How to Shorten a Zipper (Metal, Plastic & Invisible Zippers)

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Learning how to shorten a zipper can save time, money, and unnecessary trips to the fabric store. If you can’t find the exact zipper length required for your sewing project, it is often quicker and easier to shorten a longer zipper than purchase a new one. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to shorten a zipper step by step, including methods for plastic, nylon, invisible, and metal zippers. These techniques work for garments, bags, cushions, and many other sewing projects

How to Shorten a Zipper (Quick Guide)

Most plastic and invisible zippers can be shortened by stitching a new zipper stop across the teeth and trimming away the excess tape. Metal zippers can either be shortened using the same method or by removing the metal teeth and repositioning the zipper stops.

Measure the required zipper length.
Mark the new zipper end.
Create a new zipper stop.
Trim away the excess zipper tape.
Add zipper tabs if desired.

Can You Shorten Any Zipper?

Yes. Most zippers can be shortened, including:

Nylon zippers
Plastic zippers
Invisible zippers
Metal zippers
Zipper tape by the yard

The method varies depending on the zipper construction and the materials used for the teeth.

Types of Zippers That Can Be Shortened

When bag making, learning how to shorten a zipper without a sewing machine also has the added bonus of giving you a neat finish at the end and maximizing the opening of your bag. You can also use these techniques with zipper tape sold by the yard.

If you are learning zipper techniques, read my complete how to sew a zipper guide to learn about zipper types, insertion methods, and sewing tips for beginners.

There are 2 main types of zippers:

Plastic – These are also called nylon zippers and have plastic teeth. They are typically found in clothing items.
Metal – These zippers have metal teeth and can be found in bags and homewares. They are sometimes used in clothing as an exposed option to add a pop of color and interest to a garment.

Different techniques need to be used for cutting zippers in plastic or metal.

How to Shorten a Zipper from Plastic

This method will show you how to shorten nylon regular and invisible zippers. You will need a different technique to shorten metal zippers and you can find this further down the page.

How to Shorten a Zipper – VIDEO

Sit back and watch my short YouTube video on how to shorten a zipper. I make weekly sewing videos so please subscribe to my channel.

Shortening Zippers VIDEO

Step 1: Measure

First, work out the length of the zipper you need. Generally, when a pattern specifies a zip length, they are referring to the length of the teeth and not the length of the tape. So a 12-inch zip (30cm) measures 12 inches from the top stoppers to the bottom stopper. (Read how to measure a zipper)

Start at the top stoppers and measure downwards to the required length. Mark the position required. Make sure the zipper head is near the top stoppers.

Step 2: Stitch

In the position you want your zipper to end, stitch across the teeth a few times to prevent your zip from coming apart.

This can be done on your machine using a wide zig-zag stitch or with a few hand stitches across the zipper teeth. I have used contrast stitching so you can see it better, but it is much better to use a matching thread. If you are hand-stitching, use a strong double thread. I like to use upholstery thread for hand-stitching. When using a sewing machine, you can use your regular polyester thread.

Step 3: Cut

Using some old scissors (don’t use your precious sewing scissors), Trim across 1 inch (2.5cm) from your stitches.

Be extra careful you are not cutting through any metal pieces.

Step 4: Optional Add Zipper Ends

To cover the cut end, you can add a piece of fabric. Learn how to sew zipper ends from fabric. The easiest way to do this is to slip a piece of double sided tape across the end and then stitch across using your zipper foot.

How to Shorten an Invisible Zipper

Invisible zippers are shortened using the same method as nylon zippers. Measure the required length, stitch a new zipper stop across the coils, and trim away the excess zipper tape below the new stop. Invisible zippers are particularly easy to shorten because the coils are made from flexible nylon rather than metal.

How to Shorten a Metal Zipper

Depending on your easy sewing project, you can shorten a metal zipper the same way as shortening a nylon zip. You will need to be especially careful, however when sewing across the base of the zipper, as it can play havoc with your machine if the needle hits any metal.

There is an alternative way to shorten metal zippers. It takes a little longer, but you don’t need to sew across metal when attaching the zipper to your project.

Step 1: Measure

Measure the desired length from the bottom stopper and mark it across. Don’t forget the length of zips is measured along the teeth and not along the zipper tape.

Step 2: Remove Teeth

Using pliers, remove the teeth above the mark. (towards the top of the zip). Carefully remove the top stoppers. You will want to reuse the stopper so try not to cause any damage. I am using quite large pliers as that is what I found in the garage but smaller ones allow for better accuracy.

Step 3: Reattach Stopper

Reattach the top stoppers by crimping them with the pliers. I found this the most fiddly part of shortening a metal zipper. Alternatively, you could add a dab of glue or a few stitches to prevent the zipper from coming off the teeth at the end.

Don’t just leave the end without a stopper as the first time you do up the zipper it will pull off the end.

Step 4: Cut

Cut across 1 inch (2.5cm) above the stoppers. You can use pinking shears to stop it fraying. You will notice that the original end was cut with pinking shears.

Can You Shorten a Zipper Without Cutting It?

For bags and pouches, many sewists simply sew across the zipper tape at the desired length, leaving the excess hidden within the seam allowance. This creates a shorter working zipper without permanently cutting it.

Common Mistakes and Tips When Shortening a Zipper

Mistake	Tip
Measuring the zipper tape instead of the teeth	Zippers are measured along the teeth.
Forgetting to create a new zipper stop	Always secure the zipper before cutting.
Cutting too close to the new stop	Leave at least 1 inch (2.5cm) of tape.
Using fabric scissors on metal teeth	Use old scissors or pliers.
Forgetting to replace metal stoppers	Reattach stoppers or create a new stop.

Shortening Zippers FAQs

Can You Shorten a Zipper Without a Sewing Machine?

Yes. Plastic and invisible zippers can be shortened by hand sewing several strong stitches across the zipper teeth to create a new stop before trimming the excess tape.

Can You Cut a Zipper to Any Length?

In most cases, yes. As long as a new zipper stop is created before cutting, a zipper can be shortened to suit your project.

Can Invisible Zippers Be Shortened?

Yes. Invisible zippers are among the easiest zippers to shorten because the nylon coils can be stitched across without damaging your sewing machine needle.

How Much Longer Should a Replacement Zipper Be?

A zipper that is longer than required can usually be shortened. Many sewists purchase the next size up if the exact length is unavailable.

What Happens If You Cut a Zipper Without Adding a Stop?

The zipper pull may slide off the end of the zipper, making it unusable. Always create a new stop before trimming the zipper.

Pin for Later

How to Shorten a Zipper | Cutting a Zipper in Plastic and Metal

How to Shorten a Zipper – In Conclusion

Learning how to shorten a zipper allows you to use the zipper you already have rather than searching for an exact size. Whether you are working with nylon, plastic, invisible, or metal zippers, shortening them is a simple sewing skill that can save time and make sewing projects more flexible. Once you understand the basic techniques, you’ll be able to customize zipper lengths for garments, bags, cushions, and many other projects.

❤️Now that you know how to shorten a zipper, learn the next step in my complete how to sew a zipper guide, where you’ll discover zipper insertion methods for garments, bags, cushions, and sewing projects.

These zipper pouches are great to make and use up some of your scrap fabrics.