This post will be pretty short, but it’s an important piece of information when working with zipper. Measuring zipper length correctly will save you time and heartache. There was a time when a customer asked us to make 18″ zippers and she needed them rushed. We were happy to help and produced 18″ zippers. When she came back to pick them up, she looked at them and asked, “Are these 18″ zippers”? We confirmed that they were 18″ zippers. When she saw how we measured the zipper, she freaked out and explained that she had measured the zipper differently.
To save you time and worry, read on to learn the correct way in measuring the zipper length correctly.
CLOSED BOTTOM ZIPPERS With closed bottom zippers, there will always be a tape extension at the top of the zipper and at the bottom. When measuring the zipper you will ONLY measure from the top stop of the zipper to the bottom stop. The tape extension should not be considered in the measurement or your zipper will end up shorter than you actually want.
SEPARATING BOTTOM ZIPPERS For separating bottom zippers, the tape extension will only be at the top of the zipper. The bottom of the zipper is where the pin and box will be. When measuring the zipper, you will measure from the top stop down to the pin and box. That will give you the correct measurement for your design.
Use these tips in measuring the zipper length correctly and you’ll have smooth sailing when it comes to ordering zippers.
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