Sewing Zippers 105: Face Slit & Bind Zipper Approach

Welcome to the fifth and final video in our Sewing Zippers Video Series. In this last zipper installation demonstration video, we'll be teaching you how to sew a zipper using the Face Slit & Bind method. This type of zipper installation is typically used in a bimini to allow for the passage of a backstay on a sailboat. We're going to explain a little bit more about this, so stay tuned.

The Face Slit & Bind zipper approach is a zipper installation method often used in an application where a removable backstay wire would need to protrude from a canvas bimini top. This zipper includes two sliders that would zip close around an object (a wire, rope, pole, etc.) which exits from the zipper slit. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to install this type of zipper in your canvas or vinyl project.

We'll be using a 2-inch Sunbrella^® facing for our project. Facing like this is often used to trim and reinforce edges on a variety of projects, such as those on your boat! And because it made using high-quality Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabric, we know that it will withstand years of use and sun exposure on our application. We will also be using a prefabricated 2-inch acrylic facing tape as a reinforcement for the zipper installation.

When you're working on this project, you'll want your facing to be approximately 2 inches longer on each end for a total of at least 4 extra inches that go past the point where the zipper stops. To sew our zipper, we've selected Tenara^® Lifetime Thread for a number of reasons. This thread features a unique fluoropolymer fiber construction to increase the life of all your seams and your project in general. Perfect for outdoor, marine and awning applications, Tenara thread will not rot if left outside, giving you peace of mind on your next DIY! In fact, Tenara Lifetime Thread is guaranteed to outlast the fabric it's sewn into!