Did you ever have trouble finding the correct size zipper at the store? Or have zippers on hand that are too long?
Just shorten one! We at Needlepointers.com are all about recycling, repurposing, and using what's at hand to make a project. Using a zipper already purchased and simply shortening it by one of two methods on this site is definitely our kind of thing.
This site has a tutorial to shorten zippers by hand and this tutorial showing how to shorten a zipper with a sewing machine. Both are easy and effective!![How to Shorten a Zipper with a Sewing Machine - fb]()
To learn more about shortening a zipper using a sewing machine, watch our video or keep reading!
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supplies needed to shorten a zipper using a sewing machine
- Zipper that is too long
- Scissors (Not fabric scissors)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Threaded sewing machine
- Pencil or other marking tool
instructions on how to shorten a zipper with a sewing machine
![How to Shorten a Zipper by Machine]()
step one: Determine the length of the zipper needed
Before shortening the zipper, it is necessary to determine how long the zipper should be when finished. Zippers are measured from the zipper pull to the zipper stop.![Shorten Zipper with Sewing Machine _1.1.2]()
For example, if a 12" zipper is needed, measure from the zipper pull down 12" and make a mark using a pencil or other marking tool. This mark is where the zipper stop will be made.
step two: set the sewing machine to the correct stitch settings
For making a new zipper stop, the sewing machine should be set to a zigzag stitch. The width of the zigzag stitch needs to be set wide enough for the stitch to completely cover the zipper teeth.![Shorten Zipper with Sewing Machine _1.1.3]()
Adjust the length of the zigzag stitch so it is as short as possible. This will make the zipper stop into a nearly straight line.
step three: position the zipper on the sewing machine
Take the zipper to the sewing machine and place it under the presser foot, making sure the presser foot is centered over the zipper teeth at the mark that was made on the tape.
Using the machine hand wheel, slowly turn it to make sure the needle will go down right next to the zipper teeth and the zigzag stitch will cover the teeth completely.![Shorten Zipper with Sewing Machine _1.1.4]()
It is important that the zigzag stitch clears the teeth completely.
step four: sew the new zipper stop
Making sure that the needle position is lined up with the mark and the zipper teeth, start stitching with the sewing machine. Stitch back and forth about ten times.![Shorten Zipper with Sewing Machine _1.1.5]()
step 5: trim the zipper to the new length
Using all-purpose scissors, cut the zipper about 1" to 1 1/2" below the new zipper stop. Do not use fabric scissors for cutting the zipper or it will dull the scissor blades.![Shorten Zipper with Sewing Machine _1.1.6]()
If the zipper teeth are metal, carefully cut between the zipper teeth.
The new zipper is now the correct length! Use this tip before purchasing a zipper from the store. It will save money and resources!![How to Shorten a Zipper by Machine]()
I hope you enjoyed learning how to shorten a zipper using a sewing machine. It's that easy!
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QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video
comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.
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We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance
for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
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