Zipper Pull/Tab: Every zipper slider has a pull attached that is meant to be held onto to move the slider up and down the zipper teeth. Zipper Tape: The zipper tape is the fabric portion of a zipper that will sewn into your project. Each zipper has 2 pieces of zipper tape that the teeth are secured to. Top Stop: The top zipper stop is a metal or plastic piece secured to each side of the zipper tape above the teeth. This prevents the zipper slider from coming off the top of the zipper. Some zippers have a top stop on each piece of zipper tape, while others have one top stop that goes across both sides of zipper tape. These 2 types of zippers have slightly different parts because they function differently. The Parts of a Zipper

Also, knowing what each part of a zipper is can help you to find the right replacement pieces when repairing a zipper. The final type of zipper is invisible zippers, which are also known as concealed zippers. Invisible zippers are usually made with plastic coil teeth, but they have a few key differences from a standard coil zipper.When you're scrolling through zipper options at your favorite online sewing supply retailer, you'll likely see numbers with a # symbol before them in the descriptions. This is the zipper size. Zipper Slider: The slider is placed on the zipper teeth and is moved up and down the teeth to open and close the teeth. Double zipper sliders are somewhat similar to reversible sliders in that they work from both sides. However, instead of having a pull tab that moves from one side to the other, they have two tabs - one on each side.

Most sewing patterns don't recommend a zipper size, they just give you a length. So you'll have to choose the size yourself! Keep this in mind while selecting a zipper size: the larger the size, the wider and more conspicuous the teeth will be - and the heavier the zipper will be.

Bottom Stop: The bottom stop is similar in functionality to the top stop - it's meant to prevent the slider from coming off the bottom of the zipper. However, only non-separating zippers have bottom stops. The bottom stop usually goes across both sides of the zipper tape to keep the bottom of the zipper together. If you need to find a replacement zipper for a garment or other item, you'll need to determine the size and type of the original zipper so you can find an appropriate replacement. Because we craft every piece of jewelry by hand, all dimensions are approximate. Subtle variations are natural.

While "reversible sliders" may sound like it should be the same thing as "reverse sliders" - it's actually something completely different! Handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this Poppy Zipper Pull is more than an accessory – it's a symbol of respect and remembrance. Add it to any zipper, and let its rich design not only enhance your mobility but also serve as a daily tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to service. In addition, the teeth of molded zippers have a tendency to pull apart and separate while closed if pressure is placed on the zipper. This makes them a bad choice for bags that may get overstuffed. Metal Zippers

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This type of zipper works well for reversible projects as well as items that need to have a zipper tab on both sides, such as a tent. One-Way vs. Two-Way Zippers Metal zippers are the most strong and durable option - they are made with metal teeth that are clamped onto the zipper tape. They are also a statement zipper! You can find beautiful zippers made with all types and colors of different metals.

A head-to-head zipper is a type of two-way zipper with sliders that are facing towards each other on the tape. To close a head-to-head zipper, the sliders must be pulled in towards each other, while to open the zipper they are pulled apart. Most sewing patterns will recommend a length of zipper for the project. To find the length of a zipper, measure from the top stop to the bottom stop. Or, if you're using a separating zipper, from the top stop to the retaining box. This is useful for projects where water-resistance is needed, since the teeth being turned to the inside provides another layer of protection against water. It's also great if you just don't like seeing the zipper teeth from the outside! Reversible Zipper Sliders Zippers are sized by measuring the width of the teeth, while the zipper is closed, in millimeters. So, a #5 zipper has 5mm wide teeth. That seems easy enough, right? But why does this matter? Coil zippers are flexible and lightweight, making them perfect for sewing into curved seams. They are also resistant to pulling apart while closed. This is great when making bags or luggage that may get overstuffed and put pressure on the zipper.Knowing the anatomy of a zipper is important. It helps you to understand how each component works together to make a functional zipper. This is useful information when selecting the right zipper option for your project. In addition, metal zippers often don't hold up as well out in the elements (especially rain) as other types of zippers. This type of zipper is probably not your best choice for outdoor furniture or a rain coat! Invisible Zippers First, the teeth of an invisible zipper are curled underneath the tape, hiding them from view. In addition, the slider is usually very narrow to allow it to hide easily within a seam. Metal zippers are perfect for bags, pants, and outerwear that will receive a lot of wear and tear. However, there are a few negatives to using metal zippers.