Add a functional or decorative zipper to the back of a tank top or t-shirt using fabric bonding tape.
No-Sew Zipper Back Tees
by Jessie Daye
No-Sew Zipper Back Tees
What you need
- Tank top or t-shirt (thin cotton works best)
- Fabric scissors
- Permanent bonding tape or needle and thread
- 20" zipper or zipper that fits your shirt length
- Goo gone
- Iron
Directions
- Lay tank face down and iron smooth. Measure from collar to bottom and select appropriately sized zipper.
- Apply bonding tape to both sides of the back of the zipper, ensuring full coverage of entire edge. Cut off hanging portions with scissors. Use goo gone to clean sticky scissors.
- Lay zipper on outside back of shirt to check fit. Carefully pull back tape on both sides and press straight down to shirt with both hands. Work slowly and press all bonding tape down firmly. Iron to make permanent.
- Option 1: Unzip and cut between zipper so back shows when unzipped. Option 2: Leave as faux zipper on back.
- For fully functional zipper, use unlocked zipper (no metal pieces at top/bottom like sweatshirt zippers). Locked zippers (like pants) won't fully open.
- Wash by hand.
Tried this project?
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Hi, I'm Jessie.
I’m a Los Angeles mama, home renovator, and lifelong creative, sharing the things that make everyday life a little more beautiful. I believe food is one of the best ways to bring people together, which is why I love cooking: it turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering. From recipes I make on repeat to DIY projects, home design, and a little bit of real life in between — welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m so glad you’re here.
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