I'm not any good with zippers and I've been asked to repair a zipper and I think I just need to take the bottom of this zipper off and replace it and put a new one on - I don't think I need to take the whole zipper out. I tried to take a good picture... the zipper is metal, but the bottom piece is plastic. Any suggestions? I don't see how I can pry the plastic apart without breaking it to put it back together. This is for a sweet little girl named Molleigh who loves "Tinkebell" and this is her favorite "Tinkebell" sweater!!

I HATE sewing zippers. Good Luck

Zipper repairs -ugh! Many people would say a big, fat 'NO' to that job. You're a star for agreeing to take it on. With patience, I'm sure you'll get there. At least it's not in a pair of jeans/trousers -then it would be worse!

I do believe a new zipper is called for - happy stitching.

New zipper time kiddo! As for me, I just don't like doing repairs. I'd rather make the whole thing from scatch. Have to hand it to you to take on these projects.

I'm afraid you need to replace the zipper completely. Measure the length carefully before you take it off because it looks like a stretchy sweater. When you put the new one in make sure you use the same measurement. Sometimes it's hard to find the exact size. You can leave an extra 1/2 inch of fabric on the top and bottom if needed or fold the top of the zipper over at the neckline. If you do the 2nd way you may have to cover the top of the zipper to prevent scratching the skin unless there is a facing there to tuck the end under.

I agree with the others, sorry there isn't a quick fix and the zipper must go. Good luck. I'm sure you will do a great job! *

I think by trying to rip off that plastic piece you are going to ruin the zip. I think I'd put in a new zip. I was trying to think of things to put there instead. Maybe if you did take it off can you sew across the bottom of the zip and make like a bar of thread that would stop the zipper from going down any further. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Love and blessings Chris

Oh, Katrina, I would take a new zip. Makes when tightening each time trouble. *********

Thank you all for your help! I guess I'm going to try to rip that zipper out tonight and replace it. I'm just afraid it will never look the same ever again! Poor Tinkebell! I'll just pray over her first - with God at my side I'm bound to get it right eventually!

2 comments

by rwalden 01 Mar 2011

That's the right attitude! You can do it.

by shirlener88 01 Mar 2011

you can do it - just believe you can

I think you have to repels the zipper

Unfortunately Katrina-when the box or insertion pin is damaged or pulled away-you have to replace the whole zipper-sorry hun. Believe me, I have tried. You can buy and change out slides & stops, but not boxes and pins. Good luck-this kind of zipper is easy enough to replace though-at least it's not a heavy Carhart or Columbia winter jacket-I hate doing those-but I do get alot of them throughout the winter months ~linda~

2 comments

by katrinasheffield 01 Mar 2011

This is all greek to me! Insertion pin, slide, stop, box, pin? Guess I should google it and see what all that means huh? Thanks so much for all your help!! I guess I'm going to have to get friendly with the seam ripper and learn how to use that new serger!

by lindalee757 01 Mar 2011

oh I'm sorry Katrina -lol-I have done them so many times I just did a no-no- I ASSUME(d) the box is the part at the bottom that is coming off-the insertion pin is the pointed part on the other side of the jacket that you "insert" to zip the 2 parts together -the slide is the piece that is at the top of your picture-it zips up and down. Stops are just those "non-teeth"pcs.at the top of your zipper-they do just as the name implies-stops the zipper- zipper lesson 101....WAKE UP!!!I see you yawning back there lol. But yah,you can find the info on most any site that has zippers and zipper parts.

Good luck with the zipper! Things like that I get my husband to see if he can fix them, but sometimes they just can't be fixed! You may need to replace it.*4U

oh i think i would put in a new zipper !!carolyn