Maya Ellison
Zippers are an essential fastening for garments and crafts, but they can be tricky to work with. If you're looking to cap a plastic zipper, there are several methods to try, from sewing a new stop to using a premade plastic end cap. This involves some careful work with a needle and thread, or a hot knife, and even pliers, but it's a useful skill to have when a zipper breaks.
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What You'll Learn
Using a SNAPCAP® for moulded tooth chains
Zippers are an essential fastening method for clothing and other projects, and sometimes you may need to adjust the length or stop the slider from coming off. This is where a SNAPCAP® for moulded tooth chains comes in.
SNAPCAP® top stops are a quick and easy way to secure the slider on a moulded tooth zipper chain. They are non-permanent and can be placed at the top of the zipper chain to keep the slider in place. They are designed to fit #10 and #8 moulded tooth zippers from YKK® and Lenzip®. The great thing about SNAPCAP® is that they work with both separating zippers and continuous zipper chains, giving you flexibility in your projects.
To install a SNAPCAP®, simply follow these three steps: place, twist, and push. It is as easy as that! There is no need for scissors, pliers, or cutting the zipper tape. This reduces the chances of mistakes and wasted material. SNAPCAP® top stops are also removable, so if you change your mind, you can adjust them. However, they are not permanent, so they may fall off over time. Therefore, it is important to note that SNAPCAP® top stops should not be used on children's clothing or products due to choking hazards.
When using a SNAPCAP® for moulded tooth chains, you will need two top stops per zipper. This is because each top stop only fits one side of the zipper tape. You can add these before or after sewing, depending on whether you want to remove the zipper slider while sewing.
SNAPCAP® top stops are a convenient and straightforward way to secure moulded tooth zippers. They are simple to install, adjustable, and can be used with various zipper types. However, it is essential to remember that they are not permanent and should not be used on children's products due to safety hazards.
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Sewing the zipper ends into your project
To begin, measure the zipper tape from the top towards the bottom to your preferred length. Mark the spot where you will place the new bottom stopper. Then, use your sewing machine or hand sew a line of straight stitches across the tape, starting a few stitches before the teeth and extending a few stitches on the other side.
If you are sewing by hand, thread a needle with heavy thread and tie a knot at the end. Pull the thread up through the zipper, leaving the knot on the back side, inside the garment. Make six or seven stitches across the bottom of the zipper where you removed the old stop.
Once you have sewn the new stopper, trim off any excess zipper tape about 1" under the stopper. You can then sew your zipper into your project.
For coil and moulded tooth zippers, turn the balance wheel by hand to sew slowly through the teeth. For metal zippers, sew up to the zipper teeth and then raise the needle and presser foot to skip over the teeth.
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Using a hotknife to melt moulded tooth zipper chain
To create a top stop, cut a section of two to three teeth from a scrap piece of chain. Fit this piece into the teeth at the end of the zipper. Then, use the hotknife to melt the teeth together. This method allows the end of the zipper to separate.
To create a bottom stop, simply melt the two halves of a closed zipper end together with the hotknife to create a permanent closure. This method is best used on a zipper that is long enough to reach a seam or hem, as it will need to be sewn closed.
It is important to note that this method only works on moulded tooth zippers and that there is a risk of burns if you touch the hot plastic. It may also look messy, so it is recommended to install a new metal zipper stop if you are looking for a more professional result.
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Using pliers to grip the bottom stop
If you want to cap a plastic zipper, you will need a pair of small-tipped pliers. The first step is to remove the top stops. To do this, gently open up the stop with the pliers. The stop is shaped like a "U" and is hooked onto the tape of the zipper. Once it is slightly open, wiggle it and unhook it from the tape. It is important to be gentle and avoid cutting or bending the stop until it breaks. Keep the top stops safe as you will need to use them again.
Next, use the pliers to grip the bottom stop, which is the little band of metal or plastic at the bottom of the zipper teeth. Pry it off, but note that plastic stoppers are less likely to be reused and fixed. If the bottom stop is metal, you can reattach it with the pliers. If it is plastic, you will need to use thread to make a new stop.
If you are shortening a plastic zipper, the process is the same as shortening a metal zipper, except you cannot reuse the top stops. You will need to buy new zipper stops or create a new stop by sewing a zig-zag stitch with a co: 15>"0" stitch length over the edge of the zipper tape to create a thread zipper stop.
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Using thread to make a new stop
If your zipper stop was made of plastic or you are unable to reattach a metal zipper stop, you can use thread to make a new stop. Firstly, thread a sewing needle with a heavy thread and tie a knot at the end. If you don't have access to heavy thread, you can alternatively double up on a regular thread and tie a knot at the end of both strands. Pull the thread up through the zipper, ensuring that the knot remains on the back side of the zipper (on the inside of the garment).
Next, make six or seven stitches across the bottom of the zipper where you removed the old stop. This will create a new stop made out of the thread. It is important to ensure that the zipper pull or slider is above the spot where you are making repairs.
You can also use a sewing machine to make a line of straight stitches across the tape, starting a few stitches before the teeth and extending a few stitches after. This method can be used on a regular zipper with plastic teeth.
If you would prefer not to use thread, you could also make a simple fabric stop for your zipper. Cut a small rectangle of fabric, binding, leather, or another material of your choice. Then, fold it over the zipper teeth and sew it in place while sewing the zipper into your application. This method does require you to keep the zipper slider in place while sewing.
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Frequently asked questions
If the plastic zipper is at the bottom, you can sew a new stopper by stitching across the tape, starting a few stitches before the teeth and extending a few stitches after. You can also use a SNAPCAP top stop, which you can install by placing it over a zipper tooth, twisting, and pushing.
You can use thread to make a new stop. Thread a needle with heavy thread, pull it up through the zipper, leaving the knot on the inside of the garment, and make six or seven stitches across the bottom of the zipper. You can also melt the two halves of a closed zipper end together to create a permanent closure.
You can use a fabric stop at either end of the zipper. Cut a small rectangle of fabric, fold it over the zipper teeth, and sew it in place.
