The Upholstery Forum

Hey, all,

I'm trying to make some backpacks/knapsacks, bike bags, gun cases, etc., out of heavy cordura fabric and Vislon zippers and I got some zippers on ebay, but I mistakenly bought open-ended zippers -- like you would use on a jacket -- instead of "closed end" zippers with a stop at the bottom.

Here's what I'm talking about:
https://cdn.w600.comps.canstockphoto.co ... 783273.jpg

Question: For use on bike bags, etc., can I "convert" the open-ended zipper to closed-end by simply stitching across the bottom of the zipper, just above the "box" where the zipper would be started at the bottom of a jacket? I get the feeling this is how people do it when they buy zipper tape in bulk, on a reel, as shown here (at 4:15):



I would be using real heavy thread -- T90 or heavier -- on my upholstery walking foot machine, and would stitch forward and back several times, so it should be good and strong.

Is this a workable "hack" to use the zippers I bought, or should I return them and get zippers with metallic "stops" at the end of the zipper?

TIA for any advice.

Don't take this as gospel as I've not done it yet but that is what I would do.

Sailrite I believe has a video where they made a back pack that might be worth watching.

Found it.

You're on the right track, you can close up the ends of a separating zipper, going the other way however is a different story

Thanks fellas, I appreciate your help. I'll let the forum know how it goes when I try it.

Another back pack video....



I didn't watch it to see if it answered your question but I have found his vids to be well made and informative.

This is a "Zipper repair kit" it has the pieces you need to have an open ended zipper, but may not last as long as a manufactured one. Best to save the zipper tape for closed ended pockets and buy the right ones for your needs.