The zipper guide

Which zipper should I buy?

Our zippers are sold individually or by the meter (per 10 cm) to make or repair your creations. These are professional quality zippers at the best price, which also benefit from a quantity discount.

What zipper size should I choose?

Most of our zippers come in various colors and sizes (lengths). If a zipper is too long, you can always shorten it by cutting it, then sewing the end to block the slider*. Please note that the zipper length indicated on the product sheets corresponds to the mesh length only - the usable length (and not including the excess fabric).

*Before cutting the zipper, we recommend sewing a stop stitch by hand with strong thread and needle or with a sewing machine using a zigzag stitch: make several passes to create a strong stop stitch and cut the zipper approximately 1 cm from the stop stitch.

How to prepare zipper ends before sewing?

1- Place double-sided adhesive tape on the zipper fabric next to the bottom stop.

2- Fold the end of the tape and bring it back towards the bottom stop.

3- Secure double-sided adhesive tape on the folded parts.

4- Fold the tapes into a triangle shape. Fold the top ends in the same way.

 

Choosing your zipper

The choice of zipper is mainly based on the intended use and the aesthetic you wish to give your creation.

Which zipper should I choose?

Discover our 5 types of zippers for all your leather creations: bags, pouches, clothing, cushions…

1- The non-separating zipper with metal stop.
Available in spiral version: nylon chain in 4 or 6 mm width. It also comes in metal chain (4, 6 and 8 mm) in several finishes and in plastic chain (6 mm).

Usage: for pouches, bags, pants, skirts, leather goods, and upholstery.

2- The separating zipper (which opens – both sides are detachable): for easy opening of your leather creations. Nylon, metal, or plastic chain from 4 to 8 mm.

Usage: for jackets, sportswear, blousons, camping, upholstery, marine, and outerwear.

3- The invisible zipper: the spiral is hidden under the tape, making the zipper almost imperceptible. Nylon chain in 4 mm.

Usage: for skirts, dresses, and pants.

4- The double-slider zipper: practical for leather goods creations for opening your bags from both sides (it is possible to reverse the opening direction). Metal chain in 8 mm.

Usage: for bags and upholstery.

 

5- Metal zipper by the meter (sold per 10 cm): practical for choosing a length adapted to your creation.

How to attach a slider to a metal zipper by the meter?

Do you want to attach a slider and stops to a metal zipper? Discover our tips for easily installing a slider on a zipper by the meter.

In the video below, learn how to attach a slider to a metal zipper (or metal zip fastener) sold by the meter ⬇️

Choosing the slider

There are two types of sliders for metal zippers: the self-locking slider and the free slider. Choose the model suitable for your sewing project!

1. Cut the zipper to the correct length

Start by cutting your zipper to the desired length, allowing about 3.5 cm extra. Then slightly burn the ends of the tape to prevent it from fraying.

2. Prepare the zipper

Remove the metal teeth using the appropriate tool (reference TB376) for about 1.75 cm on each side of the zipper. This step frees up the necessary space for attaching the stops and also facilitates sewing. 

How to remove teeth from a metal zipper?
Learn how to easily remove metal zipper teeth in the video below.

3. Identify the direction of the zipper

Before installing the slider, identify the direction of the zipper. The hollow side corresponds to the bottom of the zipper, while the curved side corresponds to the top. Respecting this direction ensures optimal slider movement.

4. Install the top stops

After identifying the correct direction of the teeth, attach the top stops of the zipper. To do this, slightly unravel the zipper to correctly position the stops. Use flat-nose and grooved pliers to attach the stops.

5. Position the slider

To facilitate threading and avoid deforming the teeth, use an appropriate tool. Orient the top of the slider towards you, then gradually insert it onto the zipper. During this step, ensure that the teeth are offset correctly so that the two top stops remain perfectly aligned.

Facilitate the threading of sliders on your zippers with our specific tools.

6. Attach the bottom stop

All that remains is to attach the bottom stop to complete your zipper. Your metal zipper is now ready to use!

 

We recommend synthetic chains for "outdoor" use. They will be more resistant to rain, for example, than metal chains.

 

Supra metal zippers: a range designed for leather goods

The Supra zipper range, developed specifically for Deco Cuir, has been designed to support all your leather goods projects: bags, wallets, pouches, and other leather creations. Thanks to their superior quality, these metal zippers offer comfortable and durable use. They are equipped with a free slider that allows for simple and fluid opening and closing. To ensure optimal glide, each metal chain is individually molded and then polished. This expertise ensures a consistent zipper that is pleasant to handle and perfectly suited for leather goods creations.

How to change the opening direction of the double-slider zipper?

Learn in the video below how to switch from an "X" opening to an "O" opening (zipper that opens in the middle). Please note that the zipper will no longer be separable.

How to create or customize a leather zipper pull?

Do you want to personalize your zipper slider with a name, a word, or your brand name? Here's a short tutorial to guide you through the personalization of your leather pull tab using alphabet stamping tools.

To make this DIY, you will need:

• 1 zipper without a pull tab
• 1 round ring, 10 mm
• 1 T1 rivet
• 1 strap of 10 mm leather collar
• 2 pliers
• 1 punch, 2 mm
• 1 set of alphabet stamping tools
• water and a sponge

And there you have it, the personalization of your zipper pull is complete!

Which zipper to choose for a leather pouch?
How to sew a zipper?

We invite you to discover how to install a zipper through the free tutorial on making a leather pencil case with a spiral zipper - 4 mm mesh or plastic - 6 mm mesh.

VIEW TUTORIAL >