Online zippers suppliers are now leading the game when it comes to carrying large selections of quality zippers to cater to their customers from different parts of the world. These zippers are essential for different types of sewing projects.
The very first step for attaching these zippers starts way before your project begins and that is finding the correct zipper for your needs. Knowing the specific type and length of zipper required for your project is essential since different types of zippers can never be interchanged.
If this happens, you need to return to the shop and buy a new one if you got it wrong. Good thing that online zipper suppliers now make it easier for everyone to purchase the zipper that suits their project best.
Zipper Sizes
The standard zipper sizes that you can find today include 4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and can reach as long as 100. Zippers for pants and skirts typically require a 7 zipper while dresses should have longer lengths of 14 or 16.
In case you are working with a particular sewing pattern, you can refer to the pattern envelope to know the specific type of zipper length and zipper you will need. In case the zipper color that you need is not available in the size you want, you can opt for a larger size. You can always shorten a long zipper but it would never be possible for you to lengthen a short one.
Once you are familiar with the differences between zippers, it will be easier for you to identify them. Below is a quick overview of the different zipper types and kind of projects these are used for.
All Purpose or Conventional Zippers
These are the common standard zippers used for most kinds of closures such as bags, trousers, dresses, skirts, and others. Conventional zippers feature two fabric strips that a stop attaches at the bottom part.
The zipper teeth will be visible if the zipper faces upwards. Unless the zipper is intentionally exposed for the purpose of fashion statement, these conventional zippers are usually concealed in the garment through lapping a small fabric layer over the teeth.
Invisible Zippers
This type of zipper is most commonly used in ladies’ wear, especially for more formal clothing if skirts and dresses are made from delicate fabric. Invisible zippers work just the same as the conventional zippers with a stop at the end. The only difference is that there are two fabric pieces covering the zipper teeth if the zipper faces upwards. The zipper slider or pull is often slimmer and smaller.
Separating Zippers
You can typically see separating zippers in vests and jackets. Unlike invisible and conventional zippers, a separating zipper doesn’t have a stop at the end, which means that it can completely come apart. Since separating zippers are usually used for longer projects and coats, their sizes are also often longer. And because these are typically used with heavier fabrics, the zipper teeth’s size tend to be larger with more metallic options available.
