How to Install a Zipper Pull on Zipper Tape By-The-Yard Perfectly Every Time!

This video will show you how to evenly install your zipper tape by-the-yard every time without ending up with a bulge in the tape. No tools necessary!
For me the biggest appeal of using zipper tape by-the-yard is that you can get it in so many fun color variations and it allows you to really customize your makes! That's not the only reason though; here are some other things I love about it:
1. It lets you always match your zipper to the color hardware you're using.
2. You can buy super awesome themed, character, or otherwise fun zipper pulls to use with them.
3. You can have a metallic zipper look without worrying about having to avoid sewing over or remove actual metal teeth (these are nylon).
4. You have very little waste because you just cut exactly the length you need and it saves you from having to buy specific length zippers for each project.
5. It's very reasonable price-wise (usually around $1.50-$2.50 per yard).
6. Being able to fully unzip your zipper during certain steps of sewing can potentially make things a lot easier! If you want an example, this is me sewing a standard zipper onto a bag in another video: • How to Sew a Center Zi... Right before this step I was using zipper tape by the yard and I was able to completely unzip and sew each side on individually but I also wanted to show how it would be done with a standard zipper and it was definitely more of a process!
You can find my full in-depth video tutorial for sewing a flat center zip bag (as seen at the end of the video) here: • How to Sew a Center Zi...
The zipper tape and pulls seen here were purchased from www.myhandmade...

[@xuanchan796]

Thank you! Thank you! I successfully added a zipper pull without wasting zipper tape. It’s tricky but your video and explanation contributed to my success. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jellotheocracy]

This was so incredibly useful. Thank you for making this.

[@Jasmine-hh3kt]

This video is SO helpful! I’ve watched a few videos that show how to insert zipper pulls. But yours is the first that shows close up, what can go wrong and how to avoid or fix this issues. Thank you!

[@pamelacase2659]

I spent an hour adding a single zipper pull to a bag I made! After watching this video I put one on in 15 seconds! Thank you for this!!! I rarely write comments but I HAD to on this one!

[@cdugan88]

That makes me so happy to hear! Happy sewing!

[@karenberg1633]

I’ve been watching different zipper tutorials. This… is an excellent tutorial! Very detailed. Easy to see. Thank you so much for this instructional video!

[@conniesteele7213]

Thanks for the tip. I struggled with one zipper pull for an hour after installing 5 others. When I followed your directions, success. 😊

[@cdugan88]

That's wonderful to hear! Happy sewing!

[@bobbiehayes9188]

Thank you. I just purchased a new brand of the zipper by the yard and it had the pulls packaged separately. The first brand had them all attached. I have just added 10 zipper pulls (so that I remember how to do this). You have made life so much easier. Thanks.

[@sophiagracecraftsupplies6500]

Thank you. Mass making make up bags for my craft stall and have brought 20 yards of tape with 50 zippers so this tutorial really really helped ❤️

[@MagnoliaRose1946]

Thank you for pointing that extra teeth , only took a second when I have to look at it closely.Life saver.

[@bccabernet]

Omgoodness! I've spent about an hour trying to get the zipper pull back on (and then watching several other videos) without success. I watched your video for 5 minutes and got it done on the 2nd try. First one of the teeth was misaligned, but on the 2nd try, it was perfect! I didn't even notice that the V part should go down. Thank you so much for a clear and concise video!! I saved a zipper and material from a denim dress that I wanted to make into a messenger bag. And in the process, the zipper was pulled apart. Thank you so much for making this video!!

[@cdugan88]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@liz.mcdonough]

Wonderful video. I’ve been putting zipper pulls on for a few years but never paid attention to the starting teeth. Now I know and will have a much easier time getting it right. Thank you so much for this informative video.

[@cdugan88]

I'm thrilled to hear that you found this helpful even after having applied zipper pulls to tape for so long! Happy sewing!

[@dabbylynn]

Thank you for the video. Your video was the only one that worked for me. Clear and close up instructions..

[@cdugan88]

That makes me so happy to hear! Happy sewing!

[@curtriceennis2924]

TYSM for sharing this video. The thing that I found was so very helpful is when you explained how to determine which side of the zipper to put into the pull first. I never knew how that mattered. This will help me with making a tote bag I'm wanting to make for my sister. 👍😉😻

[@mitzihennessey5196]

Watched other videos on this subject and they made it hard to do. I wondered if I had done something stupid when I bought zipper by the yard, but its relatively easy following your instructions. Thank you so much.

