Zipper by the metre
We make zipper by the metre in Istanbul for workshops and factories that cut their own lengths. Buy continuous chain by the metre, cut it to the length you need, and choose the slider and stops to suit your product.
What zipper by the metre is
Zipper by the metre is a continuous length of zipper chain with unfinished ends. Unlike a ready-made zipper, it arrives without a slider or stops: you cut the chain, fit the slider and finish the ends yourself. It also goes by continuous chain, zipper tape or roll zipper.
The main advantage is flexibility. If your production runs many different lengths, you can cut whatever you need from one chain instead of buying a separate zipper for each. That is especially handy on bags, cushions, upholstery and awnings, where sizes change from job to job.
In return, some of the work falls to you. Cutting, fitting the slider and adding stops have to be done properly, because the wrong slider or a missing stop shortens the life of the zipper. Most teams pick this up quickly, but try it on a sample before your first run. Our guide to continuous chain covers the basics.
MAK Zipper has been making zippers to world standards in Istanbul since 2005. We make zipper by the metre at our Esenyurt factory, sell it through our Mercan store and ship wholesale worldwide, led by Türkiye and the Balkans. Our craftsmen's 20-plus years of experience help you pair chain and slider correctly.
- Product
- Zipper by the metre (continuous chain), wholesale
- Sold as
- By the metre, as chain with unfinished ends
- Finishes
- 17 finishes for sliders, pullers and metal parts
- Puller
- All types, chosen separately
- Tape
- 32 colours; ask us about others
- Made in
- Esenyurt, İstanbul
- Sales store
- Semaver Sokak No: 21, Mercan, Fatih, İstanbul
Where zipper by the metre is used
Zipper by the metre is the choice where lengths change often or the product does not fit a standard length. These are common examples.
- Bags and accessoriesWhen compartment lengths change with each model, as they do on bags and cosmetic cases, cutting several lengths from one chain keeps things simple.
- Cushions, pillows and duvet coversHome textile lines run many sizes side by side. A plain chain, a tape close to the fabric colour and a non-lock slider are a common combination.
- Upholstery and furnitureSeat pads and sofa covers are often made to measure. The chain is cut to length and the join stays hidden in the seam.
- Awnings, tents and coversContinuous chain works on long openings where a standard ready-made length falls short. Choose the size according to how big the product is and the load it carries.
- Boat and marine coversCommon on made-to-measure covers. In salt-water conditions, the slider material has to be chosen separately for the job.
- Garment production and workshopsProducers with their own cutting and assembly line buy chain, sliders and stops separately, and cut lengths to suit the production plan.
From chain to finished zipper
The ends of a metre chain are left to you. Three steps take you to a finished zipper, and each one has to be done properly.
- CuttingThe chain is cut with an allowance for sewing and finishing. On coil the cut end can stay sharp and the tape edge can fray, so the ends should finish inside a seam or under a stop.
- Fitting the sliderThe slider goes on over both sides of the chain at once, and the two sides must start level. It has to match the size and type of the chain, as a slider for another type will not seat.
- Top and bottom stopsStops keep the slider on the chain. On some products a seam does the job, but a proper stop is safer where the zipper gets heavy use.
A metre chain is finished for closed-end use. If you need a separating model with a pin and box, those parts are built into a ready-made zipper, so the nylon, molded or metal pages are the better place to look. Our article on zipper parts names all the parts.
On coil chain, both sides must have the same twist direction. Sides with opposite twists sit wavy and do not close properly, so taking both sides from the same chain is the safest course.
Choosing the slider and puller
With a metre chain, the slider is chosen separately, so the match is yours to get right. The rule is simple: the slider has to fit both the size and the type of the chain.
Slider types
These slider types are often seen on by-the-metre work:
- Non-lock: slides freely. The most common choice on bags, cushions and upholstery that open often or carry little tension.
- Auto-lock: stays put when you let go, which stops garments and tensioned products from creeping open.
- Bedding slider: a type used on home textiles, with a zamak or plastic body.
- Reversible and double-pull: for tents and covers that open from both inside and outside.
