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Member since 11/12/03
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Posted on: 11/15/16 5:36 PM ET
I have a winter jacket that the separating zipper needs to be replaced. The zipper has multiple teeth missing. I purchased a replacement zipper that is the exact size. Can I just sew it over the old zipper tape after cutting off the teeth? Pros and Cons? Any tips or tutorials would be great!


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Patty
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 11/15/16 6:06 PM ET
In reply to PattyGee
Yes, you can do what you propose. It's what I do with a down coat with storm baffle -- they're just no fun at all to unpick and restitch. Instead, I cut the teeth off the old tape and hand sew the new zipper to the old tape, then maybe dress it up with some fancy ribbon (or not, depending on where the coat is likely to be worn).

From my viewpoint, hand stitching with a back stitch is much easier than machining it. Of course, the other fix is to take it to an alterationist and pay to have it replaced... I've done that too when it was cold and I was pressed for time.
-- Edited on 11/15/16 at 6:41 PM --
  
Member since 11/12/03
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Posted on: 11/15/16 6:36 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Kayl - This is good to hear. When I cut the zipper teeth off is it a problem with the tape unraveling after cutting? I think your idea of a fancy ribbon or trim is a great idea. Will check out my stash to see what I have. What a great idea! Thank you!
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Patty
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 11/15/16 6:40 PM ET
In reply to PattyGee
Yeah, sometimes the tape wants to unravel and the ravelings get caught in the new zipper. Something like SeamsGreat or a piece of thin tricot put over the cut zipper tape like you were binding a seam with it helps immeasurably
  
Member since 11/12/03
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Posted on: 11/15/16 6:52 PM ET
Great idea about the Seams Great, I have something similar, Design Plus Tape that is fusible on both sides. I think that will be better then using glue to attach the new zipper to the old zipper tape. Thank you I would never have thought of that!
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Patty
  
Member since 3/31/14
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Posted on: 11/15/16 7:45 PM ET
If the zipper tape is synthetic you could seal the cut ends with a lighter. Of course you could also set your coat on fire, so tread carefully if you choose to do this.
  
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Posted on: 11/16/16 9:57 AM ET
In reply to PattyGee
I used this method to replace a zipper on DH's favorite hack about jacket and it's hanging in there just fine. Go for it! I think Nancy Z included it in her series last year about quick & dirty methods too.
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
Member since 11/12/03
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Posted on: 11/16/16 11:38 PM ET
In reply to Patti B
Thanks Patti! I did go for it and it went good. I ended up zigzagging the zipper on the old zipper tape and it is on there good. I used June Tailors Fray block on the cut part and that worked well too. I cut the teeth off and then put steam a seam on it and attached the new zipper over it. But it was a bear to do, the jacket had a zip out lining and then snaps and multiple flaps. It seemed like hours when I started but it was only an hour later, all done! Yay!

Thanks for everyones tips! I'm going to check on Sewing with Nancy's episode down and dirty!

eta: The Sewing with Nancy episodes are August 24 & 31, 2015 "Quick Stitch to Wear Again Part I and II". Lots of helpful tips!
-- Edited on 11/17/16 at 9:11 AM --
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Patty
  
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Posted on: 11/18/16 1:42 PM ET
I've used this method a couple times to replace old zippers. Works fine for me. Be sure to cut the tape as close as possible to the teeth. A single edge razor blade, used very carefully, is a good way to do this.
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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
  
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