[@mitawa71]

O.m.g! After struggling with the fork method, I found your video and it worked amazingly and without too much effort (or fraying the zipper tape). I especially liked how you took the close ups to explain the alignment of the zipper teeth. It only took me a couple of tries to get it on. Thank you!!

[@cdugan88]

That's awesome to hear, I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@phyllisdownie5292]

Best tutorial I’ve seen. Especially explaining about not putting to many teeth through to start. Thanks

[@pattijacobs1]

What a great trick… to look at which side of the teeth are at the top! Thanks so much for an excellent closeup video!!

[@sugarmuffin57]

Good tips...one thing...when you get the pull on and need to start zipping it..lay it flat on the table and hold the tape and it will start easier. I am learning a lot about the teeth being in the right position

[@cdugan88]

That's a great tip, thanks for sharing! I'll give that a try next time!

[@jackyf3505]

That works for me too. I have big hands and the beginning stage of holding the slider up in the air and getting both ends of the tape into it is pretty fiddly and insecure but then trying to grip it all and pull the slider down is even worse. Definitely for me holding the end of the tape flat on the table at that point is so much easier to get it moving smoothly down the coil.

[@andi50ish]

This was a fabulous video. Seeing your struggle helped. I never thought to think about the teeth orientation making a difference. I loved it, great job!!!

[@The.Perspective.Spectrum]

Thank you so much! This is the best tutorial on how to install a zipper pull. I think I finally understand how to do it, and why I am only getting my zipper pull on right about half the time.

[@cdugan88]

This makes me so, so happy to hear!!

[@jesspeak7543]

Great tutorial 👌, thank you ❤❤

[@jaymccreight9362]

Thanks! This is slow paced but knowing which end is facing which way allowed me to be successful.

[@karenpalmer9988]

I just tried it, and it worked perfectly!!! Thank you for showing this! My husband had made me a fork thing-a-majig, and that's how I usually do it, but this was way easy, and explained perfectly... Knowing to make one side higher than the other really made the difference! I'm saving this tip definitely! Thank you again for making this video It's much appreciated! P.S. I LOVE your nail polish! I love plaid, but never wear it...I need to buy some plaid shirts so I can get my nails done like yours! lol...

[@karynmolder6055]

Amazing video thank you.

[@macat5]

Thank you, I was ready to send my zippers back but I think this tutorial made all the difference!! I was actually trying to put them on back first, and did get one on but what a struggle, just tried your way and walla, done in seconds!!

[@cdugan88]

That's awesome to hear, I'm so glad the video helped! Happy sewing!

[@darygal64]

Thank You!!! I finally started buying zipper by the yard and was struggling AND then bought the jig and still, I either wasn’t paying attention or you are the first person that told me the top tooth must go in first! Ahhhh, went right in after a second of doing it right lol

[@cdugan88]

I'm so glad I could help! I've never seen anyone mention the tooth alignment either, which is why I felt compelled to make the video 😊

[@sewingincolor]

I ran across this video. It has helped me a lot. I was continually destroying all my zipper tapes, using forks, etc. Keep up the good work!

[@cdugan88]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@BuffaloRanchDippydip]

Thank you. I started like 5 videos and I was like, I don’t need your life story, or your favorite zipper, I don’t want to build a kid style camp with forks, staplers and boxes to build a makeshift zipper work station..... I just need to know how to get my pull on my zipper... you got to the point, I got it right on the first try! You are the best!

[@cdugan88]

Haha, thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@circlecookislands-artbysab8245]

thank you very much - doesn't matter how many videos are out there...this one is actually the most helpful one!!!!

[@cdugan88]

That makes me so happy to hear - happy sewing!

[@sewjeremie]

you're a life saver! i have ordered some zipper pulls that look the exact same to the metallic ones you have in this video... could not get them on whatsoever! thank you for this video

[@cdugan88]

Yay, so glad you found the video helpful!

[@rayeann7661]

Thank you! I just put on my first zipper pull with no problem.

[@ritacantrell738]

Thank you Great JOB

[@lasinmt106]

