How to Build a Zipper for a Purse or Bag

For the tools and techniques you need to make or repair bags, shoes, clothing and much more, this is the Ohio Travel Bag Workshop. Today we are going to show you – How to build a zipper for a purse or bag!

The technique we are showing in this video is best for repairing bags, adding a new zipper to a bag, or building a purse or bag from scratch. The zipper chain is cut, the slider is added, and then the bottom stop is added to both sides of the zipper chain. The chain is tucked into the purse or sewn into the fabric so the ends are not to be seen. The zipper is closed at both ends to prevent the slider or zipper from separating.

Step one. Get the right tools.

You will need your zipper chain, needle nose pliers, zipper slider, top and bottom stops, and scissors.

This is what we are using in the video:

• YKK #5 Zipper Chain: 5M-BLK-B
• YKK #5 Auto Lock Zipper Slider: 5M-5-BP
• Bottom Stops: DC5-4P-BP

Step two. Add the zipper slider.

We are using a #5 YKK metal zipper coil. Cut your zipper chain to the desired length, then pull the zipper teeth apart so we can add the zipper slider. Make sure the zipper teeth are pointing up when adding the zipper or it will be difficult to slide.

Step three. Add the zipper stopper.

For a purse or bag, the zipper doesn’t need to separate, so we will use a stopper at each end of the tape to make sure the zipper sliders stay put. If you need to trim the tape further, go ahead and do that. Next Find the spot you want the zipper to stop at and push the stopper into the zipper tape fabric. Then with your needle nose pliers, fold the points of the stopper down over the back of the zipper teeth. The remaining zipper teeth can then be tucked into your bag or purse.

And there you have it. Building a zipper for a purse or bag. Try it for yourself, find all the tools and more at ohiotravelbag.com