Yes, that’s a zipper. Clinging on for dear life to the shredded remains of my Licorice seam allowance.
I was all set to finish Licorice yesterday and it was all going fine until I tried it on after the zipper installation – front: fine; back: an ugly puckery disaster 
All I can figure is that I should have cut the lining a bit bigger to compensate for the inherent stretch quality of the cotton gauze the shell is made of. I shoulda known!! *facepalm* I didn’t think of it cause it’s not a “stretch” fabric, but still. Duh.
So I detatched the lining from the zip and it fixed the problem but now I had lining hanging open at the back. No one would know but me, but I’D know, and it bugged me lol. So out came the zipper, and now I need a new one cause – well, you can see why lol.
I trimmed a little off the seam allowance and am attaching 1″ bias tape to my lining on both sides in the hopes that will even it out enough to work.
All I can say is,
wearable muslin? the verdict is still out…
… learning experience? definitely.
Oh no! I admire your serenity as I would be a complete brat and have such a hissy fit! I know you’ll be able to make it work though.
I second the hissy fit- I’d still be stomping around using that zipper like a whip.
lol!! that’s an amusing idea
lol thanks ^_^ I was pretty pouty about it last night but if I can’t make it work then at least it’s a lesson learned… it is a bummer though lol
A graduate of fashion who specialises in pattern cutting and sewing myself – I would like to offer some advice if I may. If the main outer shell – meaning the fabric itself, is of a stretchy weave – then I would also recommend applying a lining that is of a similar composition – a stretchy weave because then everything should be fitting smoothly. Also, another very important point – for the lining pattern of the garment, you should add a little excess to the sides – ie; Side seams, Centre back and maybe Centre front [depending on the design]. This then allows for movement inside and will prevent tugging and pulling happening, which shows badly on the outside. Adding 3 or 4 mm, should be enough.
If you need advice on how to finish a hemline in a Haute Couture method, then drop me a notification on any of my pattern cutting and sewing related posts via my blog!
Thanks for the tips – I kind of figured as much once I saw the state of my back closure but by then it was too late
Definitely will be keeping this in mind for future projects though!
Welcome anytime.
Sure! Welcome anytime!