Getting Over My Zipper Fear (I Wish I Knew This Sooner!)

[@JoyWandrey]

a fork (yes, that you eat with) can be very helpful in re-assembling your zippers, mount the fork so that the tines are up and facing away from you, place the zipper slide in the tines of the fork, so that it holds the slide in place firmly, pointing up, then you have your hands free to manage both the sides of the zipper tape. I use this technique daily in making my bags, backpacks, etc. it can save quite a bit of time. I have been enjoying your videos, thanks so much!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Joy! This is an awesome tip! 🙏🏼

[@jrnmrn]

That’s what I use but I’ve never tried with a metal teeth zipper…

[@pequodexpress]

Bravo! I recently got over my fear. Zippers are quite easy. Those of you who are reluctant to do zippers, you've just got to do it to realize that there was nothing to fear. It is easy to get into leathercrafting and impress ourselves with basic patterning, assembly, and stitching. Zippers bring in a slightly more technical set of skills that many leathercrafters avoid early on. Get some cheap zipper chain and sliders and start nipping off teeth and installing stops. Then pay attention to how the dimensions of the zipper affect your overall pattern. A great project to do to overcome the fear of zippers is a zippered Dopp kit. Try to do this without buying the pattern but by watching a few videos and making your own pattern. A zippered dopp kit is relatively easy, but it is a good introduction to slightly more complex patterning with a zipper. This is a hurdle that has to be overcome. I know and understand the resistance. Just do it.

[@milom.2057]

Finally! Possibly the best how to video on zipper installation. Thank you!

[@charleshutcheson2506]

Zippers we’re coming for you! Thanks so much for this lesson. I really appreciate your ability to teach so clearly with an easily digestible style.

[@mormops73]

As a relatively new leathercrafter, I honestly love your content - keep up the great work. Cheers, Paul

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Paul! So glad you find this content helpful. I certainly don’t know it all, but I am happy to share what I have learned (and what I continue to learn). Thanks for being here, Paul. Have a great day! -Tanner

[@cdgarcia]

I thought I was the only one that feared zippers 😅 I liked how you listed the things you feared in the craft . Great way to face them

[@joe4459]

Right!? Had absolutely zero fear punching the holes for stitches and then having to redo my entire project because the stitches looked like I closed my eyes while doing it. But gosh darn zippers……. I’ve had three in my assortment of leather goodies that I’ve refused to even try. Being I don’t have a sewing machine and I don’t understand zippers. 😂

[@mucchaccha]

me to..fear of not pulling it together super tidy and neat..and I hate that 😅

[@kimvaughan2140]

Fabulous tutorial. Very clear, paced well, not too fast and it works beautifully. Thank you very much.

[@bruceyoung609]

Great Video! IF you are searching for subject, please consider this: I was in prototyping and designing retail displays for almost 30 years. The one thing that was of great help to me was knowing how to "fix" an error that I made during fabrication and particularly when it happens while in the completion, wrapping or packing stage of the prototype. It took years to determine whether it was worth the time and expense to fix it or call the customer and explain why it was going to be late. With all that being said, I know I could benefit from your experience in how to fix various "problems" in the late stage of making a leather product. Just something to consider for the future. Thanks again.

[@ellenj8896]

Excellent vid! I had not considered the double stick tape idea, which is a great idea. I have to sew a zipper onto a rather hard to reach, curvy surface, so I'll use double stick tape, then hand tack it at intervals to really secure it in place, then stitch all the way around. Thanks for the great tips, your clutch looks great already.

[@johntucker5308]

my first zipper video......im impressed thank you!!!

[@nireeburr]

This is so true.. I’m doing my first zip into leather satchel for my father! 🫣So here I go ur the teacher today for me. I’m in Australia. I’m recycling another zip off another bag..🤞🏼🌈🌻

[@elconquistador932]

How'd it go for ya?

