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News

Add a Zipper to 251 Varsity Jacket

November 01, 2022 4 Comments on Add a Zipper to 251 Varsity Jacket

Add a Zipper to 251 Varsity Jacket

Our 251 Varsity Jacket pattern traditionally closes with snaps.  You need to have fairly heavy duty snaps to use in this pattern.  If using snaps as closures, you will need snaps and fasteners such as these (from Wawak). 

However, I was inspired by a bomber jacket I saw on Black-ish a few years ago and have been thinking of ever since. You can see the jacket here.  But, honestly there were so many good varsity/bomber jackets on that show (it was a great one for fashion) - there's one here (Black-ish Bomber Jacket) and here (Black-ish Pink Bomber Jacket and here (Black-ish Varsity Jacket), for inspiration.  And, I also really like many of the bomber jackets I've seen lately made from silk and florals.  But nearly all of these jackets close with zippers rather than snaps.  So I decided to add a zipper to this jacket rather than snaps.  It is quite easy to do, so I'll show how I did this.

I constructed the jacket exactly how the pattern describes until the end. I used a poly brocade fabric and lined it with black silk. I also used athletic trim from Pacific Trimming.  Then, instead of inserting the snaps in the jacket after it is all constructed, I used a 22" separating zipper. I chose one with metal coils and coordinating color, but you can pick just about anything you want it to be.

I simply pinned and sewed the zipper on one side of the jacket, with the zipper side to the inside of the jacket.  I used a zipper foot to sew close to the edge of the zipper.  Since this jacket calls for topstitching (which is optional), it makes sense to do this and have the topstitching as a reinforcement for the zipper.  I did not add any additional topstitching since I did not think it would look any better.

Once the zipper was sewn on one side, I lined up the other side of the jacket with the zipper tape and did the same thing.  Make sure you have both sides of the jacket lined up at the neck and bottom edges (or it will look wonky when the second side of the zipper is sewn on and the jacket zips up unevenly).  
I folded the top of the zipper tape toward the back of the jacket so it wouldn't stick up into the neck and sewed it down as I was finishing the zipper.  Then I trimmed it down.  
 
 
Then the jacket is finished!  This was so much easier (for me) than using snaps. Snaps make me so nervous to attach as I am always fearful I am going to rip a hole in the garment and make a mess.  Anyway, just another way to finish off this 251 Varsity Jacket!  
 

Let us know what you make!  Post your makes to our Customer Gallery or tag us on social media.


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4 Responses

jessica
jessica

June 19, 2025

Your writing is consistently impressive—looking forward to more! joe rocket suzuki gsxr jacket

Oliver Harrison
Oliver Harrison

June 11, 2025

Great tutorial on adding a zipper to the 251 Varsity Jacket! It’s fantastic to see such a creative way to customize and upgrade a classic piece. For anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their wardrobe, check out the Ari Haley Rich in Color Versace Bath Robe. It’s a stylish and comfortable addition that brings sophistication to your homewear, just like personalizing your jacket to make it truly your own.https://www.williamjacket.com/product/ari-haley-rich-in-color-versace-bath-robe/

Mike Rooney
Mike Rooney

September 11, 2024

Good article, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting.John Dutton Vest

charle Baker
charle Baker

May 23, 2024

Folkwear offers a unique and captivating glimpse into traditional styles with their beautifully crafted garments. As a creative design company, we admire the dedication to preserving cultural heritage while infusing it with modern aesthetics. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality make Folkwear a standout in the fashion industry. Keep celebrating and innovating with every piece!

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