Continuous Zipper Chain – Zippers by the Yard

What Is Continuous Zipper Chain?

Continuous zipper chain is zipper tape supplied in a continuous length rather than as a finished zipper in a fixed size. It is also commonly called zippers by the yard, zipper tape, zipper chain by the metre, zipper by the meter or continuous zip.

Unlike ready-made zippers, continuous zipper chain is cut according to the actual length needed for the product. The zipper system is then completed with compatible sliders, stops, sewn end finishes or project-specific components according to the intended application.

This makes zipper chain useful for workshops that produce several different zipper lengths, unusually long closures, curved lines, wraparound openings or custom-made textile products. Tent manufacturers, tarpaulin workshops, awning makers, bag producers, upholstery workshops and technical textile businesses often use continuous chain because the zipper length can be adapted to the product instead of forcing the product to fit a standard size.

For the wider product range, browse Zipper Types. Use continuous chain when the closure must be cut and finished according to a specific production requirement.

Continuous Zipper Chain vs. Ready-Made Zippers

Where Is Continuous Zipper Chain Used?

• Tarpaulins and covers: Vehicle tarps, storage covers, protective enclosures, industrial covers and flexible textile partitions.
• Tents and camping products: Tent entries, tent dividers, outdoor covers, camping equipment bags and textile shelters.
• Awnings and shade systems: Side panels, weather covers, shade fabrics, windbreak systems and modular outdoor enclosures.
• Bags and cases: Tool bags, sports bags, carrying cases, equipment covers, organizers and custom textile cases.
• Outdoor products: Camping gear, protective textile products, weather-exposed accessories and equipment storage solutions.
• Home textiles and upholstery: Cushion covers, bedding, storage products, furniture covers and long zipper applications.
• Repair and workshop work: Replacing damaged zipper sections and producing custom-length zipper closures.

Continuous Zipper Chain Types

The correct continuous zipper chain depends on tooth construction, zipper size, desired flexibility, coating requirement, closure geometry and expected use. Nylon coil, molded plastic and coated zipper chains are designed for different project conditions.

Nylon Coil Zipper Chain

Nylon coil zipper chain uses flexible coil teeth. It can be a useful choice for products that bend, fold, roll or follow a slightly curved closure line. Tents, tarpaulins, bags, covers, flexible cases and outdoor textile products may benefit from a nylon coil zipper system when the chain and slider are correctly matched.

For tarpaulin and tent workshops, a Type 20 nylon chain is generally expressed in English as a #10 nylon coil zipper chain. It is intended for larger zipper applications where a broader coil system and compatible slider setup are required.

The T20 Nylon Tarpaulin and Tent Zipper Set is an example of a continuous zipper-chain system prepared for outdoor covers, tent work and large textile closure projects. Check the specific set length and included slider quantity before ordering.

Molded Plastic Zipper Chain

Molded plastic zipper chain has visible, structured plastic teeth. It can be selected when the closure needs a more defined tooth profile, a stronger visual zipper line or a more structured appearance on the finished product.

Type 9 molded plastic zipper chain can suit tarpaulins, awnings, larger covers, tents, vehicle covers, bag applications and technical textile projects where the product structure supports a more visible molded-tooth zipper.

Custom production can be considered for suitable projects that require specific tape and tooth colours. Before a custom order, confirm the sample, expected load, zipper size, slider setup, colour target, production quantity and final application.

PU- and TPU-Coated Zipper Chain

PU- and TPU-coated zipper chain is used when the zipper line needs additional resistance to direct water entry. It can be suitable for outdoor bags, technical cases, tent covers, tarpaulins, weather-exposed covers and compatible outdoor textile products.

Coated zipper chain helps reduce direct water entry along the zipper line. It does not make the entire finished product waterproof by itself. The final water performance also depends on fabric choice, seams, stitch holes, seam sealing, zipper-end finishing and the complete product construction.

Nylon Coil vs. Molded Plastic Zipper Chain

How to Choose the Correct Slider for Zipper Chain

The slider is one of the most important parts of a continuous zipper system. A zipper chain cannot work correctly if the slider does not match the exact tooth structure, zipper size, inner channel and intended opening direction.

Do not choose a slider only because it appears visually similar. An incompatible slider can cause resistance, uneven closure, tooth separation, poor alignment and premature damage to the zipper chain.

