How to Cover Zipper Ends, Zipper Tabs for Bags & Purses

Save it Now, Make it Later!

Covered zipper ends are a simple way to give bags, purses, pouches, and clutches a professional finish. They neatly hide the raw edges of the zipper tape and cover the rough ends of shortened zippers, creating a cleaner and more polished look. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to cover zipper ends step by step using small fabric scraps. This quick sewing technique takes only a few minutes and works with both plastic and metal zippers.

covered zipper ends, Featured Image, How to Cover Zipper Ends

How to Cover Zipper Ends (Quick Guide)

Covering zipper ends involves wrapping a folded strip of fabric around the end of a zipper and stitching it securely in place.

Cut a fabric strip.
Fold and press the fabric.
Trim the zipper end.
Slip the fabric over the zipper.
Stitch across the fabric.
Trim the excess fabric.
Repeat for the opposite end.

Why Cover Zipper Ends?

Covering zipper ends serves both a practical and decorative purpose. It:

Hides raw zipper tape edges
Covers shortened zipper ends
Creates a professional finish
Adds strength to zipper openings
Provides an opportunity for contrast fabrics and decorative accents

Covered zipper ends are especially popular in bag making, pouch patterns, cosmetic bags, and zippered purses.

If you are learning zipper techniques, read my complete How to Sew a Zipper guide to learn about zipper types, shortening zippers, and zipper insertion methods.

How to Cover Zipper Ends (Step by Step)

Supplies for Zipper Ends & Zipper Tabs

You will need the following supplies when learning how to cover zipper ends:

ZIPPER – This can be metal or plastic. If you need to shorten a zipper, make sure you read: How to shorten a zipper. When choosing a zipper for a bag or clutch, remember that they are measured from metal to metal and not to the ends of the zipper tape, which usually extends an inch or so further.
FABRIC SCRAPS – This can be matching or contrast to your bag or purse. Small prints and block colors generally look best.
SEWING SUPPLIES – Sewing machine, pins, thread.

This will show you step by step how to finish a zipper end:

Step 1 – Cutting Fabric

Start by cutting a strip of fabric that is 2 inches (5cm) wide by 4 inches (10cm) in length.

Choose a fabric that is not too thick and is 100% cotton. I like to use quilting cotton with a small motif. If you want an invisible look, choose a coordinating fabric. Otherwise, make a bold choice and use a bright contrasting fabric. It just depends on how you want your final product to look.

Step 2 – Press Fabric for Ends

Press your Fabric piece lengthwise with WRONG sides together so the long edges meet in the middle.

Press it in half again so the raw edges in the middle are hidden. Alternatively, you can make double fold bias tape in a 1/2 inch width. This is essentially what we are making.

How to Cover Zipper Tabs - Press Fabric — How to Cover Zipper Tabs – Press Fabric

Step 3 – Trim Zipper Ends

Trim the tape end of the zipper so there is only 3/8 inch (10mm) showing after the metal stopper.

If you have shortened a plastic zipper and there is no metal stopper, you will want to cover the stitched stopper so it looks neater. In this case cut 1/4 inch (6mm) after the stopper you created. This way you can put the fabric end over the stitched stopper for a neater finish. Just double check this doesn’t make the zipper too short for your project as you may need to think ahead and adjust accordingly.

Step 4 – Slip on the Fabric

Open up up the fabric piece and Slip it over the end of the zipper. For a metal or unshortened plastic zipper, the fabric will be right next to the metal stopper. For a shortened plastic zipper, you will put the fabric over the stitches.

Step 5 – Stitch Ends

Using a zipper foot, stitch across the ends. A regular foot will not get close enough to the metal ends.

How to Cover Zipper Ends - Stitch Fabric

Step 6 – Trim Excess Fabric

Trim the fabric even with the zipper tape.

Step 7 – Repeat for Other End

For the open end of the zipper – stitch across with a wide zig-zag to keep the top closed. Make sure the ends are evenly matched. Then slip the remaining piece of fabric over the end, repeating steps 3 to 6.

Covered Zipper Ends FAQs

Why Should You Cover Zipper Ends?

Covered zipper ends create a professional finish, hide raw edges, and strengthen the zipper opening. They are commonly used in bags, purses, pouches, and cosmetic cases.

Can You Cover the Ends of a Shortened Zipper?

Yes. Fabric zipper tabs are one of the best ways to conceal the cut end of a shortened zipper and create a neat finish.

What Fabric Is Best for Zipper Ends?

Lightweight quilting cotton is the most popular choice because it folds neatly without creating excessive bulk.

Do You Need a Zipper Foot?

A zipper foot is recommended because it allows you to sew close to the zipper hardware and achieve a cleaner finish.

Can You Add Covered Ends to Metal and Plastic Zippers?

Yes. This technique works equally well on both plastic and metal zippers.

Pin for Later

How to Cover Zipper Ends, How to Make Zipper Tabs

How to Cover Zipper Ends – In Conclusion

Learning how to cover zipper ends is a simple sewing technique that instantly gives bags, pouches, and purses a more professional appearance. Fabric zipper tabs hide raw edges, cover shortened zipper ends, and provide an opportunity to add decorative fabric accents. Once you’ve mastered this quick technique, you’ll find it useful for many zipper sewing projects. Don’t forget to check out my premium bag and clutch patterns.