With any sewing project at all, there is always the requirement for at last one type of haberdashery product to aid us in what we are hoping to create. At first glance you might think you only need a few items, but you can soon become lost in choosing which are right for you and your project, as well as how many of each you might need. One of the most often asked about products are our Zips Online and in our stores; with so much choice, our customers sometimes require advice on whether they need an open end or closed end zip, a regular dress zip or concealed zip, as well as what kind of teeth their Zip should have. If at all possible, there are a couple of things that you should have in mind when it comes to buying Zips Online or in store. The first thing - and maybe the most important thing - is to know what size you require for your sewing project. Zips are actually measured by the length of the teeth from one end of the zip to the other, not by the length of the tape that they are attached to. Our zips are available in increments of even numbers, ranging from (depending on the type you are purchasing) a tiny 4 inches all the way up to a very long 120 inches. Knowing what size Zip you are after can help speed up the process of purchasing one and will make it a lot easier for you, especially if you are looking to replace a Zip in a much loved garment. It should be noted that if you are hoping to replace a Zip in something you already own or have made, you must replace the entire zip instead of just the zip pull or one half of the teeth. This is because every Zip manufactured is ever so slightly different, which means that parts from two different zips will not mesh together properly and therefore the finished result will not work as it should. If you are having problems finding a zip in the correct size or type for your project, it might be helpful to know that you can actually buy zips in a longer length and cut them down to your required size after securing the ends (we suggest using glue or sewing across the teeth to do this). It is also important to know whether your project requires an open end zip or a closed end zip. As the name suggests, open end zips completely separate into two halves and are used in clothing such as jackets and coats. Closed end zips are for garments such as dresses, skirts and bags where it is not required that the item separates into two pieces. Closed end zips are also used for pockets on clothing and bags. Do you have any tips for using Zips in your own sewing projects? Leave a comment on our Facebook page - we love to hear back from our customers!