Zipping

Upholstery Zips, Continuous Zip Chain and Sliders

Shop upholstery zips, continuous nylon zip chain and matching auto-lock sliders for cushion covers, loose covers, upholstered furniture, soft furnishings and suitable vehicle upholstery. Livedale supplies No.3 and No.5 continuous zip in practical neutral and decorative colours, together with matching sliders and No.5 open-ended zips.

A zip allows a completed cover or upholstered component to be opened without unpicking the main seams.

Common applications include:

• Removable seat cushion covers
• Sofa-back cushions
• Scatter cushions
• Bolster cushions
• Loose furniture covers
• Campervan cushions
• Caravan cushions
• Boat cushions
• Upholstered headrests
• Removable arm cushions
• Soft furnishings
• Suitable automotive upholstery

The correct zip depends on the cover construction, fabric weight, opening length and whether the two sides need to separate completely.

Continuous zip chain is cut to the required length and fitted with compatible sliders. Open-ended zips include separating end fittings and allow the two sides to come apart completely.

No.3 and No.5 zip chain and sliders are different sizes. A No.3 slider must be used with No.3 chain, and a No.5 slider must be used with No.5 chain.

Shop Upholstery Zips by Type

The range contains:

• No.3 continuous zip
• No.5 continuous zip
• No.3 and No.5 auto-lock sliders
• Coloured No.3 continuous zip and sliders
• No.5 open-ended zips

Continuous Upholstery Zip

Continuous zip chain is supplied without permanently fitted end components, allowing each zip to be cut to the required length.

It is particularly useful for workrooms producing:

• Made-to-measure cushion covers
• Different cushion sizes
• Furniture-cover sets
• Repeated production runs
• Long or unusually shaped openings
• Replacement covers
• Bespoke soft furnishings

Continuous zip provides greater flexibility than purchasing a fixed-length zip for every cushion.

The finished zip length can be adapted to the exact cover rather than choosing the closest standard size.

The current range includes:

• Beige continuous zip
• Black continuous zip
• Cream continuous zip
• Coloured No.3 continuous zip in a broad choice of shades

No.3 Continuous Zip

No.3 continuous zip is the lighter zip-chain option within the current range.

It is commonly used for:

• Scatter cushions
• Decorative cushions
• Lightweight seat and back covers
• Soft furnishings
• Loose covers
• Suitable pillow and bolster covers
• Projects where a less prominent zip is preferred

The smaller chain can be easier to conceal within lighter fabric constructions.

It should still be tested with the intended fabric, sewing thread and seam construction.

A zip fitted to a tightly filled seat cushion may be placed under substantially more pressure than one fitted to a lightly filled scatter cushion.

No.5 Continuous Zip

No.5 continuous zip provides a more substantial chain for suitable upholstery and soft-furnishing applications.

It may be preferred for:

• Larger seat cushions
• Sofa-back cushions
• Firm foam interiors
• Heavier upholstery fabrics
• Campervan cushions
• Caravan cushions
• Boat seating
• Loose furniture covers
• Covers opened and removed regularly

A larger zip should not be used to compensate for an undersized cover or an overfilled cushion.

The cover, cushion interior, seam allowances and zip opening must all be correctly designed.

Choosing No.3 or No.5 Zip

Consider:

• Cushion size
• Cushion firmness
• Covering-material weight
• Frequency of removal
• Zip visibility
• Required flexibility
• Existing furniture construction
• Matching slider availability
• Whether the cover is decorative or load-bearing

Choose No.3 where a lighter, less prominent closure is appropriate.

Choose No.5 where a more substantial zip is preferred for a larger cushion, heavier cover or frequently used opening.

Where replacing an existing zip, match the original chain and slider size whenever possible.

Do not attempt to fit a No.5 slider onto No.3 chain or a No.3 slider onto No.5 chain.

Auto-Lock Zip Sliders

Auto-lock sliders help prevent the zip from moving freely when the puller is released.

The current neutral-colour range includes:

• Beige auto-lock sliders
• Black auto-lock sliders
• Cream auto-lock sliders

These are available in:

• No.3
• No.5
• Packs of 100
• Packs of 1,000

The range also includes No.3 coloured auto-lock sliders in bags of 50.

