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HOW TO SHORTEN A ZIPPER*
Looking for instructions for shortening a zipper? Read on for step-by-step directions for the three most common types of zippers.
NYLON COIL ZIPPER
- Determine the final length you want the zipper to be. At the top end of the zipper, mark this measurement using chalk, or mark the point with a safety pin.
- Select two new stops for the endpoint. The gauge of the stops should be the same or less than the gauge of the zipper teeth. For example, for a #5 nylon coil zipper, you can use #3 stops
- Using needle-nose pliers, take the first bottom stop (bottom stops are used as top stops on nylon coil zippers) and pierce the zipper tape with the stop’s prongs and fold the prongs down so they are nestled between the teeth. You don’t want any points sticking out where they can scratch the person wearing the garment. Use the pliers to flatten the prongs, creating a new stopping point.
- Leave 1-2” of lead tape above the new stops, and cut off any excess zipper tape.

METAL TOOTH ZIPPER
- Determine the final length you want the zipper to be. At the top end of the zipper, place a mark at this measurement using chalk, or mark the point with a safety pin.
- Select two new stops for the endpoint. The gauge of the stops should be the same gauge of the zipper teeth. For example, for a #5 brass tooth zipper, you should use #5 brass top stops. In a pinch, the stops could also be slightly larger. The metal finish of the stops should also ideally match the finish of the zipper teeth. e.g. gold stops with brass tooth zipper, silver stops with nickel tooth zipper.
- Using a zipper shortening tool, pull out the first zipper tooth. This is the tooth that is aligned with the end-point marking.
- Going up the same side of the zipper, pull the next ~1.5” to 2” of zipper teeth out above the initial tooth that you pulled. About 2” of zipper tape should be cleared.
- Do the same thing on the other side of the zipper. Due to the two sides of the zipper teeth being offset from one another, one side of teeth will be slightly higher than the other.
- With pliers, clamp on the new top stops. Adjust them so that they are even with each other.
- With pinking shears or a sharp pair of fabric scissors, cut off the excess zipper tape, about 1.5” – 2” above the new top stops. Viola! You have a shorter zipper!

MOLDED PLASTIC ZIPPER
The method is similar to shortening metal-tooth zipper. However, you will need to break off the plastic teeth instead of pulling them off. You might have to chip away at the tooth and peel any stubborn pieces off the zipper tape.
As far as which top stops to use for molded plastic zippers, use stops of a comparable gauge and with the look that you prefer. Unless the zipper is black, it is unlikely that you will have stops that match exactly. A neutral metal stop like silver often works best.

*Don't want to do this yourself?
Shortening zippers is a useful tool in your sewing toolkit. If, however, you just want to get the job done without the fuss, you can leave it to the pros and use Zipper Shipper's shortening service!

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Let customers speak for us
from 3030 reviewsI haven't used the zippers yet (they all look great and seem very sturdy...they'll work perfectly, I know), but the customer service from Zipper Shipper is stellar! So grateful! :)

Zipper Shipper is more convenient than going to the store. And I don't have to wait long for delivery, enabling me to move forward with my projects!

It worked! Thank you for the great guide!

First time using zipper shipper. So far, great service. Pleased with purchase

Zipper arrived in a timely manner. It was perfect for the robe that a lady at our church wanted for her robe. Will order again from this vendor.

Great quality, great price and EXCELLENT Customer Service!! It doesn’t get better than that!!!

Zipper shipper provides a great guide so you can choose the best zipper replacement

I repair uniforms for our local baseball team. I have used these zippers for years. The equipment manager has told me when I use these zippers, they last! Additionally, I can get them in white and light gray to match. Can't beat the price and quality, either!

The zipper was just what I needed to repair a jacket. It arrived in a timely manner.

This product is going to be used for a bike bag. I would like to find these zippers in bright colors as a black zipper on black fabric is hard to see. I will post my finished project soon as I have a complex pattern to figure out. I love that this product is made in the USA.
Thanks Zipper Shippers

Have been very pleased with the zippers and fast shipping.

Love the sturdiness, yet lightweight. Love the color! Great delivery!

Black metal teeth and gunmetal puller as described. Functional. Hopefully it will last for ever and not get jammed up like the one I'm replacing.

I had very pleasant experience ordering the product on your site. Very easy to navigate and to order. And I very much appreciated the constant update on my order all the way to delivery. #5 Non-Lock Nylon Coil zipper slider works perfectly again on my sons favorite hooded sweatshirt with your replacement.