Good video and explaination of HOW to prevent the bulge and off set teeth. But some zippers and some pulls are easier than others. Have no idea why but it happens. I've been doing Zippers by the yard both tooth and coil since the 70's. Hubby has a size #12 tooth YKK kind nylon zipper he made a custom light back pack out of in 1972 and it's still in use and the only one he uses. I'm amazed that the coated pack cloth held up this long but the zippers were such beasts no surprised at all. NOW for all the amazing coil zipper tapes and zipper itself out there not to mention the variety of pulls and colors for all just has us all going GOTTA HAVE. I also make a lot of custom bags and designs and need two zippers comming together like you find on a lot of luggage and bags these days. WHY sometimes because it's practical and utilitarian. Usually I put on a zipper pulls say about half on one side of my zipper tape so it's started just like Chirtina is doing in this video. Sounds good in theory but in practice not always works well. If I have a smaller bit of zipper tape I apply one on at a time to meet with the other. You can't load half on one side and half on the other because you need two to meet. And the only two meeting would be the middle ones and that would mean cutting your tape in half. So you do several on one end but move one of those almost to the end where you then apply the facing mate. To work out how to do manage that I put one on just like Christina had demonstrated here today. Then I go to the other end of the tape and put on two more. One after the other. Just like Chistina's doing with the leading wedged end first. TWO? Because I will move both to the other end of the zipper to meet up with the single. And they then are closing the tape behind them so your tape stays together. And now I can cut off the length I need with two facing zipper pulls. If they have holes in the pulls they can be held together with a twist tie. When I was a teen an expensive zippered Samsonite tote broke open as a checked bag on a train. When I got to my destination alone they had just dumped the bag and contents spilling out on the cement walk way. I have never forgotten that experience. I took note of the double zipper pulls the first one I ever saw. And when making larger bags and duffles I almost always make them a double. Doesn't matter if they both are zipped to one side or the other or if they are locking or not locking pulls as long as they have some kind of hole you can insert a plastic twist tie into I figure they will arrive secure. And a little extra security from wandering hands might be helpful too but never know. I do know when I flew back from NZ in 05 I was sent through the fast entrance lane while another bit older lady was being investigated and in trouble for LOCKS on her luggage they were demanding her to open. I was asked do you lock your bags and I said no which they already knew of course and was sent right through with all my luggage in tow, Why was I so relieved? I was carrying 5,000 in NZ cash because the bank refused to give me a bank check to tranfer at the last moment I'd waited for that. I'd been hired for 7 weeks as a specialist in my field and even then the bank held onto 3,000 more.) So I was in a bit of a pickle. All the money was in 50's. That was enormous stack. I definitley did not want to have my bags rummaged through for good reason. I always contribute my utilitarian approach to how well twist times work for me. I save the black ones that anything comes in and if too long I can always trim them down but twisted up tight mulitple times as much as 20 unless someone has a wire cutter for the most part it's safe and I think the zipper itself is less likely to separate with two pulls. Not sure that would hold up in scienctific studies but in my experience so far the stats are on my side. Tent bags, backpacks, duffles you name it I've made it and the double zipper with twist ties has kept the bags fully closed. Plus I have option of sliding all to one side or the other or meeting in the middle. Adding a bit more options that can be practical at times too. Of course the key here is NOT getting that off balanced tooth leading to puckers between the two zipper pulls. I'm pretty good at that but it's a bit more difficult when dealing with the two meeting pull technique. So that's how I've ended up watching a few of these videos today. I also ordered two different of the jigs available. But before I pay 40 to 49 dollars for a FORK someone has bent into a custom made DIY jig I'll ask my Hubby to do design one for me. LOL. Like another comment I too find it's easier to place the zipper tape and pull onto the table or counter top and hold in place while tugging the pull. Usually the pulls go right on. And if it's off a bit I do not worry too much and consider if need be I just throw a few inches of slippage at the end of 5 yards of tape and it's not that much lost. The important thing is avoiding the bulge and with the rainbow zippers now it's nice to keep the colors as set together. Or I think so. Thank you Christina for explaining today how that pucker occurs. I do know some pulls and some coil just will not cooperate and it's difficult to get the one you want as a lead set just one ahead of the other side because sometimes it just isn't happening. Again you can ignore it and just snip the ends off once you know your length of zipper needed to even up for the next pull. I think some pulls also work better than others. Good video and well done with the close ups.

[@janejohnson8531]

That was very helpful! I bought zippers by the yard but they didn’t come with instructions beyond the first flat side starter.

[@fergusnaugler5194]

Yes! I’ve tried so many techniques. This worked. Thanks

[@shannondupont3051]

Thank you!!!!!

[@jillianludeman8826]

First time I have understood how to do this , many thanks

[@cdugan88]

I am so thrilled to hear that! Happy sewing!

[@yvettedupree9923]

Thank you so much.

