Buying Zippers in NYC's Garment District
SIL Thread at 257 W. 38th Street in the Garment District offers zippers in all types of teeth and colors |
When I need a separating zipper or closed zipper cut to size, I usually head to SIL Thread. This is for those cases where I don't need my zipper to be a star, just functional; for stunning Riri or Lampro zippers I go to Pacific Trim (Riri) or Botani Buttons (Lampro).
Here are the steps to buying a zipper to-size at SIL:
1. Decide on what kind of teeth you want: Brass? Nickel? Molded plastic?
2. Factor in your application: If you're making outerwear you'd probably want a zipper with a wider tape and larger teeth, but something more delicate if you wanted an exposed zipper on a dress. SIL has many choices for tape width, weight and zipper teeth size.
3. Find the right color zipper for your garment
4. Take your zipper to the counter: Tell your cashier what size zipper you want out of the one you've selected, and whether you want it to separate (like for a jacket application) or closed (like in a dress or skirt). Pay for your zipper and then wait while an employee cuts it to size for you.
Today at SIL I bought a separating zipper with molded plastic teeth that I'll use on a spring jacket I'm making. It cost me just $4 and I only had to wait a few minutes while it was sized to 12 inches.
Even though Coats & Clark has expanded its zipper offerings to keep up with the styles, and they served me well for many years, I love being able to buy zippers that look more RTW. What about you, readers? Where do you buy your zippers?
SIL offers a large selection of colors and zipper teeth styles. |
When you've chosen the right zipper for your application, take it to the counter to buy it and then have it cut to size |
Labels: notions stores, Pacific Trimming, SIL Thread, zippers
8 Comments:
I always forget about SIL and go to Steinlauf and Stoeller when in the district...even tho' I know SIL is cheaper. Otherwise I buy zippers from Daytona Trims and online...okay so everywhere! *LOL*
I LOVE SIL... definitely my favorite zipper source, though I also use Daytona and Pacific.
I usually go to Daytona just because it's on the same block as all my favorite fabric stores.
For special colors that I need to match I buy my zipper at SIL. For about $1 a zipper with a wide variety of choices, you can't go too wrong.
Thanks for this. Sometimes shopping in unfamiliar garment district stores can be a little overwhelming! I've always gone to Pacific, but I'm thankful for this how-to so I will know what to do if I ever need a special zipper!
I sew more crafts than clothes, and I buy zippers from Mood. Their YKK 9" zippers (nylon, non-separating) have been running 50 cents each in the store (higher online). One time I bought close to 100 (in-store) and the owner gave me a nice discount.
Last year, I came across a small trim shop (can't remember who - one of the side streets) that had 9" YKK's under a counter, still jumbled in their shipping boxes. When I asked the price, they quoted $1 each. I said no thanks, and they wanted to quote me another price if I would tell them how many I wanted. I still said no thanks, since I knew Mood could beat them & would have a better color selection.
Mood's zippers are right inside the door, and you can open the boxes on the table that's there. Self-service, but easy to reach, the lighting is good, and you can lay your swatches & zippers on the table as you shop.
SIL is my preferred zipper supplier, especially because they stock such a wide range of YKKs. Also, I am assured of getting first quality goods there. I have shopped for zippers at another store (which shall remain nameless). They were name brand zippers, loose in bins, but every single one that I tested was flawed - jammed. Not sure if they were selling seconds or if there is such a thing as "fake" zippers... It's weird. Anyway, SIL is reliable and the selection is great. Some of the YKK Excella line can compete with Riri too.
~Jen
SIL is my choice for everyday zippers as well. I stock up on skirt and pants zippers and they are half the price of Joann's. Did you notice that they carry invisible separating zippers? I have seen this in rtw but SIL is the only place I've ever seen them. I've also had them make up a custom length for me and have had the same experience as you.
i buy my zippers at pacific Trimmings (when i'm in NY that is) the fancy Riri ones. they're expensive but gorgeous. and i stock up on unusual colours and finishes which know will be IMPOSSIBLE to find back home
Post a Comment
I welcome and encourage your comments. Please note that I do reserve the right to delete any comment I deem inappropriate for any reason whatsoever without consent.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home