There is a multitude of zippers sometimes called: invisible zips, separable zippers, non-separable, double sliders, injected teeth, metal... not always easy to find your way especially when you are starting sewing!
I therefore invite you to "paint the portrait" of this zipper and I offer you some advice to choose the zipper adapted to your project.
What is a zipper, a zip, a slider...?
It has the function of being able to open and close an opening for example a pocket, a bag or to be able to put on a garment for example the back zipper of a dress or to be able to put on a skirt.
Each type of zipper has a particular use:
- create an opening
- add pep to a creation by contrasting the color of the zipper, with rhinestones, fluorescent version
- make it invisible (undetectable)
- simply decorative
Invisible zipper of my Caroline skirt from Atelier des premières in a corduroy velvet
Golden zipper by the meter for this Bahia fanny pack
Very discreet fluorescent orange separable slider for this bomber jacket
How to choose your zipper?
There are many types of zippers and each has been designed for a particular use.
Also, when you have a project, refer to the pattern maker's instructions for the choice of zip to buy. Once the type of zipper is determined you can still let your imagination run free for aesthetic and practical aspects.
What are the different types of zips?
1. The inseparable zips
The inseparable zips are the most common zippers. Their particularity lies in their name since the two tapes are welded at the bottom of the zip, thus the two tapes are inseparable and block the slider. These inseparable zippers are used for pants (fly), skirts, jeans but also pullovers as well as for accessories such as: pouches, bags, clutches... When you sew these zippers, the teeth will remain visible once the zip is closed.
2. Invisible zips
The invisible zippers are like inseparable zips, non-divisible. The tapes are also welded at the bottom. The particularity of invisible zips is that their teeth are positioned on the reverse side of the tape. This has the effect that once sewn, it is practically invisible and only the slider is visible. So be sure to choose a zipper that matches your fabric.
This makes this type of closure very discreet and ideal for beautiful finishes on dresses, skirts, pants, blouses.
3. Separable zips
The separable zips, unlike the previous two, are not welded; in other words, their tapes can be detached from each other. These zippers allow you to completely open a garment like bomber jackets, coats, jackets...
The zippers sold by the meter are offered by the cut and come in the form of a long spool. It is then possible to cut a piece of the length needed for your project on which you can add one or more sliders. You can therefore create a double-slider zip by placing two sliders back to back or face to face.
Zippers sold by the meter are cheaper and can be very helpful when looking for a zipper of great length.
These closures are perfect for making bags, accessories, pouches...
How to choose the length?
The mentioned length of a zipper is always its useful length, that is to say from the top stop to the bottom stop. The actual length of your zipper is a little longer by a few cm of tape to facilitate sewing your project.
In patterns, it is also the useful length that is always referenced.Does the thickness of the teeth matter?
There are teeth of different thicknesses and different compositions: metal, nylon, injected plastic... Their choice is often an aesthetic choice according to the style of your project. Injected plastic will have a more sportswear effect, metal teeth will be more chic on jeans...
However, in some cases, for slightly technical projects where resistance is important like outdoor projects: sleeping bag, backpack, ..., nylon or plastic teeth of larger widths will be more resistant to outdoor conditions than metal.
For classic clothing, choose teeth from 2 to 3mm, which is more than sufficient.
For small accessories: pouches, bags, 3mm teeth are enough.
For bags where you want more robustness like a travel bag, a bowling bag, think of 5mm teeth.
In the shop, we have chosen to offer you the best quality! You will therefore find YKK zippers, the world leader producing no less than 7 billion zippers per year (half of the world production). You can really trust them on the quality and durability of their products!
There you go, I hope this article has brought you new knowledge about zippers. To go further, feel free to read or reread the dedicated articles about zips and about zips by the meter.
Get your needles ready!
