A zipper is a simple tool to close and bind open pieces of fabric. Zippers are a type of fastener or clasp that can be found on pants and jackets as well as purses and bags. To close a coat with a zipper, pull the zipper up and join the right and left sides.
Five Components of a Zipper
There are many styles and materials available for zippers. But the most important components of zippers are:
- Slider: This part of your zipper is what you hold and slide down to open and close your zipper. This rectangular, small slider is usually made of metal or plastic.
- Bottom stop: This is the bottom of a zipper. When you pull the slider all the way down it stops at the bottom stop.
- Top stop: These are the devices that attach to the top of the zipper to prevent the slider from falling off the chain. The top stops are tightened to secure the fabric and zipper as they close.
- Zipper teeth: Also known as the zipper chains, the teeth are pieces of metal and plastic that fit into the grooves of each zipper to fasten when the slider is pulled towards the top stop.
- Tape: The tape that runs along the zipper teeth is called zipper tape. It can be found on either side of the zipper.
There are 5 types of zippers
There are several basic types of zippers. Below are the differences between each type of zipper.
- Conventional zipper: This is the most popular type of zipper. It comes in a variety of colors and lengths. They can be as short as a few inches to as long at two feet. It can be used for many DIY sewing projects. Metal or plastic are the two options for conventional zippers.
- Hidden zipper: This zipper is invisible because it has a coil underneath the tape. This slim zipper blends in with tape by having a thin pull that matches its color.
- Separating zipper: These zippers can be found on jackets and hoodies. They open and close at both the top and bottom.
- Blue Jean Zipper: This zipper is available in a brass finish and is made from denim to match your jeans.
- Two-way zipper: This zipper is often found on heavier snow jackets. It offers two options for opening or closing clothing articles. You can open and close the zipper in any direction by using the two zipper pulls at the top or bottom. These are usually longer tape lengths that can be up to 4 feet.
Four Supplies to Sew a Zipper
You can sew zippers with a few items, such as:
- Zipper feet: A zipper-foot is a type or presser foot that allows you to sew close to the edge of your zipper fabric.
- Fabric: To make a zip pouch out of fabric, you can attach a zipper or zipper to clothing or accessories.
- Thread: Make sure the thread matches the color of your fabric.
- Fusible: To help your fabric retain its shape and firmness, apply fusible interfacing with an iron to the wrong side.
How to sew a zipper pouch in just 6 steps
Sewing a zipper pouch is a simple way to learn how zippers can be sewn into clothing and accessories. This tutorial will show you how to sew a zipper into clothing.
- Test your zipper. Take measurements of the length you want your zipper to be and cut it accordingly. Use your sewing machine to cut a 1-inch strip from your zipper. The length of the zipper will determine the fabric you use for your project. To ensure that the zipper zips smoothly and without catching, slide it up and down several times.
- Create a smooth zipper. To create a smooth zipper, use your iron to press the tape along the zipper teeth. Be careful about the heat setting. Too hot temperatures can melt plastic zippers. But metal zippers will work fine. To fix fraying zipper tape, sew a zigzag stitch around it.
- Attach the zipper to the fabric. Turn the right-side of the fabric upside down and place the zipper wrong-side up on the edge of your fabric. The zipper’s edge should be aligned with the fabric’s top edge. Use a simple straight stitch to sew the zipper in place. The presser foot on your sewing machine will hold the zipper fabric flat.
- Turn the other side. Turn the project so that the zipper’s right side is facing upward. Fold the fabric in half horizontally so that it meets the zipper’s exposed edge. Stitch the opposite side of your pouch to the zipper.
- Sew the sides. Sew the sides together to complete your pouch. First, unzip your zipper about halfway. This allows you to have some room in your pouch, and prevents the zipper from being too tight when it reaches the top stop. Next, pinch the sides of zipper tape with your finger. This will make the zipper pop up. This allows the zipper tape to bend slightly. Attach the sides of the pouch to the zipper tape.
- Secure the zipper by backstitching: For extra security, backstitch after you have finished the topstitching. Now you should be able to easily open and close the zipper. You now have a fun pouch that you can use.