[@HappySnailDIY]

Fantastic step-by-step! I enjoy watching every of your videos, I create small leather goods too and I learned a lot from you. Thank you! ✨

[@batcrazyjt]

Thanks for taking some of the mystique out of leather and zippers!

[@douglasshaw9169]

Really enjoyed this video and to let you know; you’re not the only one with zipper installation fear. Lol Thank you for making it look rather simple. Big Help!👍👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@jlouutube65]

Fascinating stuff!! As a maker I never considered installing a zipper like this!

[@127cmore]

I'm an Upholsterer in Scotland. I was taught to cut ✂️ the zip with a fish tail at the end. It's a lot easier to mount your slide as your fingers easily grab the point's. You can load up loads of slides at the same time and then you save time on a big job

[@waterboy8999]

Hi neighbour! Thanks, I'll be trying that, not that I usually have any bother but I like the sound of it.

[@lindseyfrazier3298]

Best zipper video I've seen. And thank you for letting me know about the zipper plier things.

[@islandvoyager7061]

Love this video. Helped explain a bunch of things. Installed my first zipper in the "Boston bag" from one of Tony's patterns at Dieselpunkro the other day. Kinda neat and really a fun build. Thanks for the video. Dan from "THREE HORSE LEATHER".

[@andreipirlea3102]

i really dont understand why you stopped making vids. you re a natural to it and have really interesting content.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, my friend. That’s very kind- I love the leather community but the desire to focus on my family and career leaves no extra time to make videos right now. Thank you! 🙏🏼 -Tanner

[@richardpike6846]

Only just found your videos on KZbin and your Instagram page. Really like how you come across and love your work. Keep the content coming 👍

[@devriescustomleather1109]

Very well done, you are good teacher, with a nice manner about you. These can be one of the most "fiddley" things we deal with for sure. An old timer learning new tricks thanks.

[@cooper67]

Great video! Did you ever post the rest of the leather clutch project and ideas for designing? Thanks for your great videos!

[@ZipperRescue]

Great video! It's amazing how intimidating zippers can be. We've been selling Zipper Rescue Kits for decades to help folks repair their broken zippers, might be fun to collaborate on a video showing folks how to repair worn or broken sliders since they're usually the first thing to fail. So many zippers get replaced entirely when all they needed was a new slider. Keep up the good work!

[@whitetailscout4069]

Buckleguy sells zipper teeth breakers to remove the bottom teeth. After watching this video I checked the prices of the RiRi zippers in Buckleguy and the prices are ridiculous! I like your YKK recommendation much better. Thanks for another great video!

[@michaelklekar9844]

nice job with the zipper install! Zippers are my worst fear also but, you cleared things up. GREAT JOB!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching, Michael! Baby steps... we’ll get there! 😀

[@crownj01]

Great video, I'm gonna head downstairs to my workspace now and try to install my first zipper. Thanks man!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Nice! I love hearing that! Thank you for watching, Jack. Good luck!

[@Elimnio]

thanks, your videos are the best and most clear to understand and follow leather craft videos imo. Maybe now I will be brave enough to use a zipper as well!

[@enginguler2342]

Wonderful video! I was just about to make a wallet with zippers and this video will help me a lot. Cheers from Turkey.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So great to hear that!! Hope it goes well!

[@PilarMontoro]

Good morning! I loved the explanation of the placement of the zipper! What machine do you recommend for sewing leather? thank you

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Great lesson! I looked up that Osborne tool, wow $80 bucks.

[@TheUndergroundRave]

I’m looking for the second video where you make the rest of the clutch. Where is it?

[@littlegirllost2654]

Would be nice for you to do a tutorial on how you made your leather shop apron. I made a decent one but I like the way yours fit

[@WolvesandWhatnot]

Thank you for validating the fear of zippers!!

