Discuss

1. 
   Cheryllyn | Jan 04, 2009 07:55am | #1

   Too bad that you don't show how to put the zipper in completely with the machine, which makes it stronger.

2. 
   fasthorse | May 10, 2009 01:04am | #2

   If I tried this method my clients would have a cow. They would prefer the work be finished professionally and in a way that will last. If I can't find matching thread in the correct weight, I double the thread in my needle of the matching lighter weight thread which usually matches tthe original thread. Furthermore, if somebody is looking that closely at the zipper area of your pants, they need to be slugged. This article is not up to your usual standards, I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

3. 
   andsewon | May 31, 2009 01:46pm | #3

   I totally agree with fasthorse on the zipper technique. When I replace zippers,(no matter the length, I have done 3") I do it exactly the way the zipper was put in the first place.

4. 
   caseycarte | Nov 03, 2009 12:57pm | #4

   I'm agreeing, this is a terrible way to replace a zipper. I don't know of any of my customers who would want a hand stitched zipper in their jeans. I certainly would not.

5. 
   sweetgrandma_06 | Mar 19, 2010 03:59pm | #5

   Comments are a little harsh, perhaps they could tell us how they recommend how to sew that part on the machine, rather than by hand. I find it hard to do without seeing some kind of imperfection.:)

6. 
   czaratyranikal | Nov 16, 2010 10:02pm | #6

   Whoa there, professional seamstresses! As someone who is BEGINNING to sew and make clothing repairs (mostly to save money) this was an awesome tutorial. It shows me how to replace a zipper myself without completely destroying the topstitching that I, as a beginner, could never duplicate. It's always important to remember that just because you're an expert does not mean everyone is.

7. 
   marbis | Oct 16, 2012 08:31am | #7

   A broken slider you can also replace with the new innovative click system. I just used one on my boot.
   http://www.fix-a-zipper.com
   Easy!! In seconds ready without sewing.

8. 
   TigerB | Jan 17, 2013 01:03am | #8

   Threads, thank you so much. My expensive custom jeans had a defective zipper... and I was able to replace it myself with this tutorial. As somebody with less than no interest in ripping the waistband apart, I really appreciate this web page!

9. 
   sewnutt1 | Jan 25, 2016 04:12pm | #9

   Was fortunate to work for a leather cleaners where we replaced sliders continually and one seamstress could even put the box ends back on some with superglue! IF a zipper has no teeth missing you can often replace the slider to make it work correctly. A separating zipper for a jacket requires that you remove the top stop and take off old slider and put new one on. Test before putting the top stop back on. A pant zipper will require taking apart at the bottom to put a new slider on so it is sometimes easier to replace entire zipper as indicated here.
   I do alterations and NEVER toss a zipper as can often reuse parts, sometimes just one side of a jacket zipper or shorten it for use in a different garment. Keep on hand top stops and bottom stops (Wawak.com or other suppliers have them) or reuse them from zippers you have kept. Consequently, I order occasionally supply of zippers in longer lengths to just keep on hand, shortening as needed with new top stops. A needle nosed plier and, best of all, a tool called an end nipper should be part of your zipper repair tool stash. You may find some of the tool assortments at Harbor Freight or in the jewelry component section at a craft store.
   Experiment with this with old zippers to get the feel for what works and what does not.

10. 
    MaudGantt | Dec 16, 2019 02:40am | #10

    Thanks for the nice tutorial and very good tips.