A bag zipper is more than a tape and teeth. You also need a pull you can grip, stops that keep the slider from running off, and—on many purse builds—end caps or tips where the zipper meets the seam. On 3DANsupplies, these parts sit together in Closures, Locks & Zippers with magnetic snaps, turn locks, and other bag closures.
This guide covers how to read coil zipper size labels, how zipper pulls differ from end caps, how top and bottom stops fit common gauges, and what to confirm before you sew a zipper into a bag opening.
What coil zippers, pulls, caps, and stops do
A coil zipper is a zipper whose interlocking element is a continuous coil (often called coil teeth in product titles), stitched to tape. Bag makers use coil zippers for purse tops, pocket openings, and lined bag closures where a flexible zipper track is preferred.
A zipper pull (pull tab / pull charm) attaches to the slider so the wearer can open and close the bag. A zipper end cap or tips piece is a hardware tip that finishes or reinforces the zipper end at a seam—not the same as a decorative pull. Zipper stops (top stops and bottom stoppers) keep the slider from leaving the track.
Buy the zipper tape and gauge first, then match pull, stops, and any end caps to that size family. Mixing a #5 zipper with stops sold only for a different gauge can leave a loose or unusable end.
How to read size labels (#5, #8, 3#)
Zipper-related titles in this catalog use number gauges such as #5 and #8, and stop packs that list 3#, 5#, and 8# as options.
- #5 Coil Zipper — a catalog example is the #5 Coil Zipper Solid Brass Teeth Two-Way Plough Cotton Zipper sold as 1 yard lengths for tailor, purse, and sewing projects. “Two-way plough” and “solid brass teeth” are title wording on that listing; confirm slider direction and finish on the product page.
- #8 Zipper Pull — the catalog lists a #8 zinc Alloy Zipper Pull tab Charm for luggage, jackets, backpacks, boots, purse, and coat repair. Option sizes on that pull listing include values such as 8mm and 1cm—read the option picker, not only the #8 in the title.
- Stops — Solid Brass Zipper Stop and Zipper Bottom Hardware Stopper listings offer packs by gauge, including 3#, 5#, and 8#, with finish options such as Nickel, Gunmetal, Gold, and Antique Brass. Separate Solid Brass Zipper Stops and Bottom Stoppers listings also show finishes such as Nickel and Gunmetal.
Treat the number as a matching key across zipper, pull, and stops. If your pattern or existing bag uses a #5 opening, start with #5 zipper and 5# stop options, then confirm the pull and end-cap geometry on the photos.
Catalog coil zipper example
The live #5 Coil Zipper Solid Brass Teeth Two-Way Plough Cotton Zipper listing is sold by the yard (1 yard on the title) with color options that include examples such as Off-White · No. D360, White, Hot Pink, Off-White · No. D112, Red, and Light Pink. Check the product page for current options. Cotton tape and brass-teeth wording describe that specific product. Buy continuous yardage for the opening plus seam allowance so the tape does not change mid-seam.
Zipper pull tabs vs zipper end caps
Zipper pull tabs are the grip piece on the slider. The #8 zinc Alloy Zipper Pull tab Charm is aimed at luggage, jackets, backpacks, boots, purse, and coat repair. Choose a pull whose attachment fits your slider and whose size options (for example, 8mm or 1cm on that listing) match the hardware you have.
Zipper end caps / tips finish the zipper end. A catalog example is 3/4" (18.5 mm) zinc alloy zipper end caps TIPS tab hardware Nickel—tip hardware at a stated width, not a pull charm. A pull hangs from the slider; an end cap sits at the tape end or seam. Confirm which part your pattern names before you order.
Top and bottom stops
Stops keep the zipper usable. Bottom stoppers limit how far the slider can travel toward the closed end; top stops keep the slider from running off the open end (exact geometry depends on the stop set—follow the product photos).
In this collection, solid brass stop and bottom-stopper packs list gauge options (3#, 5#, 8#) and finishes (Nickel, Gunmetal, Gold, Antique Brass on the multi-option stopper listing). Match the gauge to your zipper. Match the finish to nearby bag hardware when possible—nickel next to nickel D-rings or snap hooks looks more consistent than mixing unrelated finishes.
Install stops only as the product page shows. This guide does not invent set pressures, tooth counts, or load ratings. If you are repairing a worn zipper, compare the old stop size to the gauge on the new pack before you remove the old parts.
Matching parts before you sew
Use a simple checklist:
- Gauge — #5 zipper with 5# stops when that is your opening size; do not mix gauges without checking fit on a scrap.
- Pull — #8 pull listings are labeled #8; confirm option size (mm) against your slider. If you are replacing only the charm, bring the old pull or measure the attachment.
- End caps — if the bag uses tips, match the listed width (for example, 3/4" / 18.5 mm) to the zipper end and seam allowance.
- Color and finish — zipper tape color for the opening; metal finish for pulls, caps, and stops to nearby hardware.
- Length — yardage for the full opening plus allowances; order continuous length when the tape must look uninterrupted.
Sew the zipper according to your pattern (centered, lapped, or invisible-style application as the pattern requires). Reinforce thin fabric at the ends so stops and end caps do not tear the seam.
Related closures in the same collection
Closures, Locks & Zippers also includes magnetic snaps, twist turn locks, tongue latches, and padlocks. Those close flaps; they are not zipper substitutes. If the bag also uses straps or chains, browse Straps & Chains after the zipper system is chosen for finish-matched strap hardware.
What to open next
Open Closures, Locks & Zippers. Pick the coil zipper gauge and color first, then matching stops, then pull and end caps if needed. Confirm options on each product page before you cut the bag opening.
Shop next
Ready to choose zipper parts? Browse Closures, Locks & Zippers for coil zippers, zipper pulls, end caps, and stops. Add Straps & Chains only when the same bag also needs strap or chain hardware alongside the zipper.