Sewing zip on awkward thing - handheld sewing machine?

DD265

I've got an agility tunnel, think similar to pop up laundry basket with the wire coil making a frame, and I need to add half a zip to either end so that it can be connected to a pop up tent. Couldn't find what we needed off the shelf without spending a fortune unfortunately.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Agility-Obedience-Training-Exercise-Equipment/dp/B005MQPZVQ?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2

Because there's a wire hoop in each end of the tunnel, I think even if we had a sewing machine it'd be really tricky to do. I'm trying to decide whether one of those handheld sewing machines would do the job, or whether I ought to just suck it up and do it by hand.

Thoughts/suggestions?

PipneyJane

DD265 wrote: »

I've got an agility tunnel, think similar to pop up laundry basket with the wire coil making a frame, and I need to add half a zip to either end so that it can be connected to a pop up tent. Couldn't find what we needed off the shelf without spending a fortune unfortunately.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Agility-Obedience-Training-Exercise-Equipment/dp/B005MQPZVQ?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2

Because there's a wire hoop in each end of the tunnel, I think even if we had a sewing machine it'd be really tricky to do. I'm trying to decide whether one of those handheld sewing machines would do the job, or whether I ought to just suck it up and do it by hand.

Thoughts/suggestions?

My first thought is: save your money and sew the zip in by hand. It's far easier to sew around corners by hand and you can ensure that everything has "caught". (I've only ever heard disappointment expressed about those hand held sewing machines.)

Second thought is: could you remove one of the "rings", sew the zip in flat on your sewing machine and then put the ring back? That depends on whether they're complete circular hoops or just curled pipe (which could be removed).

- Pip

thriftwizard

Seconding PipneyJane: the handheld machines are not suitable for anything other than a very quick repair job. Most of them are chain-stitchers & unless you can get the hang of pulling the thread back through the fabric & the last stitch, what you've done will come undone again very fast! Hand-stitching something like that isn't complicated & will give you a much better & more durable result.

oystercatcher

AS said previously, I've never heard anything good about those hand held machine.

Do you have access to a regular sewing machine ? If so I would cut some fabric to lengthen the tube by 6 -12 inches. Machine sew the zip to this , then hand sew the extension onto the tube, this would give you more flexibility and be much easier than hand sewing the zip tape. This process may need to be repeated on the tent side too.

I am making this up as I go but it's the sort of challenge I love and this seems to work in my mind but I haven't seen the actual things you need to join.

Good luck with it !

DD265

Thanks all, took your advice and hand sewed it. Didn't take too long in front of the TV