How to Use Zipper Tape in Bag Making

Zipper tape is an essential tool of any bagmaker. It's a lot less costly and wasteful to use zipper tape instead of premade, pre-sized zippers. Learn how to use zipper tape in this short video!
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[@fiercekittenz]

My custom zipper pulls (the one that say FIERCE) were ordered through GZ Topwin on Alibaba: gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/ - This is also who did my bag tags!

[@louparsons]

Well done once again; I appreciate the allowed imperfections, the fits that don't fit first time, every time. There are a couple sewing channels where every cut is amazingly accurate, every seam is perfect, and no stitch is ever ripped... thanks for another great video.

[@fiercekittenz]

Honestly? I'm too lazy to edit it :D LOLOLOL!

[@gstmist9362]

I never would have thought to use a stapler. Great idea 💡, I love your sense of humor. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@jenvieira4866]

Thanks, Georgia, for this tutorial. I'm a fork user & now it's time for me to suck it up & use the simple method so i can stop stealing forks...

[@petmomful2260]

Thank you! New subscriber here. I make quilts, and now I am making pouches and want to make bags. I had no idea how to use zipper tape, so I appreciate your help so much. I also just bought a KAM press so I can put in snaps and rivets! Let the fun begin!

[@fiercekittenz]

YAY! I don't have the KAM specific press other than the hand one for attaching their brand of plastic snaps. The big metal one I have now is from another company that a lot of people have sworn off (owner is pretty dang unprofessional). If that one ever breaks, I'm going right for the KAM snaps one!

[@petmomful2260]

@@fiercekittenz Good idea. They have been around a long time and I have read good things about them..

[@vlselz79]

New subscriber here😊. Just started my sewing obsession over again, after being off several years. I'm new to learning all things purses/bags, I've made quilts, dog collars, totes, and bowl cozies, before. I just wanted to say thanks for all your tutorials and videos. I just love how you're so down to earth and explain everything so everyone understands it. Can't wait to surf your channel some more. I've already binged watch about 20 vids, I better go get some sleep so i can remember it all😴🤣Thanks again!!

[@Publicspectaclefashion]

Thank you so much for this video 😭🙏🥰 your super informative description helped me out tremendously as well as your awesome sense of humor. You're awesome!

[@pato7721]

I really like your style & humour. You gave me a couple good laughs. And the info was exactly what I needed. 😊

[@suzannemodesitt8609]

Thank you! This is the best video! Also love your comedic humor!

[@eCoach7]

Love the idea of stapling the ends, thank you!

[@vickibennett6579]

Ah refreshing video… enjoyed your comments and silliness!!!! Good instruction!!!

[@carydelano5484]

I love your videos, they are very instructive and funny! It is very easy to learn from you, thanks!

[@Sandieloves2art]

OMG!!!!!!!!! YOU are the only PERSON who has actually shown me how to put pulls on a zipper by the yard !!! I've bought gizmos, whatsits, and they all drive me mad!!! tonight as they were ALLLL failing me yet again. i decided to try one more time on YT to see if someone really knew how to put pulls on!!!! YEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!! I have 6 bags sitting here needing zippers......and they all have 2 pulls each....thanks to YOOOOUUUU!!!!! thanks a million!!!! here is an AIR HUG!!!!! (*-*) Sandra

[@fiercekittenz]

I've tried using the little jigs and widgets, but I just cannot figure it out! I do this faster by hand :P

[@TACHICENT]

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial ❤️.

[@strayviolets]

Thanks !! I was tired of cutting zippers .. I got my first zipper tape but having trouble putting on the pull 😂 I got it now!!

[@pato7721]

Good job explaining this confusing zipper info. And I so appreciate your adorable humor..😊

[@KatiFalk1]

excellent job fierce one

[@ninibartolome5666]

I love your fierce zipper pulls!! 😍

[@b.podder9486]

Thank you for teaching this technique...

[@mariannem8419]

We don't mind if you have an affiliate link. It's our way of saying thank you. But thank you anyway.

[@andreacarlos8207]

I don’t ever comment on videos, but I have to here. Thank you so much for this!! I was fighting with my zippers and your video saved me from a lot more frustration! You made it so easy 💜

[@fiercekittenz]

You are so welcome!

[@kimberlybirk]

I love the stapler Idea!

[@QueenBeeCrafting]

your honesty with the whoops just made the video - but soooo appreciate the honesty

[@judyhil8986]

Omg! Found 1 of your videos & have now watched about 10 of them! You are so good at giving all the info your viewers may be looking for! I bought zipper tape a couple weeks ago & got so frustrated trying to add the pulls! You may want to mention to your viewers that there is an easier way than trying to hold a fork & it can also have a double use. I saw it in several videos when trying to figure out a trick to getting the pulls on the zipper tape. There is a Self Adhesive Stainless Steel Kitchen Dish Towel Holder you can get for about $5. You lodge the pull into the bottom, narrow slit of the dish holder & feed the tape into the pull at an angle. Works so good!!!! I put mine where I would normally want a towel & it’s ready when you need it, or holding your favorite towel when you don’t.