[@bbrachman]

Tanner. Another clearly explained video. Love it. My problem with zippers is settling on a brand, a number and which hardware that goes with that zipper. The terms on websites that sell zippers is sometimes confusing. When I need a zipper, I will probably refer back to this video and then try it.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Bruce! I have found some good luck getting zipper info from a place called Quality Zipper. They sell YKK zippers in bulk and are really helpful on the phone if you have questions. I like Riri zippers too, but like you said, finding the right sizes and finding what you need in stock is a challenge! I would like to find a good source for finished zippers (stops installed), but lots of the usual suppliers seem often out of stock! I appreciate you, Bruce! Cheers!

[@troylee3700]

Thank you, your explanation is really clear.

[@FatManLeather]

I have a zipper video ready to go too, I better get with the program. I didn't use the stops in my video and I have a little different way of installing the pull that you may find interesting.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Right on! I’d love to learn how you do it. Thanks!

[@Lumia920]

Thank you for the detailed demonstration! Love your content!

[@LukeDorny]

Great tutorial, Tanner. Very clear and inspiring. Love YKK brass.

[@paulfellowes4879]

Great video...I tend to cop out and buy Ykk ready made but this would be so much cheaper! I hope you include how you install the popper studs on the next video.

[@aliciacatherman3358]

Thank you for such a great intro into zippers 😉.. appreciate it!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure, Alicia! There are so many tricks with zippers… I’m learning every day and will try to share insights as I learn!

[@brianratzker]

Great video!!! Exactly what I was looking for!!

[@brightargyle8950]

Great tip on the double sided tape, contact cement works but it isn't the best or easiest. The sewing machine would really help but i learned the hard way that if you hand stitch a zipper into light leather that if you snug the lacing up too tight it causes the whole package to get all wavy along the stitch line, it took a few tries to find a good in between tightness but the end result looks pretty good. (I do saddle stitching, if anyone knows a better stitching method for zipper installation into leather feel free to reply!)

[@scottshirey2541]

Great video! Couldn’t find the “next” video on the rest of the bag. Did you post it yet?

[@jimhuskins8506]

Excellent, helpful content. Thanks.

[@Itsmarieanne]

So happy I subscribed, very friendly video and instructions, all the best!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Oh cool!! Thank you! Welcome, Marie Anne!

[@rpmfoto]

PP! Perfect Presentation!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Richard! That means so much!

[@dmack1827]

Really good topic for new crafters and well done as always.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, my friend!

[@embalyst]

Nice video! I've been procrastinating zippers for quite a while. I think I'm now ready to give it a try. Thanks! I have two questions, though. Do I need the specialized zipper tools, or can I improvise? Also, when will you be posting the follow up video on making the clutch?

[@pequodexpress]

You just need angled side nippers to remove the teeth and pliers to compress stops. However, balanced leverage pliers with brass plates that don't mark brass stops would be nice, but not necessary.

[@walteraustin6308]

Love this video

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Walter!! I appreciate your support, my friend!

[@k_sey.9370]

Awesome video! I have been hesitant on making a backpack for the fear of the zipper. I feel a lot better about it now. Appreciate your content.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I am also going to be making a rolltop backpack video soon with a free pattern (no zipper 😅), so that should be fun!

[@k_sey.9370]

@@ClaridgeLeather looking forward to the video!

[@nickjan67]

Did I miss something? I haven’t found a subsequent video in which you use this technique to make a clutch and demonstrate edge finishing. Or is the sequel still to come?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Here’s a link to that video! I haven’t made a video for the entire clutch, but I hope to do that (with a pattern) in the next couple of months. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZObqqx9aLmCbZI

[@nerdsofthefist]

Lifesaver. Cheers dude.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

🤜🤛

[@ddr80]

any idea if nylon coil zipper works the same? I saw on amazon they only have the nylon coil kind of teeth, not sure if can remove the teeth one by one

[@williamgindt2541]

Another interesting channel to increase my skills. Thanks

[@stevecomeau1099]

Awesome video. Exactly what I needed

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great! Love to hear that! Hope your project goes well, Steve!

[@nerdsofthefist]

I come back to this video every time I do another zipper. That’s how often I do zippers. Regardless, thank you!

