How to Whip Stitch a Zipper

Zippers are notorious for wearing out and breaking with use. Often, however, it is possible to repair a zipper instead of completely replacing it. One common thing that sometimes needs to be fixed on a zipper is the stop of the zipper. The stop is the plastic piece at the bottom of the zipper that prevents the zipper from being unzipped past a certain point. Whip stitch a new stop at the bottom of a zipper to repair your zipper.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zipper
• Needle
• Sturdy thread
• Scissors

1. Zip the zipper completely closed.

2. Thread the needle with approximately 10 inches of thread. Pull the thread so that it is doubled on the needle and knot the ends securely.

3. Insert the needle into the fabric on the left side of the zipper from the underside of the zipper. The needle should come up approximately 1/8-inch away from the zipper.

4. Insert the needle back down into the fabric approximately 1/8-inch away from the zipper on the other side. This will make a stitch across the bottom of the zipper.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 at least five times to make a sturdy stop for the zipper.

6. Tie a double knot on the underside of the zipper to secure the new zipper stop. Clip the thread.

References

• How to Fix a Zipper