Found a metal zip, but it’s too long for your sewing project? Don’t worry - you can shorten it at home with a few simple tools. In this tutorial, we’ll show you step by step how to shorten a metal zip so it fits your garment perfectly.
Whether you’re making trousers, a skirt, or a dress, knowing how to adjust a zip to the right length will save you from endless zip-shopping headaches. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to customise zips for all your handmade clothes!
You can use this tutorial when making sewing projects such as our Noa pinafore (shown below), Thea trousers, and Ness skirt.
Watch the full video tutorial here:
Supplies to shorten a metal zip:
- Metal zip (longer than the one your sewing pattern calls for)
- Needle nose pliers (or another pair of strong pliers)
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Ruler or tape measure
- Scissors
- Marking tool, such as a chalk pencil or erasable Frixion pen
- Safety pin
Step 1: Measure and mark the zip
Zip lengths are measured from the bottom stop to the top stop. Lay your zip flat and measure from the bottom of the bottom stop up to the length of zip you need. Mark both zip tapes - this is where the new top stops will go.
Next, make a second set of markings 15mm (5/8in) above the first ones. This is where you’ll cut the tapes later.
Step 2: Secure the zip pull
Open the zip, then insert a safety pin through the tapes just above the pull. This stops the pull from sliding off while you’re working (ask me how I know this is essential!).
Step 3: Remove the top stops
Use your small screwdriver to gently prise open the top stops. Lift them off carefully, and put them somewhere safe - you’ll need them again soon.
Step 4: Remove the extra teeth
With your pliers, pull off the zip teeth between your markings. Don’t stress if the tape frays a little, as this part will usually be hidden inside your seam allowance once the zip is sewn into your garment.
Step 5: Reattach the top stops
Now it’s time to put those top stops back on. Line them up with your first set of markings and clamp them closed securely with your pliers.
Step 6: Trim the excess
Use your scissors to snip off the extra zip tape, 15mm (5/8in) above the top stops, just below the teeth above. Remove the safety pin, and check that the zip pull slides smoothly, and that the top stops are securely attached.
Finished!
And there you have it - your shortened metal zip, ready to sew into your project. Easy, right? Once you’ve tried this technique, you’ll wonder why you ever worried about finding the “perfect length” zip in the shops.
Want more tips like this? We’ve got loads of beginner-friendly sewing tutorials on the Tilly and the Buttons YouTube channel and right here on the blog.
Happy sewing!
