How to Shorten a Separating Zipper

Separating zippers allow the two sides of a jacket to separate completely.

Unlike the zippers found in skirts, pants, dresses, purses and pillowcases, the two sides of a separating zipper - the kind found on jackets - come completely apart. Before you can install a separating zipper on a homemade coat or jacket, you must first adjust the length of the zipper to fit your project. Adjusting the length of a separating zipper is only slightly more complex than adjusting the length of a closed-bottom zipper, and still a fairly quick task.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Fabric marker
• Nippers or small scissors
• New metal stops
• Needle-nose pliers
• Small fabric scrap

Instructions

1. Mark the zipper tape indicating the desired length of the zipper measuring from the bottom of the zipper up. Make the mark with a fabric marker, so it comes off in the wash.

2. Remove all the teeth on both sides of the zipper tape starting at the mark and extending an inch upward. Remove metal or plastic teeth with nippers. Snip coiled teeth with small scissors against the zipper tape.

3. Pinch a new stop above the last tooth on both sides of the zipper tape, using needle nose pliers. Cover the stops with a small scrap of fabric before pinching them on the tape to prevent scratches from the pliers. Trim the zipper tape 1/2 inch above each stop.

References

• Threads Magazine; Pulling Teeth: Tips to Shorten Zippers; Dec 2010
• Beacon Fabric: Shorten Zipper

Resources

• Zipper Stop: Zipper Stops