My leaders have zippers attached to them, but I don't use them like they were probably intended. Some folks here on the Board actually unzip the leading edge, sew their backing on via sewing machine, re-zip to the other leader, and then proceed normally to add the batting and the top. I don't do it that way. I use the red plastic pieces and mine goes on quickly and I don't have to do all that moving around. Hope this is a bit helpful. Can't remember what the red plastic pieces are called right now, sorry.