Most people have their favorite coats and jackets. However, no matter how much you try, there will always come a point in time when you will need to replace its zipper so you can continue using and wearing it for a long time. The good news is that when it comes to coat and jacket zippers, there are just several steps you need to take so that you can enjoy zipping up your jacket and stay comfortable when the colder months kick in.
Measure the Broken Coat or Jacket Zipper
Start off by measuring the length of the coat or jacket zipper, and buy a separating zipper that comes in the same length from the local sewing or craft store or your favorite online zipper supplier. Try to match the zipper’s color as closely as possible or you can also experiment and try to have some fun with a new color that contrasts the color of your jacket! Why not, right? After all, you are replacing the zipper anyway!
Remove the Broken Coat or Jacket Zipper
With the use of the seam ripper, you can now proceed to removing the stitches that hold the existing zipper in the coat or jacket. Pull out the zipper and get rid of the stray threads if there are any. The jacket must now have a pocket where you can fit in the new zipper.
Sew in the Replacement Zipper on the First Side
Use first one side of the zipper to open up the front part of the “pocket” seam from the coat or jacket to expose the raw edge. Place the zipper top-side-down on the top of the raw edge then line up the zipper tape’s edge with the fabric’s edge. Sew down the zipper near the edge with the use of a basting stitch.
Fold the fabric’s edge and the zipper inside the pocket then use the zipper foot for sewing the layers together. See to it that the pocket’s back seam is folded tidily inside then pin along the zipper so that it stays in the right position while sewing.
Don’t worry in case you don’t have a zipper foot. When making the stitches, all you have to do is move the needle of the sewing machine to the right or left so that this will line up properly along the fabric’s edge and you don’t need to sew over the teeth of the zipper.
Sew in the Replacement Zipper on the Second Side
The secret to this particular step is to ensure that the zipper will line up once it is closed. Make sure you start by zipping the zipper up then sliding the zipper tape’s unsewn side into the pocket on the jacket’s unsewn side. Hand-baste some stitches and unzip the zipper then baste the rest. Zip up the zipper again to ensure that everything lines up then use the sewing machine and zipper foot to sew the zipper to the right position permanently. Use a seam ripper for removing the basting stitches.
