How to Sew Fabric Tabs on a Zipper

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you choose to buy something after clicking a product link in my blog. I include affiliate links because I like these companies and find these products useful. Read the full disclaimer here.

Zipper tabs are super easy to make and they’re great for lots of projects. I use these mostly on pouches and pillow cases, but you can use them anywhere you want to conceal the end of a zipper and make it look pretty.

They’re also great if you have a zipper that’s too long for your project and need to cut it down. Let’s learn how to make them!

P.S. If you like these bags, follow my Mini Charm Pack Pouch tutorial!

Supplies Needed

You only need a few simple supplies for this project:

• A zipper. I have this zipper multi-pack and use them for everything!
• Two small pieces of quilt fabric each measuring 2.5″ by 1.25″ (I use a mini charm cut in half)
• Pins and/or Wonder Tape
• Sewing machine & thread
• Iron

If you’re using a regular sewing machine, make sure the zipper has plastic teeth, not metal. You can use any quilt fabric for this project. It’s a great way to use up a little fabric from your scrap bag!

Note: This style of zipper tab has raw edges and is meant to be enclosed within fabric so you don’t see the edge. You can also make completely enclosed zipper tabs that are suitable for projects with a more exposed zipper (e.g. a zipper on a duffel bag that extends over the end of the bag).

How to Sew Zipper Tabs with Fabric

The best part about this project is that it takes only a few minutes!

• First, check how long you want your zipper to be. Don’t forget to account for seam allowance if making something like a pouch. For example, you’ll want the zipper ends to be 1/4″ from each edge of the pouch if you’re using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
• Start by cutting your pieces of fabric to size. You want each one to be 2.5 by 1.25″ in size.
• Next, fold the long ends in towards the center so they meet in the middle. Press with an iron.
• To make the zipper easier to work with and look neater, cut off the loose fabric at the ends of the zipper.
• Fold the fabric over the bottom end of the zipper. I find it’s too short to pin the fabric on, but you could use wonder tape if you’re having a hard time keeping it in place.
• With the right side of the zipper facing you, sew as close as you possibly can to the edge of the fabric, being sure to get through both layers. You’ll also want to backstitch.
• For the top of the zipper, you will want to open the zipper a little so the pull is out of the way.
• I like to pin the sides of the zipper together. You can also use wonder tape to hold the fabric in place.
• Like the other end of the zipper, sew along the edge of the fabric, being sure to catch both layers.

Your zipper is now ready to use!

Using Your Zipper

A zipper with fabric tabs on the ends is basically the same as any other zipper — it just looks cuter. I like to use these when I make pillow covers or quilted pouches. You can also use them when making decorative pockets. They would work well for basically any kind of accessory or home decor project.

I like making my zipper tabs this way because the zipper is so versatile. For example, I made a knitting project bag with one of these zippers. I intentionally made my zipper shorter than the opening of my pouch so that I had a little gap. I can use this to feed my yarn through and keep my knitting project looking neat!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Be sure to subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more videos or follow me on Instagram!