Needlecrafts Sewing Sewing Basics

How to Replace a Broken Zipper on Jeans

By
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who shares her knowledge with beginner sewers on how to work with patterns and fabrics. She has over 40 years experience and has been writing and authoring books for two decades.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/11/21
closeup of jeans zipper

Phanthit Malisuwan / EyeEm / Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $5

If you have a pair of jeans with a broken zipper that is beyond repair, don’t get rid of them. With some intermediate sewing skills and about an hour of your time, you can replace that zipper with a brand new one. The key is to find a replacement zipper that’s roughly the same size, color, and style as the one you’re replacing, though you can make minor adjustments if necessary. Then, it’s just a matter of carefully taking out the old zipper and sewing in the new one using the following steps.

Repairing a Zipper That Won't Stay Up

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Seam ripper
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Needle

Materials

  • Jeans with broken zipper
  • New clothing zipper
  • Thread

Instructions

  1. Remove the Broken Zipper

    Most jeans have topstitching that is almost impossible to duplicate. So it is usually best to avoid removing the topstitching. Instead, use a seam ripper to remove the broken zipper by taking out just the stitches that are holding the zipper in place. Cut the tape of the zipper at joining seams.

    selecting a new jeans zipper
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  2. Size the New Zipper

    While it's ideal to purchase a new zipper that's a close fit to what you already had, it's rare to find a clothing zipper in the exact same length. So you'll likely have to alter the zipper to make it work. Align the tops of the broken zipper and the new zipper, and mark the end of the old zipper teeth on the new zipper.

    making a zipper the correct length
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  3. Bar Tack the New Zipper

    Bar tack the new zipper at the mark you just made. Create a bar tack using the zigzag function on your sewing machine. Reduce the stitch length and widen the width of your zigzag to clear the zipper teeth. Stitch repeatedly to create a very strong stopping point for the zipper pull. Then, cut the zipper just below the bar tack.

    Bar tacking the zipper
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  4. Baste or Pin the First Side

    Fold the top of the zipper tape to the back of the zipper. Then, insert the zipper tape into the opening between the layers of fabric right where the old zipper was. Baste or pin it in place.

    inserting the new zipper
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  5. Sew the First Side With Your Zipper Foot

    Use your sewing machine's zipper foot with the foot set to hold the tape in place to sew the first side of the zipper. Stitch as close to the bottom of the zipper as possible.

    Using the sewing machine zipper foot
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  6. Baste or Pin the Other Side

    Straighten the waistband of the jeans. Then, place the other side of the zipper tape in position, right where you removed the old zipper. Fold the top of the zipper tape to the front side of the zipper. Pin or baste the tape in place.

    placing the zipper tape
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  7. Hand-Sew the Other Side

    With a sharp sewing needle start hand-sewing the other side, hiding the knot under the zipper tape where it is folded. Bring the needle through, catching only one layer of the fabric, so your stitches will not be seen on the outside of the garment.

    hand-sewing the zipper
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  8. Backstitch to Keep the Zipper in Place

    Use a backstitch to hold the zipper in place. A backstitch is created by bringing the needle into the fabric behind the previous stitch. Remember only to stitch through one layer of the fabric. Use tight, even stitches. This will make the zipper more durable.

    backstitching the zipper
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove

  9. Bar Tack the End by Hand for a Strong Anchor

    Bar tack the end of the zipper to create a sturdy hold. This area of the zipper will experience a lot of pulling, so it must have a strong anchor. Once this is complete, your zipper should be in place and ready for the next time you wear your jeans.

    sewing end of the zipper in place
    The Spruce / Debbie Colgrove