How to Install a Zipper with ByAnnie Double Sided Tape: Step-by-Step

Quick Answer

To install a zipper with ByAnnie Double Sided Tape, apply the tape to the zipper tape, peel the backing, finger-press the fabric in place, then sew along the zipper tape edge. The tape holds everything flat and aligned so you can skip pins entirely and get a clean, professional finish on the first pass.

If you've ever pinned a zipper into a bag gusset only to have it shift under the presser foot, you already know why sewists reach for double sided tape. ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is a thin, strong adhesive that temporarily bonds zipper tape to fabric, vinyl, or faux leather. It holds the zipper perfectly flat while you sew, so you can skip pins and basting altogether.

This guide walks you through the full process, from choosing your zipper and tape width to the final press. You'll also find checkpoints for the mistakes that trip up most makers—like stretching the zipper tape or forgetting to peel the backing. By the end, you'll have a reliable method for any bag zipper tutorial you tackle.

Why Double Sided Tape Beats Pins for Zippers

Pins create bumps that can distort the zipper tape and leave tiny holes in vinyl or faux leather. Double sided tape eliminates both problems. It creates a continuous bond along the entire zipper edge, so the fabric and zipper move through the machine as one unit. That means no shifting, no wavy seams, and no pin holes to close.

ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is specifically designed for this job. It's thin enough to sew through without gumming up your needle, and it holds firmly but releases cleanly if you need to reposition. It works on quilting cotton, canvas, cork, vinyl, and faux leather—basically any substrate you'd use for a bag.

• Use 1/4-inch tape for most zipper installations; 1/8-inch works for tight curves.
• Test the tape on a scrap of your fashion fabric first if it's delicate or fuzzy.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather your zipper, ByAnnie Double Sided Tape, your bag exterior and lining pieces, a zipper foot, and a marking tool. For zippers, size #5 nylon coil tape is the standard for handbags and backpacks because the teeth are sturdy but sewable. If you're making a small pouch, size #3 works well and keeps bulk down.

For this tutorial, we'll use Deep Current - #5 Silver Nylon Coil Zipper Tape. It's a size #5 nylon coil zipper tape with silver teeth that look metallic but sew right over without breaking needles. Each roll comes in a 3-yard length, so you can cut exactly what you need for your project. Pair it with a matching zipper pull from the Size #5 Zipper Pulls collection.

• Zipper foot or adjustable zipper foot
• ByAnnie Double Sided Tape (1/4 inch)
• Fabric clips or wonder clips (optional, for extra hold)
• Marking pen or chalk

Step-by-Step Zipper Installation

The process is simple: tape the zipper, position it on the fabric, peel, press, and sew. The key is to work slowly and keep the zipper tape from stretching. Nylon coil zipper tape has some give, so handle it gently. If you're using a printed zipper tape like Neon Pink Nostalgia - #5 Silver Nylon Coil Zipper Tape, the print is on the tape itself, so make sure the tape faces the right way before you commit.

Start by cutting your zipper tape to length, adding about 1 inch of extra tape on each end. This gives you something to hold onto and trim later. Then apply the double sided tape to the back of the zipper tape, running it along the edge where you'll sew. Peel the paper backing off one section at a time to keep the adhesive fresh.

• Mistake to avoid: Don't stretch the zipper tape as you apply it. Let it relax naturally.
• Checkpoint: The tape should be centered on the zipper tape edge, not hanging over the teeth.

Positioning and Sewing

With the tape applied, place the zipper face down on the right side of your fabric. The zipper teeth should align with the seam line you marked. Finger-press firmly along the entire length. The adhesive grabs immediately, so you get one chance to position it—but if you're off, you can gently peel it back and try again without leaving residue.

Sew along the zipper tape edge using a zipper foot. Keep your needle positioned close to the teeth but not on them. For size #5 zippers, a 1/4-inch seam allowance from the teeth is typical. Sew slowly and don't pull the fabric. Let the feed dogs move everything at their own pace. When you reach the end, backstitch and trim the excess zipper tape.

• Mistake to avoid: Sewing too fast can cause the tape to shift or the needle to deflect.
• Checkpoint: Flip the piece over. The stitching should be even and the zipper should lie flat with no puckers.

Finishing the Ends and Adding Pulls

After sewing both sides of the zipper, trim the excess tape even with the fabric edge. If you're making a bag with a zipper opening, you'll likely sew the ends into the side seams. For a cleaner finish, you can add a small fabric tab or fold the zipper tape under before stitching. This is also when you'd install your zipper pull if you haven't already.

To add a pull, slide it onto the zipper tape from the top end. If the tape is already sewn into a seam, you can still add a pull by opening the seam slightly or using a pull with a split ring. For a pop of color, try a contrasting pull from the Size #5 Zipper Pulls collection.

• Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to add the zipper pull before sewing the zipper into a closed loop.
• Checkpoint: Zip and unzip the zipper several times to make sure it runs smoothly.

Zipper Installation Checkpoints

1. Apply tape to zipper: Run a strip of ByAnnie Double Sided Tape along the edge of the zipper tape, centering it over the seam line. Peel the backing as you go to keep the adhesive clean. Checkpoint: The tape should not cover the zipper teeth.
2. Position and press: Place the zipper face down on the fabric right side, align the teeth with your seam line, and finger-press firmly along the tape. Mistake to avoid: Stretching the zipper tape as you press.
3. Sew along the tape edge: Using a zipper foot, sew a straight line close to the teeth, about 1/4 inch away for size #5 zippers. Sew slowly and let the machine feed the fabric. Checkpoint: Flip and check for puckers or skipped stitches.
4. Trim and finish: Trim excess zipper tape even with the fabric edge. Add a zipper pull if you haven't already, and test the zipper action. Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to add the pull before closing the zipper into a loop.

Zipper Valley Products Used in This Tutorial

• Deep Current - #5 Silver Nylon Coil Zipper Tape: Size #5 nylon coil zipper tape with silver teeth that look metallic but are nylon, so you can sew right over them without breaking needles. Each roll is 3 yards. The 3-yard length gives you enough tape for multiple bags, and the sew-over nylon teeth mean you don't have to worry about needle breakage if your stitching line gets close to the teeth.
• Neon Pink Nostalgia - #5 Silver Nylon Coil Zipper Tape: Durable, premium zipper tape designed to look high-end. Cut to any length and sew over without breaking needles. Size #5 is ideal for handbags, pouches, and backpacks. If you want a zipper that adds a bold accent to your bag, this print gives you that without sacrificing the strength and sewability of size #5 nylon coil.
• Rainbow Theory - #3 Rainbow Nylon Coil Zipper Tape: Size #3 nylon coil zipper tape that can be cut to any length and sewn over without breaking needles. Ideal for handbags, pouches, and backpacks. Size #3 is lighter than #5, making it a good choice for small pouches or projects where you want less bulk at the zipper opening.

Once you've installed a zipper with ByAnnie Double Sided Tape, you'll never go back to pins. The tape holds everything flat and aligned, so your seams stay straight and your zipper runs smoothly. Grab a roll of Deep Current or Neon Pink Nostalgia zipper tape, a matching pull, and give it a try on your next bag.