Available coloured-slider options include:

• Blue
• Brown
• Dark green
• Grey
• Mid green
• Navy
• Olive green
• Orange
• Purple
• Red
• Terracotta
• Wine
• Yellow

Select a slider that matches both the size and colour of the zip chain.

A slider that appears approximately the right size may still fail to engage, close or move correctly if it is intended for another chain profile.

Fitting a Slider to Continuous Zip

Cut the zip chain cleanly across its width.

Separate the two sides slightly and feed them evenly into the slider.

The two chain sides must enter at the same level.

If one side enters ahead of the other, the completed zip can become:

• Misaligned
• Twisted
• Uneven at the end
• Difficult to close
• Different in length on each side

Pull the slider onto the chain gradually without forcing it.

Where resistance is excessive, remove the slider and check:

• Chain size
• Slider size
• Chain alignment
• Cut ends
• Fabric caught within the teeth
• Damage to the slider

Do not use pliers to force an incompatible slider onto the chain.

Securing Continuous Zip Ends

Continuous zip does not contain the permanently moulded end stops found on a finished fixed-length zip.

Once the slider has been fitted, secure the zip ends within the cover construction.

This may be achieved using:

• Reinforcing stitches
• A sewn fabric stop
• A secure seam across the chain
• An enclosed zip-panel end
• Another suitable workroom finishing method

The finished stop must prevent the slider from running off the chain during use or washing.

Keep the stop within the concealed seam area where possible.

Coloured No.3 Continuous Zip

The coloured No.3 zip range provides alternatives where beige, black or cream would create an unnecessarily obvious contrast.

Available colours include:

• Brown
• Dark green
• Grey
• Mid green
• Navy
• Olive green
• Orange
• Purple
• Red
• Terracotta
• Wine
• Yellow

Browse the full Zipping range to compare the current colour options.

The coloured No.3 zip products are available in 10-metre and 50-metre rolls.

The current listings state that:

• A 10-metre roll is supplied with ten matching sliders
• A 50-metre roll is supplied with fifty matching sliders

These sets are particularly useful for cushion makers and furniture workrooms producing several matching covers.

Choosing Zip Colour

The zip is often concealed beneath a flap or positioned on the rear of the cushion, but colour can still matter when the cover is opened or the cushion is removed.

Choose a colour that:

• Matches the main upholstery material
• Blends with the cushion border
• Coordinates with the piping
• Remains discreet inside the cover
• Matches the original zip during repair work

An exact match is less important where the zip remains completely concealed, but a strongly contrasting zip can become noticeable when the cover is opened.

For patterned fabrics, select a colour that blends with the dominant background shade around the zip panel.

No.5 Open-Ended Zips

The No.5 open-ended zip allows the two zip sides to separate fully.

It is available in:

• Beige
• Black
• Lengths from 10″ to 36″
• Individual quantities
• Packs of 50

Open-ended zips are useful where two upholstered components need to remain attached during use but separate completely when required.

Potential applications include:

• Removable sofa-back cushions
• Detachable arm cushions
• Two-part cushions
• Upholstered furniture sections
• Removable padded panels
• Suitable loose-cover components

The open-ended construction is different from ordinary continuous zip used to close a cushion-cover opening.

Choose it where complete separation is part of the furniture design.

Attaching Removable Back Cushions

An open-ended zip can be sewn between a removable back cushion and a suitable furniture panel.

The zip should be positioned so that:

• It remains concealed during normal use
• The cushion sits at the intended height
• Both zip sides align without twisting
• The user can reach the slider
• The cushion can be removed without straining the fabric
• The furniture section supports the zip attachment
• The zip does not create a hard ridge against the user

Reinforce the fabric around the zip where required.

The zip should retain and locate the cushion, but the cushion and furniture should already be correctly shaped and sized.

Two-Part Cushions

Open-ended zips may be used inside suitable covers to join two cushion sections while allowing them to be separated later.

This can be useful in certain:

• Convertible seating
• Campervan beds
• Modular cushions
• Removable bolsters
• Furniture-back systems

Plan the zip position so it does not:

• Become uncomfortable through the cover
• Catch against the furniture frame
• Distort the cushion shape
• Prevent the cover being removed
• Interfere with piping or adjoining seams

Measuring a Cushion Zip Opening

Measure the completed cover opening rather than relying solely on the foam dimensions.

