How to fix a zipper

Is there anything more annoying than when the zip breaks on your favourite dress? Learn how to fix a zipper step by step

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Sarah Orme

Published: May 10, 2021 at 2:52 pm

Zips can give your outfits the perfect finish, but when they break it can be very frustrating. Learning how to fix a zipper is an incredibly useful skill to have and will help you keep wearing your favourite clothes for longer!

You'll also be able to help your friends and family if a zipper emergency crops up.

In this guide, we'll show you how to fix a separated zipper by unpicking the zip and demonstrate how to mend the slider. When a zip breaks, it’s often because the slider has come off one side of the teeth, fallen off the bottom or broken away. If this happens, you don’t need to replace the whole zip, but instead simply put the original slider back on. If the slider itself is broken, you can easily replace it with a new one as they can be bought individually. Phew!

Zip sliders are available in a variety of colours, so it won’t be hard to find a perfect match.

Read on to learn how to fix a separated zipper step by step…

Looking for more ways to improve your sewing skills? Discover how to use a sewing machine, learn how to use interfacing or teach yourself how to use a sewing pattern.

You will need:

seam ripper
Small screwdriver

Unpicking the zip

Step 1

To fix a broken zipper, start by undoing the stitches around the seam from the very bottom of the zip, about 2cm (¾in) down the sides and across the bottom is about right. Slide a seam ripper through each one carefully so you only cut the stitches and not the fabric. If you have an invisible zip, carefully undo the stitches down either side of the zip.

How to fix a zipper step 1

Step 2

Now take the bottom end of the zip out from under the seams and bring it through to the front.

How to fix a zipper step 2

Step 3

Use a small screwdriver to bend back the metal prongs on the bottom stop then pull it out gently from the zip tape, making sure you don’t disturb the teeth. Put it to one side in a safe place as you’ll need to put it back on later. If your zip doesn’t have a bottom stop but the zip is heat sealed then cut through the sealing up to the teeth.

How to fix a zipper step 3

Step 4

Pull the slider completely off the zip then have a good look at it to see if it needs replacing. If the space between the bottom and top of the slider is uneven then it will stop the slider from engaging with the teeth which will make them come apart. (If the slider looks fine then you will be able to fix it by putting it straight back onto the zip). The size of the slider should be embossed on the back of it. If it isn’t, measure across the teeth from side-to-side in millimetres. For example, if the teeth measure 5mm wide then you will need a size 5 slider. Sliders can be bought online or in haberdashery shops.

Mending the slider

Step 1

Now we’ll show you how to fix a broken zipper when the slider is needs replacing. With the wide mouth end of the slider facing upwards, slide the end of the tape into one side of the slider. Push the other side of the tape into the slider and pull it up, making sure that the bottom of the teeth are even and line up. You’ll need a little patience here to gently wiggle the slider up until it engages on the teeth on both sides.

How to fix a zipper step 4

Step 2

Pull the slider up to the top and if you find it’s not level on both sides, just take the slider off and start again until the teeth engage evenly and it is level when zipped to the top.

How to fix a zipper step 5

Step 3

Keeping the zip done up to the top, push the prongs on the bottom stop back through the zip tape in its original position. Use your screwdriver to bend them back over the back of the zip tape to secure.

Step 4

Push the mended zip back through the gap at the bottom of the seam and pin it into place. Restitch in exactly the same position as the stitches you removed. If you’re reinserting an invisible zip, remember that the stitching is worked from the inside.

How to fix a zipper step 6

You now know how to fix a zipper! Enjoy showing off your new skill.

How to fix a zipper

Digital Editor, Gathered

Sarah Orme is a UK-based linocut printmaker, digital editor, feature writer and award-winning podcaster. She's been editing the sewing and art sections of Gathered.how – and before that our sister website calmmoment.com – for over 3 years. She’s the host of Gathered’s We’ve Made It podcast and A Calmer Life podcast. She’s a keen crafter and artist and loves creating DIY tutorials for Gathered. Sarah has previously written features for The Guardian, In The Moment Magazine, Project Calm Magazine, countryfile.com, radiotimes.com and yourhomestyle.uk. She enjoys designing her own unique lino prints and dreams of opening her own online shop. She shares her work @sarahormeprints. Sarah also likes to paint and draw and finds it a great way to relax, she's particularly fond of watercolour and gouache painting. She taught herself to crochet and enjoys nothing more than trying out a new cosy blanket pattern (you can never have too many blankets!).