1 Photo: Riverside Covers U-ZIP FABRICATION PREP General considerations * Butt the outside edges and bottom of the U-zip to the facing borders, when possible, for a cleaner look. * Have no less than a 9-inch radius (a larger radius ensures a smoother zipper/flap). 2 * Draw the U-zip shape on the outside of the pattern. * Build a U-zip pattern out of a stiff, durable material so you can maintain consistency and duplicate your desired shape from panel to panel. Vinyl prep * Place clear vinyl on the outside of the pattern and lay ¼-inch tape just inside of the outside edge of the U-zip (Photo 1). * Be careful not to stretch the tape as it's applied because this will distort the vinyl. * Be careful not to let the tape hang over the edge. 3 * Score the vinyl with a sharp razor blade on the inside edge of the ¼-inch tape (Photo 2). DO NOT CUT THROUGH-JUST SCORE. Binding prep * Cut one piece each of ¾-inch and 1¼-inch bias binding a few inches longer than the U-zip length. * Add a "gathering stitch" on the inside curve of both pieces of binding (Photo 3). * Use the natural curve of the binding to your advantage, and sew through the folded edge while adding a little extra thread tension by pinching it where it goes into the machine. * Tape the ¾-inch binding on the outside edge of the U-zip 4 while the clear is still on the pattern (Photo 4). www.marinefabricatormag.com | 35 0520MF_p32-CV4.indd 35 4/23/20 2:26 AMhttp://www.marinefabricatormag.com