I think it would be darling to make a peplum top out of today’s free Bluebell dress and put it with these shorts. It would be very trendy and fun with the petal sleeves and collar in a solid and the top part of the dress finished with a peplum ruffle. The main fabric of the top would be in a print that would have the shorts color in it and the collar and plackets would have a contrast in a lighter fabric that matched the shorts. There are lots of great tiny quilting prints that would be great for this I guess I need to go create a design sketch. Love the tutorial by the way. I have always felt that I would like to try a zipper in my doll jeans and shorts.
Pat
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a summer cowgirl shirt, with the brads & all. Thanks
candy
July 31, 2015
With the amazing detail these shorts will steal the show from any pretty top.
Carole
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with either the trendy T shirt or the tank top in a red and white stripe.
Norma Betz
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with my doll wearing them.
Wendy wheeler
July 31, 2015
Great looking shorts.
Linda B
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with just about any cute summer top, but how about pairing it with one of the tee’s made from other tutorials……maybe the bow sleeve tee done in white with red bows, or a tye-dyed tee. My granddaughter is going to love this!
This is one of the BEST tutorials in your entire library! Thanks for including it this week!
And btw, I know how to do the tye-dying, but there are others who probably don’t, so how about a tutorial for that.
Cathy
July 31, 2015
These are so cute. My friend’s granddaughter would love them for her doll.
Mariam R.
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look adorable with a minty blue off the shoulder tee, and a coral tank top underneath.
Cheryle
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’ve been so hesitant to try a zipper in shorts and pants, but with this help, I’m going to try. These would be so cute on my granddaughter’s Grace, with a pretty print t-shirt, strappy sandals, and a pretty pendant. ❤️
Cheryle
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’ve been so hesitant to try a zipper in shorts and pants, but with this help, I’m going to try. These would be so cute on my granddaughter’s Grace, with a pretty print t-shirt, scrappy sandals, and a pretty pendant. ❤️
Marilyn
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts go with anything. Can be dressed up or go very casual. However top must be short enough to show the detailing. Love them!
Marilyn
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts go with anything. Can be dressed up or go very casual. However top must be short enough to show the detailing. Love them!
Kitty Owen
July 31, 2015
So cute, I’d like to see them with red and white pokadot cami and matching sandals.
Marge R (mer)
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute paired with my Grace doll wearing an LJC peplum top. Anxious to try this myself, but would be thrilled to win this adorable pair! ;’) Thanks for this great tutorial!
Vicki Howton
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a bandana print top. Any color will do but red or aqua would look best!
Christian Homeschooler
July 31, 2015
I would like to enter! I think the shorts would look cute with a bright pink short sleeves top. Thanks for the giveaway!
~Christian Homeschooler
Char
July 31, 2015
These shorts will look wonderful with any top that would show off that great stitching. I read through the comments and there are many good ideas.
If I ever get brave enough to try a zipper it will be with this pattern and your clear, beautifully photographed tutorial.
Lisa
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for this tutorial!!! I have been trying to figure this out for months with out success. I think these shorts would look darling with a pair of gladiator sandals, a hot pink rib knit tank and a black lace burnout tee.
Diane
July 31, 2015
I think these cute shorts would look adorable with a crop top.
Natalie
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a simple tanktop and a hoodie. A cute pendant necklace could make an amazing focal point.
Narda Weber
July 31, 2015
These shorts would look FAB with a red gingham shirt! So summer!
Amanda Graham
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a comfortable sleeveless shirt. It’s easier to have fun if you feel cute and comfortable at the same time.
Rena
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with… a white gauzy bell sleeved peasant blouse with colorful floral embroidery. Or a pink and white checked or floral, camping style shirt. (Tucked in, of course :)
These jean shorts remind of the retro high waisted shorts you see everywhere now. They are super cute and look adorable with a shirt tucked in. They are a truly versatile piece.
Fingers crossed!
Bea
July 31, 2015
Great project ! What a good way to shorten a zipper! Jean shorts are always in and will last for years!
