How to Replace a Zipper on Pants

Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans or dress pants they love to wear and tend to keep for a long time. This of course leads to a lot of wear and tear, including zippers that stop working properly. You can save your favorite pair of pants by replacing the zipper yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zipper
• Seam ripper
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Zipper foot

1. Purchase the tools and material you will need to replace the broken zipper. You can find a zipper, seam ripper, needle, and thread at a material store like Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts. A new zipper will cost about $2 while the other materials run about $6. If you do not have a store like this near you, you can try a department store or online at sites like Ebay.

2. Remove the old broken zipper from the pants by using a seam ripper. The seam ripper will help undo the stitching that holds the zipper on to your pants.

3. Use a measuring tape or ruler and measure the broken zipper. You probably won't be able to find one that is the exact same size, as zippers are sold in specific length increments. It is best to find a new zipper that is at least half an inch to an inch longer than the old one.

4. Put the zipper on the correct location on the pants. Fold the top piece of fabric down and pin the zipper in place to keep it from moving.

5. Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine. Stitch the zipper onto the pants with the sewing machine.

6. Pull the pants inside out and use a needle and thread to stitch the other half of the zipper to your pants. By using the needle and thread you can use smaller stitches and make sure the seam doesn't show on the outside of the pants.