[@meganmills6545]

Lovely close-ups, which got me thinking. What happens if you try to push the other end of zipper pull on without separating the teeth of zipper tape at all? I haven't got a bit zipper and pull handy to test this - but I have a suspician that if you have zipper tape that is all zipped up and trimmed straight across at the end then you can insert the closed tape into the 'skinny end' of the zipper pull till it meets resistance, and then push the zipper pull onto the teeth to 'push past' the resistance and engage it. If it works you'd expect that it would have no choice but for the teeth to line up properly. That end of the pull is designed to push along closed tape so shouldn't have any trouble 'receiving' closed tape so it might not be much good for when you want two pulls to meet head-to-head in the middle of a zip so if it works it could be worth trying from the wide end as well though, just in case that works too. Does anyone have some tape handy and pulls on hand so they can give it a try and let us know what happens?

[@cdugan88]

@@meganmills6545 Good thought! I'll have to give this a try when I have a chance

[@pavlal.4552]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you.

[@geordiehandbag1562]

Thank you!

[@beckypetersen2680]

Thank you! You took the fear out of it for me!

[@cdugan88]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@cybersewingschool874]

Thank you! Very helpful!!

[@sschexy]

Thanks!

[@Joolziejoolz]

If mine are uneven at the start I just pull the zipper pull right to other end and just pull apart the very end of the zipper tape, like you pull apart at the beginning. It doesn't matter x

[@vanessajones713]

bless you

[@shwetashirahatti991]

Thank you thank you thank you so much

[@cdugan88]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@Nannajb1]

Trying to replace a zipper in a jacket. I want to make sure I am putting it back into the right spot.

[@norhanimsulaiman6037]

Very helpful..thanks!!!!

[@hillyj1]

Thank you’re. I just 2 on

[@ltyrell405]

It's very hard to see black teeth in a black zipper inside the pull, I am really struggling!

[@brneahowt3448]

Thank you! Now I understand what and how to do this. And I did it!

[@cdugan88]

Yay, I love hearing that, I'm so glad the video was helpful!

[@roadrunner123]

I'm having better luck, but it's still not very simple. It's like threading a serger! You have to do it again and again to get better at it.

[@suebowen316]

It’s 4:09 Central Time. Can you please show how to put a slide back on a purse using a fork? Thanks!

[@cdugan88]

Unfortunately that's not something I am personally familiar with. I suspect there are many good videos on KZbin that can show you how though!

[@barefacedquestions]

Hi. Does a zipper made from zipper-by-the-yard not require a stopper like fixed-length zippers? I'm sick of ordering the right fixed length zippers for the project, but I've never used zipper by the yard.

[@cdugan88]

I know the feeling! For most projects, you do not need any sort of stopper. You can sew over the nylon teeth, so as long as you stitch the teeth into your project or attach a zipper end, then you will not need a stopper. You CAN purchase stoppers and apply them if you would like, though. If you need a separating zipper for, say, a jacket, then the process is more involved to install the pieces on the top and bottom, but I have seen videos of people doing this as well. Happy sewing!

[@barefacedquestions]

@@cdugan88 Thank you so much for your help!

[@salinwa7105]

Is it **always** left first, then right? What if I cut it and there’s a tooth on top on the right? I’m thinking of using zipper by the yard - I’ve never paid attention to exactly where I cut zippers before when sizing them. Can the tooth on the right be first if you put it in the same way from the other side?

[@cdugan88]

Yep, either way works! Whichever side is on top should go in first.

[@salinwa7105]

@@cdugan88 wow, thank you so much for a quick reply! 😊 I think I will try doing the zipper rolls. Your video was most helpful, thank you!

[@nicoleadamyk2810]

Any tips on the zipper pull itself! I swear I cannot get it on at all 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@cdugan88]

I don't have any particular tips aside from putting one side of the zipper in to sort of anchor it at first then sliding the other side in. Perhaps you'd find it easier to have some sort of "tool" like a fork to assist in getting the pulls on - a lot of people do seem to find it helpful. Make sure the zipper pull you're using is the correct type for your zipper though. Nylon zippers are the most standard type for zipper tape by-the-yard but some places will randomly sell a resin zipper tape and the pulls are not interchangeable! And of course you have to pair a #3 pull with a #3 zipper tape and #5 with a #5 but I'm sure that goes without saying.

[@barbarawebb9631]

FYI the number 5 means that the zipper teeth are 5mm wide and the 3 is 3mm wide. Not the whole zipper ribbon… just the teeth width. 🙂

[@cdugan88]

Oh thank you for sharing, I didn't know that!

[@GrammaPatriot]

Just out of curiosity, why do some people prefer using these types of zippers, is there an advantage over the other ones? Thank you for this video.