[@buckobango]

perfect, thanks Tanner. I've been intimidated by trying a project with a zipper

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You bet, Buck! I know this isn’t an exhaustive tutorial, but hopefully it’ll help get you over the hump to try one! 🤜🤛

[@carolhall2275]

Love your content. What's the name of the sewing machine you are using?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you!! It’s a Cobra Class 4 machine. Cheers!

[@PiecesOfJenus]

Awesome!

[@stealth916]

Thank you for the video, I am also nervous to venture into zippers! One thing I was wondering, couldn't the leather itself be the stop? I mean once the zipper chain is sewn in, it seems that the zipper pull could not travel past the edges of the opening in the leather. That may also negate the need to clip off teeth etc. Just brainstorming, I don't have any zipper material yet to try this myself...

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You’re correct- sometimes the leather (or fabric) itself can be used as the stop (like on a backpack, where the pull just ends when it hits the fabric at the end). Totally viable option as well! Thanks for watching- have fun!

[@stealth916]

@@ClaridgeLeather The stops do make it look like a more finished product though, and perhaps keeps the pull from banging on / deforming the leather opening over time. Probably worth the extra effort for high finish items!

[@MexicanMovie]

wow, thanks a lot!

[@hannahaguilar435]

I love your apron

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks!!

[@franpultro8538]

Which sewing machine are you using in this clip? Thanks.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Cobra Class 4 👍🏼

[@franpultro8538]

@@ClaridgeLeather thank you

[@lisandroCT]

Nice work! My fiancee keeps asking me to make her a wallet and I haven't yet because I'm afraid of the zipper part. Is there any reason why you use double sided tape instead of glue?

[@EverydayReady]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@GrantSR]

Look up the "fork method" for assembling zippers.

[@terrydouglas2777]

That looked so easy. I'm new to leather working an using zippers is the main thing I was not wanting to mess with. But now after seeing this, I'm sure I can. Although I will buy the exact lenght I'll need on project an glad to know if I had to get a long zipper I can cut the piece I'd need. Thanks for sharing this, great video buddy. I'll check out your others now.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Terry, thank you for watching and for these kind words! That means so much to me! So glad you’re here, and I hope you find more helpful content down the road. Cheers!! -Tanner

[@Bad.Skunky]

Great video. And great tip on Quality Zipper Supply --I have to say though, their website is absolutely horrible.

[@americanchocolatier6452]

Thank you great video can you tell me about the machine for sewing in this video, thank you

[@ThoughtFission]

What thread and spacing did you use? How did you get the stitch to line up at the beginning and end of the zipper? Great video. Really useful.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I don’t know the exact spacing, but probably about 6 stitches per inch or around 4mm. I don’t plan the exact stitch holes beforehand, but it is possible to “fudge” the last couple stitches on the machine to land the last one in the hole from the beginning. In some cases, you just luck out and it’s spaced just about right (like in this video)! Thank you for watching!

[@didemslowmadeleather]

What thread do you use? And sewing machine?

[@DrBenCarterEsquire22]

I can't find the follow-up video for finishing the clutch. Are you able to share a link to that?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Sorry, have not had the chance to make it! Cheers!!

[@linagardiner5759]

@@ClaridgeLeatherlooking forward to the rest of the video. Thanks

[@melodycool796]

what kind of machine did you use? Brand, model, etc.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

It’s a Cobra Class 4 (available from Leather Machine Company or Tandy) 👍

[@johnnyc.5979]

Great video and explanation, I guess I will have to buy some of those end stops now. Hey, aren't you that guy from the Drew Carey show?

[@magdalenamachuca4515]

Muy bien la explicación 👍

[@Serving101]

OK, I will try zippers! Thank you for the boost in confidence.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great! I hope you’ll find they’re not so scary after all!! Have fun, Michael!

[@jrnmrn]

Is that a metal zipper? Can you post the links of your suppliers? Also, do you have a pattern for this clutch? Love it.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

It is a metal YKK zipper, which I got from www.qualityzipper.com No pattern yet, but hopefully in the future! Trying to work on lots of patterns at the moment!

