How to Install a Zipper

In this video, Daniel goes over the basic steps for installing a zipper, from how to measure for your opening to adding a stitch line to secure your zipper to your project. This process may seem daunting, but following these simple steps will help you make sure every zipper you install is spot on.
For more supplies and project inspiration, visit weaverleathersupply.com/?ref=danielreach
YKK Zipper: www.weaverleat...
Master Tool Round End Punch: www.weaverleat...
Master Tool Edge Beveler: www.weaverleat...
Wing Divider: www.weaverleat...
Flat Chisel Set: www.weaverleat...
How to Hand Stitch Leather: • How to Hand Stitch Lea...

[@jeffcoker48]

You should show how to assemble the zipper. For those who buy zippers in tape form

[@DanielReachCreations]

Thats a good idea. Thanks.

[@wild-radio7373]

I second that!

[@dougmulle2627]

I just did my first one about two weeks ago. You explained it very well and I'm gonna use your method at the ends next time. That looked nice and clean! Thank you Daniel!

[@ilyamuromtsev1167]

Wher old guy? Is he ok? Is he alright?

[@DanielReachCreations]

Chucks good. He's still here and making videos for Weaver. I'm just supplimenting what he does. His videos come out on fridays...mine come out on Tuesdays.

[@jarimiettinen779]

Not perfect at all. Why don't you use a jig. Then the zipper is always straight. Now the zipper looks like a slithering snake. Didn't hit the stitches in the curve very well, either. Better next time.

[@th.burggraf7814]

Thanks, Daniel. 🤝🏼
Exactly the video I need right now. 👍🏻

[@islandvoyager7061]

Thank you for the video.😬

[@TheCoachDave]

Good stuff!!!

[@panchoskywalker]

That's exactly what I need to do to a weekender bag I am finishing, installing the zipper and the lining, next video is on next Tuesday?

[@DanielReachCreations]

That's awesome! Chuck may have already done a video on how to add a liner to a bag. If not, I'll pass it along to him. That's right up his alley.
Yes sir! Next Tuesday!

[@CrackedCandy]

I just did my first zipper after 2 years in leather last week. Not so bad.

[@DanielReachCreations]

Not at all. The idea of installing them is a little scary, but not bad once you've done one or two.

[@CrackedCandy]

@@DanielReachCreations that was my experience. Like he said, they are intimidating, but a few thousand hand stitches later, you have the confidence. And find it isn't bad at all and wish I had tried much sooner

[@nigelwylie01]

How about when you are installing a zipper in a bag which is an open bag style? Is that even possible? Or do I need to first sew a closure piece?

[@DanielReachCreations]

Honestly that's a hard question to answer without seeing the bag. I would hate to give you the wrong answer because I was picturing something different than what you were describing.

[@shootermks1]

Add me to that list of people that had a stitch or two miss the fabric on the zipper.

[@CrackedCandy]

I used perm double sided tape

[@DanielReachCreations]

Thats Chuck's go to as well. Great option.

[@CrackedCandy]

Where's Chuck? Hope he's well

[@DanielReachCreations]

Chuck's still here and doing great. I'm just supplimenting what he does. His videos come out on Friday; mine come out on Tues. 🙂

[@bowreality1564]

Great video thanks Daniel. One question: why chisel through the zipper fabric? Wouldn’t it be sturdier to just chisel leather and only stitch trough the zipper fabric? Doesn’t the chisel cut too big of holes?

[@DanielReachCreations]

Personally I never thought about just stitching through it without punching through. I honestly don't know if it would make a difference or not. Just being 100% transparent. It's a good suggestion though.

[@bowreality1564]

@@DanielReachCreations thanks for that. I’ll try both and see if I can tell a difference. I watched a few videos and everybody seems to chisel. I am just wondering why and if it has an impact to the woven fabric.

[@donlapham1265]

It’s my understanding that stitching through without punching will cause you to get waves in your zipper.

[@bowreality1564]

@@donlapham1265 oh that would be a concern. Thanks for that!

[@bowreality1564]

@@DanielReachCreations seems like can’t reply to both of you so I’ll copy the reply to the other one as well. I tried this today. One side of the zipper with chiseled through and the other one with only chiseling the leather. It’s hard to tell which is which. No waviness or anything. The chiselled zipper looks fine as well so no concern either. The difference though is that not chiseling the zipper makes it incredibly hard to get through. I’ll chisel through both from now on. Thanks for the help.

[@panchoskywalker]

How wide is the leather that surround the zipper?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You can make it any width, it just depends on the project but as long as it is a little bit wider than the zipper tape you should be good!