Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Jan 28, 2008 06:41pm | #1

   You will have to remove the stitching and old zipper.  Slip the new one in it's place, baste and then stitch in place. 

   Buy a longer zipper and remove the excess at the top, using the broken zipper as your guide as to the length needed. 

   Hand overcast each side of the cut portion so the pull does not come off while you are working with it.

1. 
   rsew | Jan 28, 2008 07:03pm | #3

   thanks to all for your infomation-I'm going to get right to work

    

2. 
   sewornate | Jan 28, 2008 06:41pm | #2

   The coats, or jackets, when originally made, put the zippers in first before the jacket is assembled.  Industry also desgns the jackets, then has the zippers made to match their openings and color.  When you are replacing a zipper, you may need to remove the old zipper, put in the new on the outer fabric, and finish the under layer by hand. It is hard to stitch through both layers at once and have it turn out right on the under layer.  You can also find the zipper that matches size wise and color the best you can.  You may be able to go one inch shorter, or if you need to go longer, turn the top edge of the zipper over between the lining or facing and outer jacket.  Bar tack it well at the top.  I prefer to go shorter, but have done it both ways.  Check with Solo Slide Fasteners, Inc. to find the zipper the length you need if you cannot find them locally. (soloslide.com).   

1. 
   rsew | Jan 29, 2008 06:05pm | #4

   thanks for you great information. I think I'm on the right track now.

    

3. 
   Teaf5 | Feb 01, 2008 01:49am | #5

   Outerwear is tough, especially if there are also snaps or grommets along with the zipper, but the hardest one I've ever worked on was a 3" one on a college-girl's jeans! Three inches long, and of course, it had to be super strong to hold up the super-tight jeans. I removed the zipper from an old pair of men's jeans and inserted only the bottom half of it. A number 18 denim needle made it all possible.

1. 
   rsew | Feb 01, 2008 02:30am | #6

   Thanks for your input.  RTW is really taking a toll on  me