How to Sew Zipper Tabs
Zippers are used often in sewing, from garments to bag making. One way to level up your zipper-sewing abilities it to add fabric zipper tabs to the ends of the zipper. Depending on the project, you may be adding tabs to one end of the zipper or both. Today I am going to show you my favorite method to sew a zipper tab.
You will need a zipper, and a scrap of fabric to sew zipper tabs. Decide if you want the tabs on both ends of the zipper or just one. If you are adding tabs to both ends you will not need stops on your zipper, as the tabs will act as stops for you. If you are working with a pre-made zipper, you can cover the existing stops with the tabs. If you are using zipper tape, you can save yourself a step and not add stops!
How to Sew Zipper Tabs
Measure the width of the zipper you will use. Add 3/4″. This is the width you will cut your fabric. Example, for a 1″ wide zipper I cut a piece of fabric 1.75″ wide. Cut the piece 2.5″ long. Cut two if you will be adding a tab to each end.
If you are using a pre-made zipper with extra tape that extends beyond the stops, trim off the excess tape.
Lay the zipper on the tab right sides together, with the bottom edges aligned.
Fold the long edges around the zipper tape and pin/clip. The fabric should wrap the zipper snugly but not enough to bend the tape.
Sew across the zipper and tab. Back stitch at the beginning and end. Be careful when sewing across teeth- use the handwheel to drop the needle between the teeth so you don’t break the needle. If there is a stop on the zipper, sew above it so that it ends up hidden in the end.
Turn right side out.
Press the long edges in wrong sides together following the crease from where it is sewn to the zipper. Press the bottom edge up 3/8″ wrong sides together.
Fold the bottom crease up over the end of the zipper, just enough that it covers the original seam. Pin/clip. Sew all the way around this square. It is helpful to sew from the right side of the zipper to make sure the visible side of the zipper in your finished project is pretty.
You are done!
The end of the zipper now has a beautiful tab and a polished finished look.
For the top of the zipper, repeat the process. Unzip the zipper a few inches, and use a wide zigzag stitch to hold the ends of the zipper tape together. If the zipper you are using is a pre-made zipper, you can stitch below the stop and let the tab become the new stop. If you are using zipper tape you do not need a top stop because the tab will be the stop.
It is that easy to sew zipper tabs! They add a pretty, completed look to the zipper ends. Additionally, tabs will prevent the tape from fraying if you trimmed it.
If you need help with this tutorial, join the Boo and Lu Facebook group for help, support, and all the inside4r info on new patterns!