[@tato33uk]

I would!

[@brianscochlearimplantjourn5974]

May I ask, what type of leather sewing machine do you use? Thanks!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Sure! It’s a Cobra Class 4 industrial machine. 👍🏼

[@ryankrebsbach4497]

Thanks so much Tanner!! Great work as always:-)

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Ryan!! I appreciate that! 🤜🤛

[@joemanthei695]

Buckle guy in your link sells RiRi zippers, pulls, etc. If you want to use a RiRi pull with YKK zipper - is it doable? Or do you need to match YKK zippers & pulls? Thank you.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hmm, I would bet that it is necessary to match the zipper and the pull (brand as well as the size). I believe there’s also link there for Quality Zipper, which is where I have bought the YKK chain and pulls. Is that helpful?

[@joemanthei695]

@@ClaridgeLeather Yes - I would agree: Riri zipper chain = riri pulls. YKK zipper chain should have YKK pulls. Thank you.

[@maili1882]

Da dove hai acquistato le pinze? Grazie

[@fayeehlis854]

Didn’t see your list of sources for zipper nippers please

[@ThomasShue]

How did you slow that sewing machine down so slow?

[@Mike-gr2ok]

Have you made a steering wheel cover or any automotive covers, upholstery ???

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Funny you mention it- I am, at this very moment, doing a baseball stitch on some leather on a prosthetic leg. Not exactly a steering wheel, but same stitch! I haven’t done much upholstery or any steering wheels though.

[@Mike-gr2ok]

Thanks for the reply and what glue do you use?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

@@Mike-gr2ok I use Renia Aquilim 315 water based cement. It works really well and doesn’t stink up the house!

[@Mike-gr2ok]

Thanks for the help a water based glue sounds perfect, hopefully in one of your videos we will see the baseball stitch ⚾ 👍

[@barbtatham]

Where is the video to finish the build out of the clutch?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Haven’t had a chance to make that yet! I hope to digitize a pattern like this (and others) and then create build-along videos to go with the patterns. Would that be of interest to you?

[@DeeAnnaWeed]

Thank you for sharing! Zippers have been my nemesis too, so I'm always looking for advice and tips to make the job go smoother. Most of the zips I have put in will look good and function well, but zips can be fiddly things to install, and I've had a few bad results.

[@kafenaded420]

same!! i thought i was the only one.

[@rsilva281]

Where's the next video on the clutch wallet? Good job on the zipper, your video helped!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

There should be a card that pops up at the end of the zipper video (“Elevate your work INSTANTLY...”, and it’s focused on burnishing edges). Thank you for asking!

[@MAKC_Seva]

Can you please tell me what is the instrument at 5:08?

[@Oxnate]

Are you related to Diedrich Bader (Oswald from Drew Carey show)?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Ha ha- no! Do you see a resemblance? 😅

[@steveemorel]

Super useful! :D Thanks a lot! : ))

[@MuseLeathercraft]

Thanks Bro! G

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure, Gordon! Thanks for watching!

[@iviolanti6836]

TO ADD PULL TO TAPE ..Make yourself a zip jig with a simple fork placed on a small board..Works Great!! Check out KZbin videos on how to..you can buy them but the fork works just as well;)

[@406Montana]

Hey Tanner, I just saw an e-mail from the Buckle Guy and they now stock a new zipper tooth/teeth remover...check it out. Also, Maker's Leather Suppy has them as well... you have excellent videos by the way...later

[@jdthefirst]

At the end,"A zip in time saves nine".

[@enriquetrincado9737]

Genial

[@danaearl3245]

Now to fix the zipper on a convertible top!

[@That3DPrintGuy]

Awesome stuff - thanks heaps blonde Diedrich Bader

[@Psalms20A21]

🌿🧠🌿Thanks enjoyable to learn🌿 🌿Will Share soon🌿 🌿👑🌿GOD BLESS🕊🌿