How to Sew a Zipper on a Hoodie

Don't let a broken zipper doom your hoodie.

There’s nothing like your favorite hoodie. It’s a warm blanket on a cold day, a soothing touch when you’re sick, an album full of cherished memories. It has a unique feel, fit and even smell. But what happens when the zipper on your favorite hoodie breaks. Life is somehow…different. Do you wear it broken, perhaps throw it out? Why not fix it? By following a few simple steps, you can repair the zipper on your hoodie and get back to life as usual.

Things You'll Need

• Open-end zipper
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Turn the jacket inside out and lay it facing up on a flat workspace.

2. Lay new zipper (zipped) front down on top of old zipper.

3. Pin the new zipper to the old by placing straight pins vertically through the tape of both zippers.

4. Unzip both zippers and sew the zippers together using the stitching on the original zipper as a guide. Remove pins as you sew.

5. Unzip both zippers and cut away old zipper, keeping the cut as close to the stitching as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your sweatshirt to the fabric store to help you choose the right size and color for your new zipper.

• Sewing through both zippers helps add structure to the zipper area and prevent a lumpy or wavy zipper.

• Leave both zippers attached for a new, two-zipper look.

References

• Mend It! Replacing a Broken Hoodie Zipper