Consider:

• Cushion length
• Cushion width
• Border depth
• Piping
• Seam allowance
• Zip-panel construction
• Slider access
• Required cover opening
• Ease of inserting the cushion interior

A longer opening can make it easier to insert and remove a firm foam cushion.

However, extending the zip unnecessarily around corners can increase sewing difficulty and place additional stress on the zip ends.

For many rectangular cushions, the zip is positioned along the rear border and extends far enough around the adjoining corners to allow the interior to be inserted comfortably.

Positioning the Zip in a Cushion Cover

Common positions include:

• Rear cushion border
• Underside of a cushion
• Rear edge beneath a flap
• Internal joining seam
• Concealed furniture-facing edge

The correct position should provide:

• Easy access
• A discreet appearance
• Sufficient opening
• A smooth seating surface
• Clearance from piping joins
• Space to operate the slider
• Reduced contact with the user

Avoid placing the slider where it will be felt through the cushion or repeatedly rubbed against the furniture.

Plan the zip position before cutting the cover panels.

Making a Zip Panel

A cushion zip is often sewn between two strips of covering fabric to create a completed zip panel.

The zip panel should match the finished cushion-border width.

Allow for:

• Seam allowance on both sides
• Zip-chain width
• Covering flap where required
• Fabric thickness
• Piping seams
• Finished border depth

Sew each fabric strip evenly along the zip tape.

Check that:

• The chain remains straight
• The fabric does not stretch
• The slider moves freely
• Both strips finish at the same length
• The zip is not twisted
• The fabric does not obstruct the chain

A concealed flap can help hide the chain and protect it from direct contact.

Sewing Upholstery Zips

Browse Upholstery Sewing Threads & Bobbins for suitable machine-sewing thread.

Choose a thread according to:

• Upholstery fabric
• Zip tape
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Number of layers
• Seam load
• Required colour
• Cleaning method

A zipper or piping foot can help the machine sew close to the chain while keeping the needle clear of the teeth.

Test the sewing position using an offcut.

Do not sew so close that the thread or fabric obstructs the slider.

Do not sew so far away that the chain sits loosely within the cover.

Sewing Around Zip Ends

Zip ends are often the bulkiest area of a cushion border.

They may include:

• Folded zip tape
• Fabric end sections
• Reinforcement stitches
• Piping
• Border seams
• Several seam allowances

Reduce unnecessary overlap and plan the zip ends away from the piping join where possible.

Concentrating the zip end, piping join and panel seam in one position creates avoidable bulk.

Piped Cushion Covers

Browse Upholstery Piping Cords where the cushion cover requires a defined piped edge.

Plan the zip and piping together.

The zip is normally placed within the rear border, while the piping runs around the cushion panel edges.

Allow space for:

• Piping seams
• Zip tape
• Border seams
• Slider travel
• Zip-end reinforcement
• Fabric turnings

Use the same sewing thread where it is suitable for both the piping and zip construction.

Make a sample where the covering material is particularly thick or heavily backed.

Foam Cushion Interiors

Browse Foam Cut to Size for made-to-measure seat, back, bench, campervan and window-seat cushions.

The cushion cover should be designed around:

• Finished foam dimensions
• Foam firmness
• Wadding thickness
• Covering-material stretch
• Piping
• Zip opening
• Intended finished fit

A firm foam interior usually requires a larger opening than a soft or easily compressed cushion filling.

Do not make the zip opening so short that the foam must be folded or forced excessively during insertion.

This can damage:

• The zip
• Cover seams
• Piping
• Foam edges
• The cover fabric

Polyester Wadding

Browse Polyester Wadding where a softer, fuller cushion profile is required.

Wadding adds thickness to the completed interior and must be considered when sizing the cover and zip opening.

Keep loose wadding fibres away from the zip chain and slider.

Stockinette

Browse Stockinette for a protective sleeve around suitable foam cushions.

Stockinette can help the cushion slide more easily into the cover and reduces direct rubbing between the foam and the covering fabric.

It can be particularly useful with firm foam interiors and tighter-fitting covers.

Upholstery Fabric and Vinyl

Browse Upholstery Fabric & Vinyl for the material used to make the cushion or furniture cover.

