First, to get a zipper moving in a way that the teeth line up, sometimes all you need is to rub the teeth with graphite (from a pencil) or some dish detergent. Try these first before you jump into the steps below. If the zipper is still not working, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies to set things right again.
Needlenose pliers and/or a small flathead screwdriver Heavy-duty hand sewing needle Heavy-duty sewing thread
You can use this method to repair nylon or metal zippers, so pick up that broken zipper from the mending pile and get started! The stopper is at the base of the zipper when it is unzipped and it’s what stops the slider from coming off. Examine the stopper to see how you’ll need to remove it. Be sure that the slider is out of the way for now. Once the prongs are opened up you can pull the stopper off. Smooth out the teeth so the zipper is aligned again. On nylon zippers, you may be able to move one side through the slider, even when the slider is farther away from the end. If the slider comes off the end entirely, it can be tricky to get it back on without opening a seam, so it takes more involved steps. Matching thread (both in color and fiber) is best because you’ll barely notice the repair, but you can also use a coordinating color. For metal zippers, it’s important to use strong, heavy-duty thread, as the sewn stopper is likely to take a lot of wear. With the zipper partially zipped, bring the needle and thread up on one side of the zipper end where the stopper was. Take the needle down the other side of the zipper and back out on the side where you started. This makes one stitch across the zipper end. Repeat this step to make more stitches, staggering them slightly so it makes a small rectangle of stitches covering the zipper. End by going back down through the zipper. Unzip it enough to work on the underside of the zipper. Tie a strong knot close to the fabric and secure the thread under the stitches. Snip the end of the thread. And if the zipper splits again, it’s easy to snip the stitches and fix it in the same way. Once you’ve learned this simple fix, you’ll look at the tired items in your wardrobe and around your house in a whole new way. Try these other mending tips to keep items looking their best!
Mend Beautifully With Embroidery Fix a Torn Belt Loop Mend a Lining Darn Socks