[@cdugan88]

For me the biggest appeal is that you can get it in so many fun color variations and it allows you to really customize your makes! That's not the only reason though; here are some other things I love about it: 1. It lets you always match your zipper to the color hardware you're using. 2. You can buy super awesome themed, character, or otherwise fun zipper pulls to use with them. 3. You can have a metallic zipper look without worrying about having to avoid sewing over or remove actual metal teeth (these are nylon). 4. You have very little waste because you just cut exactly the length you need and it saves you from having to buy specific length zippers for each project. 5. It's very reasonable price-wise (usually around $1.50-$2.50 per yard). 6. Being able to fully unzip your zipper during certain steps of sewing can potentially make things a lot easier! If you want an example, this is me sewing a standard zipper onto a bag in another video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6LVgoamrL6Bers Right before this step I was using zipper tape by the yard and I was able to completely unzip and sew each side on individually but I also wanted to show how it would be done with a standard zipper and it was definitely more of a process!

[@karenpalmer9988]

I used to buy zippers in the package, and I wanted to try zipper tape, and boy am I happy I did! It's so easy to match to your fabric with all the colors they sell, and you can cut the zipper to the exact length you need... It's sooooo worth it!

[@lasinmt106]

FUN FUN FUN. Last time I went to a fabric store in my case 100 and 140 to 200 miles away we live in very rural MT they didn't begin to have zipper colors and pulls like are available in the tapes these days. (CHECK out ETSY for the quickest Zippers by the yard and pulls to see what everyone else is saying. Variety of colors, both zipper tape, zipper coil itself and pulls. I have the classic gold, silver and black and colors of course as been doing this by the yard for both coil and tooth style zippers since the 70's. And then there are the pulls. I now have rose gold, gold, silver, gunmetal, rainbow, you name it colorwise. I have locking and mostly not locking pulls. I have rings, mickey mouse ears, teddy bears, hearts, dogs, cats, regular pulls, Xl pulls, Circle pulls. My hubby does not like the circles. So for him I added gross grain ribbon pulls for self lined water proof map cases for our expensive road maps and special national geographic maps. Color coded it helps to ID if you do not want to include a clear pocket to insert an ID tag. And you can make your own two way zippers where the pulls meet in the middle so you can slide all to one side or the other and or meet in the middle. And add a twist tie to keep closed when traveling and semi tamper proof but of course if someone wanted in your bag they would find a way. And another thing for years I will buy mulitples of specialized open zippers or jacket zippers that may be too long for some projects and by having pulls that fit I can use up any ends that I've had to cut off to make shorter so I get all the zipper pretty much used up. Point in hand 14" separating two sided zippers in #5 nylon black and grey I used for making custom sleeping bags that are super poplular these days. The zippers were too long but easy to trim to fit and that left me with several feet of great zipper tape to use elsewhere and because I have so many pulls on hand I did just that. Many of the fancy pulls work great on a basic black or grey zipper or white. You don't have to have the fancy rainbow or colored tapes you can mix match. So I do buy separating zippers when I can find good prices because I love to add to jackets or make jackets or last year a jacket came with an ugly cheap looking zipper and I happened to have a 4" long separating silver tooth not coil jacket zipper and just trimmed it down to fit after removing the cheap metal one. It looked ten times better and though it was an expensive jacket it now looked it too. And yes I had pulls to use up the rest of the zipper which I used to make a tent bag for a friend who needed a replacement bag. Hope this helps your curiosity if you still have any? ( I also have rainbow separating zippers that are a bit long for most jackets bought as a set of 5 and have used three so far. Though there are kits to for making your own separating zippers with tooth style zipper by the yard there is not for coils as of now that I know of. Having been making real down sleeping bags and customized outdoor clothing and every kind of bag soft sided of course for years and upholstery too now over 50 years I only dream that these options were available back in the day I worked for a wee time at Frostline in CO. However I've been sewing since 12 and that means over 59 years. First thing I realized was I could look at a lot of neat items and knew for some reason how to. And when I learned a new technique for how to do something neater or special I could adapt it to another custom project of my own design. So sewing frostline jackets and sleeping bags and tents all were learning skills. I learned to make patterns and change sizes and create from scratch. We still use the same fabric covers for our back pack pads we made in 1972. About 5 years ago we replaced the original foam but the Penny's cotton sheet for the top of the pad and the coated ripstop nylon fabric was still like new. Would fancy zippers improve the covers no but maybe doll them up with some glitz and oh yes how about mickey mouse ears or I've been searching for a bat charm pull. We met caving over 50 years ago and married now for 49 so I love to add some whimsy with the many zipper pull charms and embellishments out there these days. Hope you find your own whimsy soon. It's fun to share too.

[@ritalauchli2410]

Ritli

[@judithgilmore1138]

Too much talk not enough action