For years I stored my zippers in baggies and boxes. I hated it. I had to pull out each zipper to measure it, always digging through a tangle of tape and teeth to find what I need. I knew there had to be a better way but I didn’t know what. Well…here it is!
I started storing my zippers on hangers a few years ago, and it was a game changer! I need every person who sews to know about this because I don’t want you to be going through the zipper Hell that I used to go through!
All you need is a metal wire hanger. Ideally one that’s a thick gauge wire because these can get pretty heavy. Grab a fun scrap of fabric that can handle a little bit of weight (add interfacing if you have your heart set on a light weight fabric).
If you want, make a label (embroidery, heat transfer vinyl, sharpie…) for what type of zippers the hanger is for. For example, I have mine split between closed, separating, and invisible, but you can divvy yours up however works best for you.
Trace around the hanger, then sew from about a half-inch around the curve, up to the opening for the hook, leave that open a little bit, then sew back down the other side and end about a half-inch into the straight bit. Leave the bottom open.
Then trim and snip away at the curves. Fold the top down and press it.
Then flip it right-side out and press the whole thing.
Put the hanger in its new outfit…
…and hand-sew the bottom closed.
Now you can use safety pins to load it up with zippers!
How do you like to separate your zippers? By color? Size? Or do you keep them all mixed together? Share in the comments 🙂
