Zipper Stops, Sliders, and Pulls: A Bag Maker's Glossary

Quick answer

A zipper has four main parts: the tape (fabric edges), the teeth (coil or metal), the slider (the mechanism that joins or separates teeth), and the pull (the tab you grip). Stops are the tiny bumps at each end that keep the slider from running off. For bags, you'll usually work with continuous zipper tape and add your own stops, sliders, and pulls.

Zipper tape explained: the foundation of your bag zipper

Zipper tape is the woven fabric strip that runs along each side of the teeth. It's what you sew into your seam allowance. On bags, tape width and color matter: wider tape can be easier to stitch without catching the coil, while a matching or contrasting tape color becomes a design detail. Sallie Tomato Zippers by the Yard let you cut exactly the length you need, so you're not limited to pre-sized zippers. When you cut your own, you'll also need to add stops (or sew bar tacks) to prevent the slider from sliding off.

What is a zipper stop?

A zipper stop is a small metal or plastic piece that blocks the slider from moving past the end of the teeth. On ready-made zippers, stops are already installed at both ends. On continuous zipper tape, you create your own: you can sew a wide, tight zigzag bar tack across the teeth, or use metal stop pieces if the tape accepts them. Without stops, your slider will slide right off the tape, leaving you to reassemble the zipper—a fiddly job. For double-slide zippers (two sliders facing each other), you need stops at both ends and a way to park the sliders at the top or bottom.

Zipper slider vs pull: what's the difference?

The slider is the metal or plastic channel that moves up and down, interlocking and separating the teeth. The pull is the tab attached to the slider that you grab with your fingers. They are separate components: you can often swap a pull without replacing the slider, but replacing a slider usually means cutting it off and installing a new one. In bag making, the pull is a chance to add personality—Sallie Tomato offers decorative pulls like Four Tree Frog Zipper Pulls and Four Jingle Bell Zipper Pulls that work with size #5 nylon coil zippers or Sallie Tomato Zippers by the Yard. These pulls are 1 3/8" from end to end and can be used for single or double slide zippers.

How to replace a zipper slider

If your slider is damaged or you want to upgrade to a different finish, you can replace it. First, remove the old slider: cut through the top stops (or the bar tack) and slide the old slider off. Then slide the new slider onto the tape from the top, making sure the channels align with the teeth. Finally, add new stops—either metal stops or a tight zigzag bar tack—to secure the slider. If the zipper is already sewn into a bag, you may need to open a seam to access the ends. Always test the slider before finishing: it should glide smoothly without catching.

Zipper anatomy for bags: beyond the basics

Bag zippers often include extra parts. A zipper guard is a fabric flap that covers the zipper to protect it and reduce wear. A zipper garage is a small pocket that hides the pull when closed. For double-slide zippers, you'll have two sliders and two pulls, which open from the middle out—ideal for luggage-style bags, bowler bags, and handbags. When choosing hardware, consider how the zipper integrates with straps and handles. For example, Sallie Tomato's Four Tula Pink 1 1/2" Rectangle Rings can attach straps to your bag and pair with coordinating swivel hooks and slider buckles for a professional look. These rings are 1 1/2" and come in a set of four; they're used in patterns like LST254 Make-A-Strap and LST338 DIY Bag Handles.

Zipper parts FAQ

What is a zipper stop?

A zipper stop is a small piece at the end of the zipper tape that prevents the slider from sliding off. On continuous zipper tape, you create stops by sewing a bar tack or attaching metal stops. Always add stops after cutting zipper tape to length.

What's the difference between a zipper slider and a pull?

The slider is the mechanism that opens and closes the teeth. The pull is the tab you hold. You can often replace the pull without changing the slider, but replacing the slider requires removing the old one and installing a new one. Choose pulls that match your slider size—usually #5 for bag zippers.

How do I replace a zipper slider?

Cut off the top stops, slide the old slider off, slide the new slider on, and secure with new stops. Test the zipper before finishing the bag. If the zipper is already installed, you may need to open a seam for access.

Can I use any zipper pull with any zipper?

No. Pulls are sized to match the slider. For bag making, size #5 nylon coil is common. Sallie Tomato pulls like the Four Tree Frog Zipper Pulls and Four Jingle Bell Zipper Pulls are designed for #5 nylon coil zippers or Sallie Tomato Zippers by the Yard. Check the slider size before buying pulls.

Hardware that works with these zipper parts

• Four Tree Frog Zipper Pulls: Use these zipper pulls with Sallie Tomato Zippers by the Yard, or any size #5 nylon coil zipper. Size: 1 3/8" from end to end. Make single or double slide zippers with these pulls. These pulls fit the most common bag zipper size, so you can add a decorative touch without changing your slider.
• Four Tula Pink 1 1/2" Rectangle Rings: Rectangle rings are functional and add a bit of bling to your handmade bags. You can attach them to straps and handles to give them more mobility. Size: 1 1/2". Number included: 4. Patterns for Hardware: LST254 Make-A-Strap, LST338 DIY Bag Handles. These rings let you attach straps and handles with movement, and they coordinate with swivel hooks and slider buckles for a polished finish.