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Kwik Sew Lingerie Book
The Kwik Sew Lingerie book from 1978 has instructions for a "Hairdo Saver" made from nylon sheer that closes with snaps in front. I found the snaps difficult to close and open and thought there might be a better way to close the hood.
Zippered Hood
After searching on-line, I found that Amazon sells similar hoods that zipper closed. It takes less time to sew the zipper in than hand sewing the snaps, and it is quick and easy to open and close. The grey chiffon is a bit dark, but it has been in my sewing room for years waiting to be made into something, and I already had matching zippers and elastic. Use any sheer fabric that you can see through, but make sure it is washable. I recommend washing in a mesh bag with the regular laundry and hang to dry.
The Pattern
The rectangle is 16 x 30 inches, the triangles are 7.5 inches apart and 4.5 inches deep. You will need a 7-9 inch zipper and at least 25 inches of elastic to finish the bottom.
Cutting the Fabric
Place the sheer fabric on top of the pattern and cut out the rectangle, then cut out the triangles on top. Heavy coasters make great pattern weights.
Zipper Part 1
You will need a 7 to 9 inch zipper. This is an exposed zipper application, but an invisible zipper could also be used. Open the zipper and place it face down at the bottom of the hood. Stitch on top of the zipper tape, close to the teeth. Close the zipper after a few inches and stitch to the zipper stop.
Zipper Part 1 continued
Stitch the other side of the zipper tape to the seam allowance. Again, stitch on top of the zipper tape, opening the zipper when needed at the bottom.
Partially stitch seam
Partially stitch the seam above the zipper for a few inches. Stitch toward the end of the zipper, holding it out of the way. I used a zig zag stitch of 4 width and 4 length, since this fabric ravels.
Trimming
Trim the fabric behind the zipper tape, leaving 1/8 to 1/4 inch. I like to trim small areas over my knee with small, sharp scissors.
Topstitch Zipper
From the right side, top stitch around the zipper on top of the fabric. The zipper is done.
Stitching the triangles
Start stitching the triangles from the bottom to the point. I used a zig zag stitch of 4 width and 4 length. Leave the triangles above the zipper for last.
Stitching the Top Closed
Stitch the remaining triangles closed, from one side, matching seams across the top, ending at the previous stitching above the zipper.
Elastic Part 1
I used lingerie elastic. Do not cut the elastic in advance. Place the elastic, plush side up on the right side. Leave a tail of 2-3 inches and zig zag over the picot edge, stretching the elastic as you sew. If your fabric is a knit and stretches, do not stretch the fabric, just the elastic. Hold the tail in back of the presser foot to help you stretch the elastic when you start stitching. Back stitch at the beginning and end of stitching. Do not cut the elastic yet at the end.
Trimming on my knee
On the back (wrong) side, trim the fabric close to the stitching.
Elastic Part 2
Turn the elastic to the wrong side and zig zag the opposite side. Stretch the elastic as you stitch. The tail in back will help you get started. Back stitch at the beginning and ending. Now trim off the excess elastic at both ends and you are done.
The Finished Hoods
These are quick to make, so I made 2 for myself, one to keep in the sewing room and one for the bedroom. They can also be useful when shopping for clothes that go over your head to prevent getting makeup on the store's clothing. They also make a nice gift, though you may have to explain what it is used for.
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