Choosing a Zip for Your Handmade Bag

Making a pouch, a roomy tote or a statement handbag? Choose your zip to match your pattern first, then have fun with colour and finish.

Find your project match

• Pouches and lined cotton bags: if your pattern calls for size 5, consider the Orange, Teal & Black Multi Zipper Bundle. It contains three 27-inch zips, each with two pulls. For small projects and lightweight fabric, check the pattern's size and length before choosing.
• Bold handbags, backpacks and travel bags: our Emo Stripe with Bright Rainbow Teeth Zipper Tape is a colourful size 5 option. Pair its striped tape and rainbow finish with plain canvas, vinyl or faux leather when you want the zip to be part of the design.
• Classic handbags, wallets and pouches: our Red Zipper Tape with Antique Teeth offers a rich red tape and antique-look finish. Consider it with florals, plaids, canvas, cork or faux leather where your pattern specifies size 5.
• Bags with several zipped pockets: choose the ByAnnie Zippers by the yard, 30" zippers or even our three-zip bundle for separate openings, or consider the zipper tapes when your pattern uses tape cut to length. Check which compatible pulls and end finishes you need.

For heavier canvas or layered bags, follow the pattern's zip requirements and test the opening through your full fabric layers. For outdoor or heavily loaded projects, check the required performance before choosing.

Before you sew

• Check the zip size, length and pull arrangement in your pattern.
• For zipper tape, confirm compatible pulls and whether they are included.
• Plan and secure the ends before shortening, keeping the pulls on the tape.
• Use a zipper foot and a needle suited to your fabric layers.
• Test on matching scraps, then check the zip runs freely before finishing the lining.

Availability can change. If you cannot find a featured tape online, get in touch with its name and your project details.