What You’ll Need
• An open‑ended zip longer than you require.
• Measuring tape or ruler, and a fabric marker or pin to mark your length.
• Wire‑cutters or pliers to remove teeth.
• New top zipper stops, or strong thread to sew a DIY thread stop.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
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Measure from the bottom retaining box to your desired length, and mark both sides of the tape, leaving a small allowance above for the new top stop.
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Carefully remove the excess teeth above your mark using pliers, ensuring the zipper tape isn’t damaged.
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Fit a new top stop at your marked length, crimping it securely with pliers, or hand‑sew a dense bar-tack across the tape for a DIY stop.
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Trim the excess tape above your new stop for a neat finish.
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Test the zip by opening and closing it, ensuring the slider stops correctly and operates smoothly.
Why This Matters
Custom‑shortening a zip ensures a precise fit, a clean finish, and eliminates wasted material. It’s cost‑effective, lets you make the most of stock we already hold, and supports our ethos of quality, flexibility, and smart manufacturing, all delivered with the same care and expertise we’re known for at The Canvas Company.
Watch & Learn
For a clear visual walkthrough, check out this video:
