How to Shorten a Zipper

A plastic zipper that is too long can be shortened by sewing stitches to form a new bottom stop, then cutting the excess zipper below that point.

Things You'll Need

  • Zipper
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Scissors
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Instructions

  1. Shortening a Zipper

    • 1

      With the zipper closed, measure from the top of the teeth down to the point where you want your zipper to stop. Mark the point with a pencil.

    • 2

      Set your sewing machine to a zig-zag stitch, wide enough to stitch over the coil of the zipper.

    • 3

      Stitch over the zipper at your pencil mark, taking a few stitches forward and a few back, three or four times. Cut the long threads.

    • 4

      Cut across the zipper half an inch below your stitches using scissors.

Tips & Warnings

  • Test the width of your zig-zag stitch before sewing over the zipper, as sewing into the coil can damage the needle.

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