Cynthia
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Sorento Top or Malibu Halter top. Thanks for the tutorial!
Leah M.
July 31, 2015
I think that these shorts would look super cute with a floral print tank top!
Linda K.
July 31, 2015
…with any color tee or tank alone…or with brown suede vest for western look…or black leather vest for a more mod look. This is a great tutorial…looking forward to trying it out!
Melinda
July 31, 2015
I think these shirts would look really cute with a swimsuit top. When it gets really hot outside, I wear my swimsuit to the beach with a pair of cutoff shorts and walk barefoot along the water’s edge. I think it’s the classic summer look!
Mary Vernau
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with a simple t-shirt & sandals!
Thanks for a chance to win!
Margaret I.
July 31, 2015
Love the pattern thanks for the free tutorial. I think these shorts would look hot with a little blue gingham shirt, a white Cowboy hat and white cowboy boots. Any little girl would love them I know my Granddaughters would. Thanks again for the help. Really love PIXIE Faire and all they do for us….the patterns and ideas are great.
Amy
July 31, 2015
I must admit, I am a bit intimidated at the idea of adding the zipper to the jeans I have been making. It would be such a nice touch to them though!
I think these shorts would look really cute paired with a swim suit…… what a fun laid back summer beach attire!
Sue
July 31, 2015
Those shorts are adorable. The tutorial was great. I would not have thought of putting elastic in the waist in that manner. It is a second great idea. And third is the highlight of the sparkles.
Great ideas. Thanks.
Mary Campa-Reid
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with one of my homemade halter tops.
Susan
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Cortina Top and the Gladiator Sandals.
Cecelia
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a great variety of summer tops, especially t-shirts.
Helen
July 31, 2015
Great tutorial. Thank you.
Sophie T
July 31, 2015
Thanks for the tutorial!
These short would look great with a lacey top such as your lace overlay tank top!
Susan
July 31, 2015
You tutorials with excellent pictures are a great help! Thanks!
Linda B
July 31, 2015
I think these zippered shorts would look really great with the Sarong Pleated Top. Fully tucked in, front tuck only or fully out. Maybe In crisp white on white paisley or lace pattern. A fresh , cool. summer outfit with Gladiator sandals or no sew flip flops! It would scream Hot, hot , hot for August! Love the zipper option!
regina
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look good with a tank top
Diane
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look good with the vellum top.
Shirley
July 31, 2015
Adorable
Thresea Wright
July 31, 2015
I think these shores would look really cute with my granddaughters playing with them.
Florence Grisham
July 31, 2015
I think these these shorts would look really cute with a white trendy t-shirt! Thanks for all of your patterns and tutorials.
Elizabeth H
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a tank top.
Kathi
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would be perfect with a tank and light weight pullover sweater.
linda holder
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look good with a t-shirt with sequins!
Peggy
July 31, 2015
These shorts would look great with a tuck in blouse, which you have several. The detail of rhinestones sets it look. I was wondering if we would ever get info. on applying a zipper to pants. You are so generous without making us pay for this lesson. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elaine
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the peplum top.
Gail
July 31, 2015
These shorts are cute and would look great with a stylish tank top. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
Martha F
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a tank top and a long sleeve knit hoodie – prepared for the warm day ahead with shorts and tank, but out in the cool morning and needing the long sleeves.
Judith Taylor
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a matching jean jacket and Tilley-style sun hat. To complete the look she would be sporting a pair of comfy flip flops and a canvas backpack.
Lele
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a floral top, brown combat boots, and a doll rainbow loom fishtail bracelet!
Jeanie
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really nice with the peplum top. The Peplum top is short enough that all your hard work on the shorts will show such as the zipper, the rhinestones and top stitching. You worked for it, show it off. Thanks for all the freebies you provide to us.
priscilla
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a big shirt and tank under it
Ellen
July 31, 2015
I would pair these shorts with a cute crop top..to show off all the detail on the shorts. And maybe a baseball cap and tennies to complete the look. Thanks for all the wonderful patterns and tutorials!
nancy seitz
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a knit top.
