How to shorten any kind of zipper without difficulty?

Zippers, also known as zips or closures, are essential fastening devices in the field of sewing and ready-to-wear fashion.

A zipper consists of two fabric tapes, each equipped with interlocking teeth that engage via a sliding puller. There are several types of zippers, including separating and non-separating, metal, plastic, etc. Each type has its own specific characteristics and uses.

Zippers are used in a variety of products, from clothing to bags and home accessories. They not only offer a practical and quick solution for opening and closing but also add a touch of style and functionality to your textile creations.

 Our zippers

What is a Zipper?

Before starting, it is important to know how to identify the different components of a zipper:

1. The Slider: This is the movable part that opens or closes the zipper.
2. The Teeth: Also called coils, this is the part on which the slider glides. They are arranged in a staggered manner to interlock.
3. The Stops: Upper and lower stops prevent the slider from coming off the zipper.
4. The Tapes: There are two tapes on which the teeth and stops are attached. These tapes are positioned facing each other.

What are the Different Types of Zippers?

To know how to shorten your zipper, it's essential to identify the type of zipper you are dealing with:

1. Molded or Injected Teeth: These are plastic teeth fused with the zipper tape.
2. Coil Teeth: These are nylon teeth sewn directly onto the tape.
3. Metal Teeth: These are metal teeth attached to the tape by compression.

Zippers are sold by the meter or by specific lengths (e.g., 15, 25, 45, or 75 cm). They can be equipped with one or more sliders. The zipper can be separating (opens completely, detaches into two pieces) or non-separating (does not open completely, remains attached by the slider).

Choosing Between Separating and Non-Separating Zippers

The two types are used in different scenarios. Separating zippers are used for jackets and coats—garments that open fully—while non-separating zippers are common on dresses, fly fronts, or bags—garments that are pulled over the head or legs.

Just as a bag that splits into two would not be practical, a jacket that doesn't separate is of little use. It's important to keep your project in mind when choosing a zipper.

What Materials Do You Need to Shorten a Zipper?

• A zipper
• A measuring tool (ruler, measuring tape, etc.)
• Flat pliers
• Cutting pliers
• A fabric pen or chalk
• Thread
• A needle
• A sewing machine
• A lighter or individual zipper stops and tweezers

You may not need all of these materials; it depends on your zipper.

How to Shorten Your Zipper

1. For Nylon Coil Zippers

These zippers are usually non-separating and used for garments and accessories that don't need to open completely. Nylon coil zippers are the only ones that can be shortened with a sewing machine. Here are two techniques to shorten your zipper:

• Enclose the Ends in Seams: Prepare two pieces of fabric that match your project. Mark where you want to stop your zipper and pin the zipper and fabric piece, with one edge 1 cm from the desired stop. Stitch 1 cm from the edge. The seam and fabric will act as stops. (See video for reference)

• Create a Stop by Hand or Machine: Create a stop at the bottom of the zipper to block the slider. By hand, stitch several times on each side of the teeth to create a thread stop. By machine, sew a zigzag stitch over the teeth. Set your machine to stitch very close to the teeth and choose the smallest stitch length. To ensure your stitching is secure, we recommend stitching about ten times.

2. For Molded Plastic Zippers

These zippers cannot be sewn with a machine due to their rigid teeth. Here are the methods to shorten them:

• Using Individual Top Stops:

You can find these at specialized sewing stores.

1. Mark your new zipper length.
2. Remove the teeth above this mark with cutting pliers. Simply grip the tooth and pull it out with a quick motion.
3. Position and flatten the new stops above the last tooth using flat pliers.

• Melting Zipper Teeth:

1. Mark the new length of your zipper.
2. Cut two teeth off the end of your zipper. Be careful to cut from the side you want to shorten.
3. Insert a cut tooth between the last two teeth of your zipper.
4. Using a lighter, gently heat the teeth you just inserted to fuse them with flat or tweezers. Take your time and do it in several steps to avoid burning the tape or other teeth. (See video for reference)
5. Repeat the process on the other side.

3. For Metal Zippers

Whether they are separating or non-separating, it's best to shorten them from the top:

1. Mark the new length of your zipper.
2. Remove the top stops and the teeth above the mark using flat pliers. (See video for reference)
3. Replace the top stops at the mark by pressing them with flat pliers.

How to Achieve Neat Finishes

If your project is not lined, it's important to finish the ends for added comfort and aesthetics:

1. Prepare a Piece of Fabric: Cut a rectangle of fabric (4 cm by 2x the width of the zipper).
2. Prepare Your Work: Align the edges right sides together, fold the sides of the rectangle, and pin everything.
3. Sew: Stitch 1 cm from the edge. Turn the rectangle right side out, make two 1 cm folds, and topstitch. (See video for reference)

Still Have Questions?

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us directly via email at contact@ikatee.fr where our team will be happy to answer all your inquiries! We are interested in your feedback, comments, and ideas!

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