A good zipper can change everything from a successful finish to a frustrating experience. Could it be sewing a dress, jacket, or even a handbag? Though with the right zipper, there’s functionality and aesthetics. In Singapore, where there is a vibrant crafting community, selecting the perfect zipper supplier in Singapore from a wide range of options available at stores like Sin Hin Chuan Kee (SHCK) can be a daunting task. This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right zipper in Singapore for your sewing project.

Understand the Types of Zippers

Zippers in Singapore come in various types, each suited for different purposes. Here are the most common ones:

1. Coil Zippers

These zippers are light in weight and flexible. The use of coil zippers best fits clothing and accessories that need easy usage. They can be used for handbags and pillow covers, dresses, etc. A coiled nylon or polyester forms the teeth of these zippers so the smooth movement is ensured along with the durability of the zipper.

2. Metal Zippers

Metal zippers are pretty sturdy and can even give one a rather classic kind of look. They are mainly used for jeans, jackets, and heavy-duty bags. The teeth are made of brass, nickel, or aluminium, giving the finish the look of something much more durable than plastic or nylon. Although, metal zippers are stiffer than any of the other types; hence, they may not be great for soft fabrics.

3. Invisible Zippers

As the name suggests, these zippers are designed to be concealed within the seam, making them perfect for elegant garments like dresses, skirts, and trousers. They offer a seamless look without distracting from the garment’s design. Invisible zippers are made of lightweight materials and are generally not suitable for heavy fabrics.

4. Plastic Moulded Zippers

Made from strong plastic, they are mostly used in outerwear like jackets and coats. They have a resistive quality against water, and the teeth are big enough too, that with ease, can zip and unzip it. Plastic zippers for sportswear and children’s clothes are very appropriate because of the hardness and ease in its use.

Consider the Fabric

The fabric you are working with plays a significant role in determining the type of zipper you should choose. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

1. Lightweight Fabrics

These include Silk and Chiffon or Very Lightweight Cotton. These zippers are ideal and will not stiffen up anything, neither will they add bulk to the fabric.

2. Medium-Weight Fabrics

For those fabrics like denim, twill, or linen, you can use metal or plastic moulded zippers. These fabrics can really hold the weight from a more robust zipper, and both contrasting and nice looks against the fabric used and the zipper are possible.

3. Heavyweight Fabrics

The heavy-duty metal or plastic moulded zipper is what will be required if you are working with more substantial materials, like canvas, leather, or upholstery fabrics. This type of zipper can support the bulk and weight of the fabric so that your project will be kept safe.

Choose the Right Length

Next up, consider the length of your zipper. Zippers come in a wide variety of lengths, so you’ll want a zipper that makes sense for your given sewing project. To help decide on length for common sewing projects, here are a few guidelines:

• Dresses and Skirts: Measure the total length of opening and choose a zipper that is an inch or so more than that. It is much easier to cut off excess length of a long zipper, but you cannot make a short one longer.
• Pants: A zipper for pants is generally around 7 to 9 inches for women and 8 to 10 inches for men.
• Jackets and Coats: The zipper length for a jacket depends upon the size of the garment. For zip zippers, measure up from the neckline to the hem of the jacket.

Think About the Purpose

If you are going to be making something that is going to get a lot of use, you will want strong components; if it is strictly for show, it doesn’t have to be as strong but should still be of quality.

• For Aesthetic Appeal: In case you are a person more concerned about the look of the zipper, then go for those options that complement the design of the garment. One can use invisible zippers in case one is making something formal and use colourful zippers on an informal piece for a pop of colour.
• For Durability: If the project is highly stressful, for instance, on a bag or on some outdoor jackets, then it would do well with heavy-duty metal or plastic-moulded zippers.
• For Convenience: If easy operation is a priority, as in clothing for children or athletic equipment, use zippers with bigger teeth and plastic trim for easier movement.

Consider the Zip Opening Style

Zippers may open in any number of ways, which may be crucial to the functionality of your project to work. Knowing the difference between all types of opening styles might aid in selecting the right one:

1. Closed-End Zippers

In these zippers, the sewing will be on garments or accessories in which only the upper part of the zipper opens, for example, in pants, dresses, and bags.

2. Separating Zippers

Separating zippers are best suited for jackets and coats since they allow both sides of the garment to open totally. The zipper has a mechanism at the bottom that separates the two sides in case it is opened.

3. Two-Way Zippers

These are usually applied at the back part of long jackets or coats and have both ends with an unzip feature. They tend to be more flexible compared to others in terms of adjusting the opening.

Match the Zipper Color

While functionality comes first, aesthetics cannot be overlooked, too. Zippers are indeed available in a wide variety of colours and you will have to choose one that will coordinate or match your fabric. Sin Hin Chuan Kee (SHCK) has a numerous variety of shades of zippers for any sewing project.

Formal dress designs should settle for neutral colours that will transition nicely with the material. With the rest of the creative works like casual wear and children’s clothes, you are free to experiment with contrasting colours in order to be able to have a marked detail on the design.

Test the Zipper

Last but not the least, before finalising your best quality zipper choice, test it. Check how it moves smoothly because it would easily open and close without snagging. If possible, hold it against the fabric to get an idea of how it looks and functions with your project.

Zipper Supplier in Singapore

It is essential to make the right choice of zipper for a sewing project, it has to be on both appearance and functionality. With SHCK making available a good number of zippers, the right one will be found to address the given application or need. The type of fabric, intended use, length, and colour can all be considered when attempting to determine what zipper you’ll need to ensure your garment or accessory looks professional, finished, but most importantly, functions well. Of course, check your zipper, give it quality time to assess whether it’s really the one that fits well with the final vision of the project. Choose our best quality zipper for happy sewing!