How to Shorten a Nylon Zipper
(+ Adding Fabric Tabs for a Professional Finish)
@CraftedbyLeanneandWoodlandStitches
@Rosie’sArtStudio
@NotchesSewing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Don’t have the exact zipper size for your pouch or bag project? Nylon coil zippers are incredibly easy to shorten because you can sew directly over the teeth. Adding fabric tabs to the ends creates a clean, high-end finish and eliminates bulk in your seams.
Materials Needed:
- Nylon coil zipper (too long)
- Small fabric scraps for tabs
- Thread and sewing machine
- Ruler and marking pen
- Scissors (not your good fabric ones!)
Tips for Success:
- This method only works on nylon coil zippers. Do not try to sew over metal zipper teeth!
- Move your zipper pull to the center of the zipper before you do anything else.
- Use a standard presser foot or a zipper foot for topstitching the tabs.
1. Measure and Mark
- Determine the final desired length of your zipper (usually the width of your bag opening minus 1 inch). Measure from the start of the teeth (by the current stop) and mark your new desired length on the zipper tape.
2. Create a New Stop
- Take the zipper to your machine. Set it to a wide, dense zigzag stitch with a stitch length of 0. Zigzag over the zipper teeth at your mark about 5-6 times to create a secure bar tack that will act as your new zipper stop.
3. Trim the Excess
- Using old scissors or craft scissors, trim off the excess zipper tape and teeth, leaving about 1/2 inch of tape past your new zigzag stop.
4. Prepare Fabric Tabs
- Cut two small rectangles of fabric. A good standard size is 2 inches wide by 3 inches long. Fold the fabric rectangles in half (short ends together) and press to create a center crease.
5. Attach the Tabs
- Wrap one fabric rectangle around the trimmed end of the zipper, aligning the zipper end with the center crease. The right sides of the fabric should be facing outward. Clip or pin in place. Repeat for the other end of the zipper (using the same method, even if you didn’t shorten that end).
6. Stitch and Finish
- Stitch across the fabric tab, perpendicular to the zipper teeth, about 1/4 inch from the folded crease. Use a straight stitch. Do this on both ends. Trim any overhang from the sides of the tabs so they are perfectly flush with the zipper tape. Now your zipper is ready to be installed!
Top FAQs for Shortening Zippers + Tabs:
Can I shorten a metal zipper this way? +
NO! Do not attempt to sew over metal zipper teeth; you will instantly break your needle and potentially damage your sewing machine. Metal zippers must be shortened by removing individual teeth with pliers and attaching new metal stops.
Why did my needle break when sewing over the nylon teeth? +
While nylon coil is sews-able, your needle can sometimes hit a thick part of the coil at a bad angle. If you are nervous, use the handwheel to manually lower the needle into the coil area for the first few stitches to ensure it passes through safely.
What is the point of adding fabric tabs? +
Fabric tabs create a clean finish on pouches and bags. They eliminate the bulky, messy ends of the zipper tape from your side seams, allowing you to get crisp, 90-degree corners when you turn your project right-side out.