• Match the slider to the zipper size and tooth construction.
• Check whether the product needs a standard single pull, double pull or two-way slider system.
• Confirm the correct slider direction before fitting it to the chain.
• Use compatible slider systems for PU- and TPU-coated zipper chains.
• Consider whether the zipper must be operated from one side or both sides.
• Test the selected slider and chain together before cutting the full production quantity.

How Much Zipper Chain Do You Need?

Measure the actual zipper sewing line rather than estimating from the total size of the product. A tent door, bag lid, awning cover, tarpaulin opening or wraparound case can require very different zipper lengths even when the products appear similar in overall size.

• Measure the actual zipper placement line on the pattern or finished product.
• Measure curved and wraparound lines along the real sewing route.
• Calculate every zipper opening separately in products with multiple compartments.
• Add allowance for samples, cutting, stops and end finishing.
• Plan sliders, stops and additional zipper components separately.
• For repeated production, calculate total chain requirement per model before purchasing.

How to Use Water-Repellent Zipper Chain Correctly

PU- and TPU-coated zipper chains can help reduce direct water entry through the zipper line in outdoor and weather-exposed products. They should be selected according to the actual use level, closure shape, fabric construction and slider system.

How to Install Continuous Zipper Chain

• Mark the real zipper line on the product or pattern before cutting the chain.
• Cut with enough allowance for fitting, testing and end finishing.
• Fit the compatible slider and test opening and closing before sewing.
• Keep both zipper tapes aligned to avoid uneven closure.
• Do not over-stretch the zipper tape during installation.
• Test coated chain with the actual fabric before full production.
• Plan stops, sewn ends or other end-finishing methods according to the expected load and final use.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Continuous Zipper Chain

• Choosing zipper chain only by colour without checking the zipper size, tooth structure and slider compatibility.
• Using a slider that does not match the chain system.
• Treating continuous chain as a ready-made zipper without planning the end construction.
• Selecting a zipper size without considering fabric thickness, closure shape and expected load.
• Assuming coated zipper chain makes the complete product waterproof.
• Using a large molded tooth profile on very lightweight or sharply curved materials without testing.
• Ignoring cutting allowance, sample allowance and end-finishing requirements.
• Starting bulk production without testing zipper chain, slider, fabric and sewing construction together.

Related Categories and Products

• Zipper Types – Browse ready-made zippers, continuous zipper chain and zipper accessories by application.
• T20 Nylon Tarpaulin and Tent Zipper Set – A #10 nylon coil zipper-chain set for suitable tent, tarpaulin, cover and outdoor textile projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is continuous zipper chain?

Continuous zipper chain is zipper tape supplied in an uncut continuous length. It can be cut to the required project size and finished with compatible sliders, stops and end components.

What is the difference between zipper chain and a ready-made zipper?

Zipper chain is supplied for custom cutting and project-specific finishing. A ready-made zipper comes in a fixed length with its end construction already prepared.

Are sliders included with continuous zipper chain?

Slider inclusion depends on the product or set. Check the individual package contents before ordering. When sliders are purchased separately, they must be fully compatible with the zipper chain type and tooth construction.

Which zipper chain is suitable for tents and tarpaulins?

The correct choice depends on the fabric weight, closure length, expected load, required flexibility, weather exposure and slider setup. #10 nylon coil zipper chain can suit flexible textile covers, while molded plastic chain can suit projects that need a more structured tooth profile.

Can continuous zipper chain be used for awnings?

Yes. It can be used for awning panels, side covers, weather covers and shade systems when the chain type, tape construction, slider system and expected usage load suit the final product.

What is the benefit of PU- or TPU-coated zipper chain?

Coated zipper chain can help reduce direct water entry along the zipper line. It can be useful for outdoor bags, technical covers, tents, tarpaulins and products exposed to moisture or weather.

Does coated zipper chain make a product waterproof?

No. It helps reduce water entry at the zipper line, while overall water performance depends on fabric, seams, stitch holes, seam sealing, zipper ends and complete product construction.

How many metres of zipper chain should I order?

Measure the actual zipper line, then add allowance for sample work, cutting, stops and end finishing. For curved or wraparound openings, measure along the true sewing route rather than in a straight line.

Can continuous zipper chain be used for bag making?

Yes. It can be used for bags, pouches, organizers, carrying cases and equipment covers when the zipper type, slider system, tooth construction and expected load are suitable for the project.