Finishing Zippers

**Lost_Biker** · 02-25-2012, 15:30

I've got the sides down pat, but what is a good way to finish the ends of the zipper? Just sew bartacks on either side of the end? Anyone have a picture they could post for me?

Thanks.

**tammons** · 02-25-2012, 15:48

Depends on what you are doing, but I would say look on youtube for sewing different zipper installations.

That was the only way I could figure out instructions to sew in pockets into a hooded jacket I am building. The instructions were impossible to follow and obviously written for someone with previous pocket sewing experience.

Once I watched the video a few times, I got it.

**dejoha** · 02-25-2012, 15:51

I do bartack. I also sew the ends together first.

**warbonnetguy** · 02-25-2012, 16:21

you probably want to stitch over the teeth so the slider can't slide off the end of the zip tape

**Lost_Biker** · 02-25-2012, 19:34

Thanks guys - that's what I needed to know.

**Merganser** · 02-26-2012, 21:22

I like to finish the ends with a little grosgrain ribbon.

**PuckerFactor** · 02-26-2012, 22:05

It all depends on the placement of the zipper. Most likely, do what everyone above has said.
Another way, that sometimes looks better in the right application is to sew the ends separately into the hem that goes up the zipper on each side. Look at just about any purse or handbag and you'll probably find an example.
Just another idea.

PF

**Lost_Biker** · 03-01-2012, 20:42

Thanks PuckerFactor and Merganser.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-01-2012, 22:12

Bartack across the bottom of the zipper. The top I usually fold each side of the zipper tape at 45* and stitch the folded end into the seam. That locks the slider onto the teeth. If you let the zipper run under the fabric a little bit you can avoid the gap that occurs when you bartack the top. There are a couple of other options as well. Put a drop of hot glue at the upper end of each side of the tape to block off the ends or take a flame or plier or something and crush or melt the teeth where you want the zipper to stop. I personally think the folded end is the more elegant.

**PuckerFactor** · 03-02-2012, 01:40

Something else I gleaned from ripping a purse apart (for the zipper, ironically) is to sew a little tab of fabric (an inch or so long) the same width as the zipper tape onto the end of the zipper, and sew /that/ into the seam. Much cleaner and looks very professional. Pretty easy too.

PF