dsch

I like to make quilted bags & totes without using a pattern and have never made one with a zipper. Is there some way to know how long a zipper to purchase based on the size of the bag? Thanks for your help.

Dolphyngyrl

Usually buy a few inches longer than bag so you can trim down to size

dsch

Thank you so much for your help, Dolphyngyrl.

dsch

Good to know, but how do I know how long I need the zipper to be. Longer or shorter than the width of the bag?

gale

I always buy longer and trim them down. Shorter is not as easy-you'd have to make tabs to make up any length, which limits the actual opening size of the bag. I would buy zippers by the yard but I don't always want the same color zipper.

gale

Also, some people make bags where the zipper is a few inches longer on either side to make the bag opening even easier to access. I'll try to find an example.

gale

like this one-see how the zipper extends off the end, then they use a fabric tab to finish the zipper in the size they like.

click here

LaurMac

I like the idea of buying zippers by the yard. Thanks

Ariannaquilts

Are you interested in putting the zipper on the outside of the bag or the inside? I think that makes a difference, when I put it on the inside I generally use a 7- 9 inch. On the other hand if I am using it on the outside to close the bag I generally get the zip with 2 pulls or of course you can make your own with the zip by the yard. I actually just bought some from Amazon that was 10 yards and I think there were 15 pulls. I am really excited about the dark zip with the rose gold pull they look awesome.

maviskw

Also try Wawak Sewing. Wa - wak, both syllables rhyme with walk. I've had excellent service with them. I once ordered the wrong stuff. They sent me a prepaid label to sent the wrong stuff back.
They have tons of zippers and lots of thread in all colors and tons of other stuff, sometimes in very large quantities.