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How to shorten? (Moderated by Deepika)
Posted on: 3/13/06 1:02 AM ET
I am sewing zippered pockets on a pair of capri pants. I would like to use zippers with metal teeth (for looks) but naturally I can't buy them short enough.
I have shortened plastic zippers before but never metal ones. I have the metal zip stops to put on the end but what is the best way to remove the excess metal teeth?
Has anyone who has done this before have any tips? Can I just use pliers or do I need to cut the metal teeth first? I would need to remove the teeth so I can topstitch close to the zipper on the pocket.
Thanks, Belinda
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I have shortened plastic zippers before but never metal ones. I have the metal zip stops to put on the end but what is the best way to remove the excess metal teeth?
Has anyone who has done this before have any tips? Can I just use pliers or do I need to cut the metal teeth first? I would need to remove the teeth so I can topstitch close to the zipper on the pocket.
Thanks, Belinda
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 3/13/06 1:22 AM ET
I sew a new stop by hand with matching thread then cut the excess away with wire clippers and/or old scissors. Some are tougher than others. It is basically the same as shortening a plastic zipper.
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Terry
Posted on: 3/13/06 3:05 AM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Belinda,
I have had to shorten a metal zipper and I used wire cutters[I borrowed from the farm workshop] They are probably easier to use than pliers.
Liz
I have had to shorten a metal zipper and I used wire cutters[I borrowed from the farm workshop] They are probably easier to use than pliers.
Liz
Posted on: 3/13/06 5:22 AM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Belinda, on page 67 in Burda WOF Sept 03, there is a "How to Shorten a Zipper". I just happen to have this edition from the library. 
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Vonne šOš Brisbane Australia
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Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
Posted on: 3/13/06 5:57 AM ET
Thanks everyone. It looks like I better borrow DH's pliers, heavy duty wire cutters and safety glasses a-gain.
At least now I know it can be done.
Vonne, did Burda say anything specific about metal teeth or just how to shorten a zip? Shortening the zip itself isn't the problem, it's getting the metal teeth off the tape I'm not sure about. With the plastic zips I just cut off the teeth with fibreglass scissors. The metal ones are a little tougher though.
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At least now I know it can be done. Vonne, did Burda say anything specific about metal teeth or just how to shorten a zip? Shortening the zip itself isn't the problem, it's getting the metal teeth off the tape I'm not sure about. With the plastic zips I just cut off the teeth with fibreglass scissors. The metal ones are a little tougher though.

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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 3/13/06 6:03 AM ET
If you use two pairs of needle nosed pliers, you can pry the teeth open around the tape. One pair for one side of the tooth, the other pair for the other side, grip and then just pull apart.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
Posted on: 3/13/06 6:19 AM ET
In reply to Debbie Cook
Thanks Debbie. DH even gave me a set of needle nose pliers last year. He must have got sick of me borrowng his.
This sounds like a safer option than the wire cutters.
Ok, it looks like I'm all set then. I don't think I'll tackle it now as it's late, but I'll try tomorrow.
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This sounds like a safer option than the wire cutters.Ok, it looks like I'm all set then. I don't think I'll tackle it now as it's late, but I'll try tomorrow.
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 3/13/06 9:25 AM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Belinda, I intend scanning the page for future reference, so can easily send you the details. If you can send me a PM with an email addy, I will forward it on tomorrow.

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Vonne šOš Brisbane Australia
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
Posted on: 3/13/06 8:29 PM ET
In reply to Vonnevo
Thanks Vonne, but there is no need now.
I went to Darn Cheap Fabrics to get the metal zippers and would you believe they had 8cm (3.25") metal zippers which is exactly the length I was after, in exactly the right colour. Talk about luck! So now I don't even have to shorten them. Hooray!!!
-- Edited on 3/13/06 8:30 PM --
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I went to Darn Cheap Fabrics to get the metal zippers and would you believe they had 8cm (3.25") metal zippers which is exactly the length I was after, in exactly the right colour. Talk about luck! So now I don't even have to shorten them. Hooray!!!
-- Edited on 3/13/06 8:30 PM --
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 9/4/06 7:13 PM ET
I'd attribute those 8 cm zippers to the current fashion of ultra low rise jeans. You got lucky....congratulations
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