It’s always annoying when the zipper breaks on a jacket, pair of jeans, or backpack. It suddenly feels like the entire thing doesn’t work anymore because of this one faulty piece. However, it’s much easier and less of a hassle to repair the zipper using a few tools than to toss the entire thing out and buy a new item. Here’s a helpful list of everything you need to replace a zipper to give you an idea of how straightforward the whole process is.
Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is one of the most valuable tools you’ll need for the job. This hand tool lets you carefully remove the zipper from your slacks or jacket. Once your reach the opposite end of the zipper from where you started, snip it off while leaving the main stitching intact. Seam rippers are easy to come by and safe to use, making them ideal tools for various fabric restoration projects.
Replacement Zipper
No matter what you’re fixing, you’re going to need a replacement zipper. There are many things to consider when choosing the right zipper replacement for your garments, but one of the most vital is size. Getting a new zipper gives you the opportunity to try different pulls, colors, or styles, but none of that matters much if it doesn’t fit the item you’re trying to repair.
Needle and Thread
For certain items, you might be able to use a sewing machine, but no list of everything you need to replace a zipper will exclude needle and thread. Once you line up the zipper tape with your garment (you may need to pin it in place), you may use the needle and thread to attach it to your jeans or slacks carefully. We recommend taking additional precautions to avoid going through the overlapping fabric. Ideally, you want to pick a thread color that closely matches your zipper or material so that any potentially visible stitches blend in well.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 