A zip guard does as the name suggests, guards against a blouse or undergarment getting trapped in the zip when closing. It also serves to neaten a waistband underlap providing a professional finish.
step 1 invisible zip inserted
After inserting the zip, cut fabric the same length as the zip, including zip tape and 2″ (5 cm) wide. Curve the bottom left hand corner and overlock the edges.
step 2 zip guard positioned
Place zip guard behind zip matching the length.
step 3 zip guard aligned with zipper tape
step 4 pin guard along zip tape
step 5 check position from right side
With zip guard underneath, pin in place in order to pin the zip guard to the right back seam allowance.
After checking position from right side, machine stitch in place through zip tape and seam allowance only (two layers!) using zipper foot.
step 6 sew in place using zipper foot
step 7 Take care not to catch fabric!
step 8 zip guard completed, ready for waist band