When working with a fastening in your sewing or dressmaking project, it is important that the correct one is chosen and used - and if you opt to use a zip, it can be a little confusing having to choose from the massive variety we have here at Calico Laine! In today's blog we'll be talking about the different types of zips we stock, which will helpfully aid you in selecting the right one for whatever you are making.
Closed End Zips - Dresses and skirts that fasten with a zip almost always use a closed end zip. We stock two different types - first is the regular dress zip, which come in many different colours and in lengths from 4" to 22". They are also great to use in items such as bags and purses. The second type of closed end zip that we stock is the concealed zip; we recommend these for use in garments where the fastening needs to be hidden away, such as a ballgown or wedding dress. If you need to buy closed end zips in bulk, take a look at our Trebla zips - available in a number of colours, these are a great deal and are good quality for the price.
[caption id="attachment_6188" align="aligncenter" width="125"]
A selection of Closed End Zips[/caption]
Open End Zips - If you need your zip to separate into two pieces - for example, for use in a jacket or coat - then an open end zip is what you need. We stock three different types, all with different types of zip teeth; the first, and lightest, is the nylon type, available in a range of colours in lengths from 10" to 30". The second are our plastic open end zips, which have chunkier teeth than the nylon ones and are best for use in garments such as fleece jackets and winter clothing. The third are our metal open zips - these are available in a range of darker colours (such as but not limited to black, navy and brown), and these are the heaviest of the three. If you require a seriously tough zip, then perhaps our brass or heavy duty metal open end zips would be best for you.
[caption id="attachment_6189" align="aligncenter" width="125"]
A selection of Open End Zips.[/caption]
Trouser Zips - If you need to replace the zip on a pair of jeans or a heavy coat's pocket, then consider our trouser zips. These are metal closed end zips in shorter lengths, and we stock two types - we have jeans zips made specifically for every-day trousers (like jeans, as the name suggests!), or nickel trouser zips which are for trousers made from heavier fabrics.
[caption id="attachment_6190" align="aligncenter" width="125"]
A selection of Trouser Zips.[/caption]
Specialist Zips - A lot of our customers visit us to ask for more specialist zips, but are not quite sure what they are looking for. We have three types of zips that we normally recommend - the first is a two-way zip, which is perfect for use in garments such as hiking jackets, sportswear and rainwear, and even camping items like sleeping bags. We also stock reversible zips, which are perfect for use in double-sided jackets and any other garments that can be worn inside out. The last type of zip we suggest are our continuous zips - available in two different teeth widths (3mm and 5mm), our continuous zips can be measured as long or as short as you require, so that whatever length you need, you are able to have. We also sell the zip pulls for use with this as well.
If you have any questions about zips that we've not been able to answer for you today, don't hesitate to contact us - our sales team are here to help you select the right product for your dressmaking project, and we look forward to seeing your finished creations on our Facebook page!
A selection of Closed End Zips[/caption]
Open End Zips - If you need your zip to separate into two pieces - for example, for use in a jacket or coat - then an open end zip is what you need. We stock three different types, all with different types of zip teeth; the first, and lightest, is the nylon type, available in a range of colours in lengths from 10" to 30". The second are our plastic open end zips, which have chunkier teeth than the nylon ones and are best for use in garments such as fleece jackets and winter clothing. The third are our metal open zips - these are available in a range of darker colours (such as but not limited to black, navy and brown), and these are the heaviest of the three. If you require a seriously tough zip, then perhaps our brass or heavy duty metal open end zips would be best for you.
[caption id="attachment_6189" align="aligncenter" width="125"] A selection of Open End Zips.[/caption]
Trouser Zips - If you need to replace the zip on a pair of jeans or a heavy coat's pocket, then consider our trouser zips. These are metal closed end zips in shorter lengths, and we stock two types - we have jeans zips made specifically for every-day trousers (like jeans, as the name suggests!), or nickel trouser zips which are for trousers made from heavier fabrics.
[caption id="attachment_6190" align="aligncenter" width="125"] A selection of Trouser Zips.[/caption]
Specialist Zips - A lot of our customers visit us to ask for more specialist zips, but are not quite sure what they are looking for. We have three types of zips that we normally recommend - the first is a two-way zip, which is perfect for use in garments such as hiking jackets, sportswear and rainwear, and even camping items like sleeping bags. We also stock reversible zips, which are perfect for use in double-sided jackets and any other garments that can be worn inside out. The last type of zip we suggest are our continuous zips - available in two different teeth widths (3mm and 5mm), our continuous zips can be measured as long or as short as you require, so that whatever length you need, you are able to have. We also sell the zip pulls for use with this as well.
If you have any questions about zips that we've not been able to answer for you today, don't hesitate to contact us - our sales team are here to help you select the right product for your dressmaking project, and we look forward to seeing your finished creations on our Facebook page!