Replacing a trouser zipper - it's much easier than you think. Unfortunately, it happens from time to time that you need to repair a jeans zipper, for example. In my tutorial, I'll show you how it's done.
How to repair a trouser zipper
Occasionally - and especially at the most inconvenient moments - it happens: rip. And then the jeans zipper is broken. Discarding the pants is not an option. Taking them to a tailor - too expensive!
How about you being able to easily replace your zippers yourself from now on?
It might not be as creative as other sewing projects. But it saves money, it's fun - and it takes your sewing skills to the next level. That’s something, right? ;)
My tip: If you like to repair your clothes yourself, take a look at my comprehensive help article on the topic of repairing jeans!
Required accessories to repair the trouser zipper
- Jeans zipper*
- Jeans needle*
- Jeans sewing thread*
- Wonder Tape*
- Pins*
- Seam ripper*
- Lint roller*
- Anatomical tweezers*
Picture tutorial: Repairing a trouser zipper
First of all, you naturally need: A pair of pants with a broken zipper ;)
My pants are a total loss in terms of the zipper: First, I’ll replace the button.
Now we can continue.
Let's take a closer look at the anatomy of a jeans zipper.
The piece of fabric that lies on top of the zipper is called the fly shield (or overlap).
The piece of fabric that lies under the zipper is called the fly facing (or underlap).
This way you will always know what I am talking about in my tutorial.
And you have just learned a few sewing terms. ;)
Removing the zipper
Start by using the seam ripper to rip open the waistband seam. Open the seam about 2 cm on each side of the zipper.
Repeat this step for the fly shield as well.
If your zipper - like mine - got stuck in the middle, you should open it.
To do this, simply rip out the teeth on one side of the zipper.
But be careful: Do not cut into the metal - that will dull your scissors! :)
Now you can completely remove the zipper.
Open the rounded topstitching as well.
Important: Thoroughly remove all thread remnants!
The thread remnants can be removed very well with a lint roller:
Also open the small topstitches that hold the fly shield and fly facing together:
Are all seams ripped and all lint removed?
Then it's time to sew in the new zipper!
Picture tutorial: Sewing in a trouser zipper
Pin the fly shield and fly facing together from the right side, about 1 cm below the rounded seam.
This ensures nothing shifts during the subsequent sewing.
Pin the bottom end of the zipper to the fly shield - exactly where the old zipper was. Start pinning above the pin holding the fly pieces together.
Sew the zipper in place with a straight stitch, 2 - 3 mm away from the teeth.
It is best to use your sewing machine's zipper foot here and a thread that matches the color of the pants.
I am sewing with dark blue general-purpose thread.
For the fly facing, I work with Wonder Tape - I find it easier to handle than pins.
Press the fabric firmly onto the Wonder Tape.
And sew it in place with a straight stitch, also at a 2 - 3 mm distance from the zipper teeth.
Insert the upper ends of the zipper into the waistband and secure them with a seam.
If the zipper is too long, you can shorten it. 2 centimeters of the zipper should be inside the seam. Remove the teeth before positioning the zipper in the waistband.
Finally, sew the fly pieces together by laying them exactly on top of each other as they were originally.
Topstitch the decorative seams from the right side with a straight stitch. Beforehand, definitely check again to make sure all layers are smooth and in the correct position.
If you find this difficult, a little bit of Wonder Tape will help here too. ;)
Done!
It wasn't that hard to replace a trouser zipper, was it? :)
Be sure to also check out my large help article on the topic of repairing jeans!
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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