We offer every slider and puller type, in metal and plastic; see our sliders and pullers page for the list. Buying chain and sliders together avoids matching problems from the start. If you already have a chain, send us a piece and we will choose a suitable slider together.
A coil slider will not seat on metal or molded chain, and even with the same number another type's slider may not close the teeth properly. Our article on slider fit has the details.
Pullers
Common puller types:
- Hooked metal: Hooks onto the slider, with the widest choice of models.
- Looped metal: Easy to grip thanks to its ring opening, common on leather and denim.
- Plastic: Light and colourful, common on sportswear and home textiles.
- Rubber and silicone: Easy to grip, common on outdoor and sports products.
- Leather and imitation leather: Gives a softer finish on leather garments and bags.
- Wire, string and cord: Light and plain, and helpful on products used with gloves.
When you finish a metre chain yourself, the puller is your choice too. We offer the metal, plastic, rubber, leather, wire and cord pullers found on the market.
Home textiles tend to favour a small, discreet puller, while bags and accessories favour one whose finish matches the other metal parts. On covers and awnings handled with gloves, a long easy-to-grip puller helps.
Chain colour and finishes
On nylon and molded chain, the teeth take their colour from the material and can match the tape. The 17 finishes below are for metal teeth, sliders, pullers and other metal parts.
Things to watch with colour
One job, one chain: cut both sides of a product and the parts of a series from the same chain where possible, which keeps the risk of colour differences low.
Slider and puller tone: the chain can stay plain while a plated slider and puller add a small metal accent. Choose by your fabric and hardware.
You can try tape and finish pairings in our catalogue.
Tape and colour
The tape runs the full length of the chain you cut, so its colour and texture affect your whole product range. Polyester is the most common tape across the industry. Keep cut edges inside a seam so they do not fray.
You can see our 32 tape colours here. For a colour not listed, send a fabric swatch or colour code. Colours look different under different lights, so decide with the sample next to your fabric in daylight.
On PVC and imitation leather, dark tape dye can migrate into the surface over time. In bag and accessory production, check this on a sample.
Contact us about a custom colourOn-screen colours are indicative only. Request a sample for the exact colour.
Sizing: what Size 5 means
We give chain sizes by number too: Size 5 means the same as international No. 5 or #5. In Türkiye you will also see it written as Tip 5, T5 or 5 numara. You then choose the slider to match the size of the chain.
We confirm the exact millimetres on a sample. Tell us about your product and the chain you use now, send us a piece if you can, and we will choose the right size together.
Ordering zipper by the metre wholesale
A wholesale by-the-metre order starts with a sample too. The steps are simple.
Send your request
Fill in the sample form or contact us on WhatsApp.
Confirm the details
Our team goes through end type, size, finish and tape with you.
Try the sample
We prepare and ship your sample. Try it on your fabric and in your wash.
Go to production
With your approval, production starts and your order ships from our factory.
Zipper by the metre: common questions
What is zipper by the metre?
It is a continuous length of zipper chain with unfinished ends. You cut it to the length you need and fit the slider and stops afterwards.
Are continuous chain, roll zipper and zipper tape the same thing?
They are usually different words for the same product. Even so, stating the chain type and size in your order avoids misunderstandings.
Should I buy by the metre or ready-made?
By the metre makes sense if your lengths change often and you can cut and assemble in-house. If you work to one length, or want a separating model or a finished product, ready-made is the better fit.
How is a slider fitted to a metre chain?
The slider goes on over both sides of the chain at once, with the two sides level. The ends are then closed with stops or a seam. The slider has to match the size and type of the chain.
Can I buy sliders and stops from you too?
Yes. We offer every slider and puller type, in metal and plastic. Buying them with the chain means the match is confirmed on a sample from the start.
Which chain types are available by the metre?
We make metal, nylon and molded chain by the metre. Tell us the type you need and the end use and we will settle the details together.
Is Size 5 the same as No. 5 or #5?
Yes. Size 5 follows the international number scale, so it means the same as No. 5 or #5. In Türkiye it may be written as Tip 5, T5 or 5 numara. We confirm the exact millimetres on a sample.
Do you export zipper by the metre?
Yes. We ship wholesale worldwide, led by Türkiye and the Balkans.
Have another question? Please contact us.
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