[@fiercekittenz]

Ah yeah! I did see that, but since it was so specific to the item you could purchase, I didn’t want to be seen as stealing someone else’s content for my channel/

[@mariannem8419]

Where did you say you got the custom made zippers? When I googled what I thought you said, it came up with x-rated items.

[@fiercekittenz]

Alibaba - Guangzhou Topwin Metal: gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2700.12243863.0.0.2ce83e5far5RDm

[@miiii50]

I came here for the "how to" especially since we do not have continuous zipper tapes in the Caribbean here BUT I find you exceedingly hilarious!!!🤣

[@lauriemiller2441]

Thanks for sharing

[@hannahzechariah5062]

Very noob question... If a pattern says 6in zipper -do i need to cut 6in - or cut 6in with seam allowance at either end? None of my patterns explain it.

[@EdwoodCA]

9:00 Bumpy zipper?? Bumpy Zippers is the name of my Squirrel Nut Zippers tribute band! What are the odds!? :D Super cool that you can get custom printed zipper tape, and pull tabs!

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes it is! I don't think I'll order custom tape, but the pull tabs are *chef's kiss* - just more ways that I like to sneak my branding in to each bag.

[@dorisampofowah5215]

Thank you so much. For sharing this great ideas.. And also always .Is very much helpful. 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@robertastewart2083]

You have convinced me never to try this ! I’m not sure I understand the process whereby you end up with an unzipped part of the zipper half way down. Sorry if I’m a bit clueless!

[@alicekelly4975]

Fork that, just put the zipper pull on. 😂 I bought my 1st zipper tape and pulls from Amazon and on the sell page, they had a video on how to put the pull on. The stapler is a great idea to keep things temporarily shored up.

[@76-mom]

Look up in Amazon. The brand is. GYPSY QUILTER. THE INFORMATION IS, GYPSY QUILTERHANDY ZIPPER JIG GYPSY PURPLE. IT HAS A HOLDER FOR BOTH THE #3 AND THE #5 ZIPPERS. Easy peasy. Love it

[@lovereigns4017]

Kitten. You are so amazing! I've always wanted to see how to sew a zipper from a roll. In right. Thank you so much! 🥰 Iris in Ireland. Subscribed.🥰

[@luckychucky3426]

Well you helped me a lot thank you very much I appreciate it I was having a hard time putting mine on first time I'm a first-time sewing

[@deboratier7097]

TY TY TY for this video.What zipper brand do you recommend. I make purses, coin purses and essentials/makeup pouches as well. I have bought so many zippers in bulk and yes I end up with extra zipper pieces but I use those up so I’m not throwing much out. Also I LOVE your personality. You crack me up in a good way. Where did you get your fierce zipper pulls. I think that would be such an awesome thing to have on my products. I subscribed so I can now see more of your videos.

[@slug500]

Thank you, you helped!!😅

[@terribushnell1145]

Well, when you purchase a bulk order of zippers they are .34 cents so not very expensive when you cut then down, you can use them again if you buy small zip pulls..so they aren't all bad. and buy a Tea towel holder from can add the zipper pull on Amazon, turn the zip pull backwards and you can add the zipper pull very easily :)

[@76-mom]

I could never slide the zipper pull even. I searched and searched and searched and I am so so happy to find a zipper pull holder. It's purple and it has a side for the small # 3 zippers and a side for the #5 zippers for the pulls to slide in. THE BRAND IS. GYPSY QUILTER. THE INFORMATION IS, ( GYPSY QUILTERHANDY ZIPPER JIG GYPSY PURPLE ) I tried the fork and forget it, it never worked for me I was ready to send my zipper by the yard back to Amazon. One night I was looking at a videos on different crossbody bags and I came across this and I looked it's up on Amazon and bingo it's the best.

[@rosegoldenberg8366]

Thanks for sharing this Fierce! Is it any different using this on a pull over sweatshirt that’s being turned into a zip up hoodie? I still have that project of mine of mine to do.

[@fiercekittenz]

For worn items, I tend to go with a prebuilt zip, if only because for a hoodie like that, you'll probably want to be able to unzip and you'll need special ends for it.

[@BeowulfIsMinNama]

OMG! WHERE DO GET YOUR ZIPPER PULLS?! Please, pretty please, tell us!

[@fiercekittenz]

Alibaba, specifically Guangzhou Topwin Metal: gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2700.12243863.0.0.2ce83e5far5RDm Message them, ask for Bruce and tell them Fierce Kitten Studio sent you :)

[@emacapinlac]

Thanks for the video! Any tricks in making the double zipper pull on the zipper tape? Will the pull go on backwards??