Eveline Doiron
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a short peplum top. Would love to win these for my daughter.
Robyn
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I think these shorts would look nice with a peplum top.
Bethany
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a white knitted sweater, possibly off the shoulder, and knee-high boots.
Candice Lacy
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look cute with an off the shoulder tee layered over a tank. Or maybe a lace tee or tank over a tank. Or, seriously anything would look adorable with them.
Barbara
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a tank top…especially one made with a Liberty Jane pattern.
Elizabeth S
July 31, 2015
Great tutorial. Can’t wait to try it.
Joan
July 31, 2015
Oh my goodness….they are so cute. My sewing machine just died so can’t try it until I get a new one….but can’t wait. Thanks for showing the process.
betty-Anne tyler
July 31, 2015
…with a bathing suit underneath. This is Texas and it is HOT. We spend a lot of time in bathing suits.
Bobbie Pumford
July 31, 2015
These shorts are so cute! I think they would be cute paired up with the bikini top and a hoodie layered over it. That’s a girl ready for her day at the beach that can linger on into the evening.
Mary
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a tank top or layered tank tops. Thank you for this great tutorial.
Flora Torrie
July 31, 2015
These are so cute. Almost any top would go with the jeans—t shirt (long or short sleeve),
Sleeveless top, sweatshirt, sweater. It is easy to pair it with crop top also.
Elaine
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a crop top. Your patterns and tutorials are fantastic!
Linda Reynolds
July 31, 2015
Please enter me in this contest! Love these shorts!!! I would have a short top or tuck in the shirt to show off these beautiful shorts!!!
Joan D.
July 31, 2015
I think the shorts would look nice with Liberty Jane’s pattern Lace Overlay Tank Top.
Thanks so much for the great directions.
Marsha
July 31, 2015
Any top short enough that you could see the detail of the shorts. Very Cute! Thanks for the tutorial!
Lindsay
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a lace overlay tank top!
Jolene Weber
July 31, 2015
With a crop top! I like that you can use a regular sized zipper and have an elastic waistband.
Brandi
July 31, 2015
Bright layered tank tops!
Rene Bolton
July 31, 2015
Oh, these shorts are adorable! I think they would look really cute with a tank top!
Glenda
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with any of your cute tops.
Sonja
July 31, 2015
Wonderful tutorial. Thank you
Janet Franco
July 31, 2015
I love the easy instructions for putting in the fly zipper. This method can be used in making adult jeans. Thank you for posting it. I see some big girl jeans in my future
Florence
July 31, 2015
These shorts are so versatile they will be good paired with just about any top in all colours! They are a very smart style as well! Can’t wait to make them!
Melanie
July 31, 2015
Love, love these. Can’t wait to try
Karen L in PA
July 31, 2015
These shorts would look good with….just about anything! I am definitely going to try this. The off the shoulder top with a cami underneath would be a cute look.
Linda DeGrasse
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look great with a Not For Knits top that has some sparkly embellishments. Thank you for the tutorial!
Marlene
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the off the shoulder tee!
Karen
July 31, 2015
……..an embroidered peasant blouse!
Lucy A
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a criss-cross open backed Tshirt.
Barbara
July 31, 2015
I would make the hoodie by Lemieux to go with these jean shorts and she would be ready for the county fair in September when the nights get cool!
Jill D
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with the Endless Summer Halter Top. Thanks for the great contest
pelon corinne
July 31, 2015
oh! merci j’adore les leçons que vous nous donnez pour nous aider à coudre tous ces jolis vetements
amitiés
Jo
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts will look really cute with a halter top.
Mommy Becky
July 31, 2015
I think these shorts would look really cute with a halter top made by folding a bandana on the diagonal and tying that around her waist and the other two points around her neck, and since Sage came with boots she is ready to go have fun at the fair with her calf.
Diana Scott
July 31, 2015
These shorts could be worn with any of your top patterns you offer,these shorts are very verstial,the embellishment and stitching detail are awesome ,so “in”,so stylish in today’s fashion.
Thanks for the easy tutorial .