Whiles it’s best to buy a zipper that doesn’t need altering, that’s not always an option. Your clothing might not need a standard zipper size, you just might not be able to find the size you need, or like me, you already have a zipper, but you’re doing a clothing refashion so you just want/need to shorten the zipper that’s already in your clothes.
Closed bottom and separating zippers should be shortened from the top. I am going to show you how I shorten the top of a zipper. I’m altering a dress into a skirt so my zipper is partially installed. Typically you would shorten your zipper before you sew it into your project. I don’t recommend doing it the way I did unless you are refashioning a project like me and you are unable to take the zipper out easily.
Measure the zipper
Measure out the length of how long you need your zipper to be and mark it out. Starting at your mark and moving up, remove one inch of teeth. Use cutters or scissors if your zipper is plastic. Make sure your zipper is open so you are not taking the zipper pull off.
Making the zipper block
Now you need to make your zipper block. This is what keeps your zipper pull from falling off! You will need to sew this by hand. Right at the top of your last zipper tooth, sew around the zipper. Do this 10ish times, you want this to be fairly thick.
Finish installing your zipper and enjoy!
Check out my post on top stitching for more great sewing tips.
