single pull (plastic)

             double-reversible (plastic)

     EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO
     KNOW ABOUT ZIPPERS

COIL more flexible and smoother running than tooth zippers.
As a general rule, typically the #5 is for clothing and the
#7 & #8 are used for gear. Uses: tents, jackets, luggage                                       

TOOTH SIZE the smaller the number the smaller the tooth
size: ie. #5 is smaller than #10 and thus not as strong.                                                          

TOOTH SIZE the smaller the number the smaller the tooth
size: ie. #5 is smaller than #10 and thus not as strong.

CONTINUOUS ZIPPER a length of zipper, either coil or
tooth style, sold by the yard. Allows you to make and
customize your own zippers. At least one end must be
sewn closed. It cannot be used to make separating
jacket zippers.

ZIPPER SLIDER (PULL) the zipper slider (pull) on the zipper [Note:
the zipper sliders from one brand (ie: YKK brand) are
usually not interchangeable with other zipper brands
(ie: Maxi brand zippers, etc.)

(1) single slider-a zipper slider with only one pull      

                             

(2) double-reversible slider-a zipper slider with a pull tab on both sides of the slider. Uses: sleeping bags  

                                                             
(3) non-locking slider (NL)-a zipper slider which slides easily and
has no internal locking mechanism to hold it in
place. Uses: pockets, luggage, tent doors

(4) locking slider (L)-a coil zipper slider which has an internal
locking mechanism to hold the slider in place
ie. trouser zipper

(5) key locking slider (KL)-a zipper slider which locks and
unlocks with a removable key. Uses:security
envelopes, luggage

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
TOOTH & COIL STYLE ZIPPERS?

For many projects it’s your preference which style you choose

TOOTH STYLE
has individual blocks of teeth.

COIL STYLE
has continuous wrap of
nylon filament

ZIPPER ANATOMY

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN ZIPPERS:

There are a number of reasons why you would want to make your own zipper using continuous coil or continuous tooth zipper length.

1. By doing so you can customize the length and style of the zipper you want ie: one way non-separating, two-way non-separating or one-end-closed. [NOTE: The only style of zipper you cannot make with continuous zipper is a one-way or a two-way separating zipper-like a jacket style zipper].

2. When you make your own zipper you can select the style of zipper slider you desire: non-locking, locking, key locking or double reversible. See the zipper terms box to determine which style of slider to use.

3. Often times it is more economical to make your own. To determine how much to buy just add 2" to the desired length you want the zipper to be (1" extra for each end) ie: if you want a 70" zipper you will need at least 72" of continuous zipper.

SHOULD YOU USE TOP & BOTTOM STOPS:

Top and bottom stops can be optional. The purpose of zipper stops is to keep the zipper sliders from pulling off when the zipper is in use. If an end of the zipper is sewn into a seam you may choose not to attach top/bottom stops because the seam will act as the "stops". When using zipper stops, bottom stops are attached to one end of a one end closed zipper and both ends of a one or two-way non-separating zipper. Top stops are used at the top end (the "open" end) of a one-end closed zipper.

WHAT SIZE TOP & BOTTOM STOPS SHOULD YOU USE:

For #5 and #8 coil and #5 tooth zipper use #8 top and bottom stops. For #10 coil and #10 tooth zipper use #10 top and bottom stops.

                
  HOW TO ATTACH A ZIPPER SLIDER

1). On one end of the zipper tape, part the zipper teeth about 2".  

2). Insert one side of the zipper about 1/4 " into the curved end
of the zipper slider.

[NOTE: On double pull sliders place the
slider so that the angled portion of the
flange is up].

3). Insert the other end of the zipper into the slider. To prevent
misalignment on the other end of the zipper line up the short ends
of the zipper tape evenly.



4). Firmly holding both zipper halves slide the slider onto the
zipper teeth. It may take several attempts to line up the zipper
teeth and to prevent a bulge on one side of the zipper tape if the
teeth are misaligned.

[NOTE: When putting two siders on the same zipper tape, attach the
second slider on the opposite end of the zipper tape using the same
method as above].

Zipper failures are usually the result of the zipper slider wearing out, especially if no apparent damage is noticeable to the zipper teeth. For zippers where the teeth separate after the zipper is closed, a possible solution (though at times only a temporary one) is to pinch the slider from the top of the slider to the bottom of the slider with a pair of pliers to seat the slider closer to the zipper teeth (not too light though).
If this doesn’t work try replacing the slider before replacing the entire zipper.

                     
ZIPPER WEDGES

The following method works well to eliminate the bulk when installing zippers in a seam…

Cut the length of zipper needed for the project minus 2" (ie. for a 25" zipper cut a 23" length of zipper. Install zipper slider(s).

Cut 2 zipper wedges out of project fabric, 2" long by width of the zipper tape.

On each end of zipper, pin each zipper wedge face side down to right side of zipper matching short raw edges.

Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/2" from raw edge.

Fold zipper wedge out flat & top stitch 1/4" from edge with zipper foot.

Install in project.