[@fiercekittenz]

Put one on one end, then on the opposite end you'll put the other one.

[@safarichey]

could you post a link to where you get your customized zipper pulls? Yours are amazing

[@fiercekittenz]

gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/

[@merralindagoddard9530]

Where can i buy the zipper tape and pulls? Thanks for another awesome video

[@fiercekittenz]

I honestly just get mine from Amazon! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074N6CVGW

[@cathyteramo8630]

I'am française. A huge THANK YOU because I think I have FINALLY figured out how to put on the sliders. For 2 years, I can't do it or sometimes it takes me 30 minutes. In fact, you show that you have to put the first piece on the bias (and not straight) and not put it on a lot. I tried on 3 zips and it seems to work. Too too happy. I really like seeing you on the M7 because I have the same one and I like seeing all your tips because I also make bags, but I often have problems with thicknesses. I think you use your Juki more for sewing bags than the M7?

[@fiercekittenz]

Salut! Oui, j'utilise le Juki pour les sacs. Le Janome M7 est seulement pour les vêtements et les courtepointes. Le Janome M7 peut coudre les sacs, mais pas aussi bien que le Juki!

[@phaleen]

Thank you for this. Answered all my questions on zipper tape. Except this one. Can you please tell me the company that you buy your tags and personalized pulls from? Thanks. 😊

[@fiercekittenz]

Sure! Topwin on Alibaba! gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-list-buyer.0.0.27b076e9TcTpTJ&tracelog=from_orderlist_company

[@lynnpowell2736]

How do you cap off zipper you cant sew across the end like #5 with molded teeth?

[@danielastoica3354]

♥️thank you♥️ could you please show us the fork method? ♥️ Thank you!♥️ It's still hard for me. I managed on one side, but it doesn't work from the other side

[@fiercekittenz]

Full disclosure: I can’t do the fork method. I swear I have tried so many times!!!

[@judiebarnhill6298]

Do you have a list of where you get your supplies? I am a beginner and am looking for places to get what I need.

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh! I have a whole video on that here :)

[@nottelling4205]

@@fiercekittenz wish you had provided a link to said video. Btw, no one gives instructions as thorough as you.

[@sweetlimes_cc]

You mentioned an Amazon link for the zipper tape, but I don't see it. Could you share the link please?

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh jeez, yep! Sorry! Here's the link for 1/4" www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AX8DDB6/ And here's the link for 1/2": www.amazon.com/Double-Sided-Adhesive-Ironing-Alterations-Hemming/dp/B092ZCHRDD/ ** These are NOT affiliate links. I'm not about that life.

[@henrydavis7069]

Is there a brand or type of zipper tape that you prefer?

[@fiercekittenz]

Not really any preference on brand for the tape, but I do prefer #5 size, which is great for bags!

[@carenallen5841]

I heard about the fork trick..there is videos on it

[@fiercekittenz]

I suuuuck at it!

[@lolflamehearttv1925]

What’s the best portable sewing machine that’s industrial

[@fiercekittenz]

You may want to look into Sailrite machines. They are all pretty heavy though. Not sure if I'd say they're "portable" or not.

[@debbiegadouas591]

I never used a zipper roll.

[@mjp5129]

I tried for a freakin hour and still couldn’t get it. It would finally go on, but it wouldn’t close?? I finally pitched it across the room. Fierce gramma…lol

[@fiercekittenz]

OH NOOOOOOO... one thing I know some people have suggested doing in Lauren Mormino's FB group (Sew Whatever) is to use a fork.

[@mjp5129]

Lol. Yeah.

[@hstevenadams1202]

Good tutorial and I learned a couple of finer points from you. One was the stapling idea... that was fantastic! And thank you for NOT up-speaking. (I was just watching a vid by a nice Ozzie lady. She demonstrated some other great points... but my skin was crawling.) I know.. I know.. I'm hypercritical... but a suggestion from me would be to just say "anyway" instead of "any-hoo". Thanks for the great video! ; - )

[@fiercekittenz]

What a very odd, unsolicited piece of feedback to give someone. I say a lot of funny things. You may not actually enjoy my content if you can't handle "anyhoo."

[@cosmiclight5429]

Fun tip for you guys who like me have already wasted money on bags and bags of ready made zippers . She's right , there will be ALOT of extra pieces,.......BUT BECAUSE I WASTE NOTHING , I HAVE TURNED THOSE ZIPPER PIECES INTO DECORATIONS FOR MY BAGS AND POUCHES. THEY LOOK SUPER CUTE . I MADE A WHOLE POUCH OUT OF ZIPPER PIECES ! .....IT WAS FUN AND A MADE A CUTE GIFT .

[@fiercekittenz]

Ok THAT Sounds neat!!!