Consider:

• Material thickness
• Stretch
• Back coating
• Fraying
• Cleaning requirements
• Pattern direction
• Whether needle holes remain visible
• Zip-tape colour
• Required seam strength

Vinyl, faux leather and heavily coated fabrics may require a more substantial zip and careful sewing-machine setup.

Avoid repeatedly unpicking and resewing materials that retain visible needle holes.

Automotive and Campervan Upholstery

Browse Automotive & Headlining Fabrics for suitable vehicle, campervan and trimming materials.

Zips used in vehicle cushions should be selected with consideration for:

• Repeated use
• Temperature changes
• Moisture
• Cover removal
• Cushion conversion
• Material thickness
• Position within the vehicle

The zip should remain accessible without rubbing against trim panels or becoming trapped within a bed or seating mechanism.

Cutting Zip Chain and Fabric

Use sharp Upholstery Shears & Snips to cut suitable zip tape, thread and covering materials.

Cut continuous zip chain squarely.

After cutting:

• Keep the chain ends aligned
• Prevent the slider from running off
• Secure the finished ends
• Remove loose fibres
• Keep each cut length labelled
• Retain matching sliders with the correct chain

Avoid using fine fabric shears repeatedly on hard zip teeth if this is likely to damage the blade.

Measuring and Marking

Use Measuring & Marking Tools to plan:

• Zip length
• Opening position
• Cushion-border width
• Slider position
• Zip ends
• Seam allowances
• Panel centre line
• Matching fabric sections

Use suitable Chalks & Fabric Markers on compatible materials.

Mark the zip opening before assembling the cushion border.

A correctly sewn zip cannot rescue two border panels that were cut to different lengths.

Continuous Zip, Open-Ended Zip or Hook-and-Loop Tape?

Choose continuous zip for:

• Cushion-cover openings
• Loose-cover access
• Custom-length closures
• Scatter and bolster cushions
• Furniture covers that remain joined at both ends

Choose an open-ended zip for:

• Detachable back cushions
• Removable arm cushions
• Two-part cushion systems
• Components that must separate completely

Choose Hook & Loop Tape for:

• Removable panels
• Reusable cushion location
• Furniture sections not requiring a conventional zip
• Fastenings that need to open along their full length immediately

These products perform different functions and may occasionally be used together within one furniture design.

Cleaning and Care

The cleaning method for a completed cover depends on:

• Upholstery fabric
• Zip chain
• Slider
• Sewing thread
• Piping cord
• Wadding
• Other fastenings

Close the zip before suitable washing or cleaning where this is recommended for the completed cover.

Do not force the slider where:

• Fabric is trapped
• The chain is misaligned
• The cover is under excessive tension
• The zip has been damaged
• The cushion is pressing heavily against the opening

Remove the cause of the obstruction before pulling harder.

Common Upholstery-Zip Mistakes

Avoid:

• Mixing No.3 chain with No.5 sliders
• Ordering zip chain without enough sliders
• Failing to secure continuous-zip ends
• Making the cushion opening too short
• Placing the slider where it can be felt
• Sewing fabric too close to the chain
• Allowing loose fibres into the slider
• Choosing a zip solely by colour
• Using a light zip on an unsuitable heavily loaded cover
• Placing the zip end and piping join in the same bulky position
• Fitting an open-ended zip where a standard continuous closure is required
• Forcing a slider onto damaged or incompatible chain
• Forgetting the additional thickness of wadding
• Using elastic or hook-and-loop tape as though it performs the same job
• Assuming every slider fits every nylon zip

Related Products for Cushion Making

For a typical removable cushion-cover project, the most relevant product journey is:

• Foam Cut to Size
• Polyester Wadding
• Stockinette
• Upholstery Fabric or Vinyl
• Upholstery Piping Cord
• Upholstery Sewing Thread
• Continuous Zip and Sliders
• Upholstery Shears and Snips
• Measuring and Marking Tools

Trade Upholstery Zips and Sliders

Livedale supplies continuous nylon zip chain, auto-lock sliders and open-ended zips to professional upholsterers, cushion makers, furniture manufacturers, automotive trimmers and soft-furnishing workrooms throughout the UK.

Products are available in short workroom rolls and larger trade quantities, with matching slider packs for repeated cover production.

Approved trade customers can access preferential trade pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the zip according to the chain size, cover construction, cushion application and required opening rather than colour alone.