Expert: Sarah - 6/10/2009

Question
I inserted a zipper in a handbag I am sewing. I added the handle and when I went to close the zipper, even tho I had done this before, the zipper separated and now splits from end up. How can this be fixed without buying a new zipper and reinserting it? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kathy,

The zipper is salvageable, but it will take a little ripping at the base of the zipper, to get the slider back on its tracks. I'm going to quote an article I found on howstuffworks.com when the same thing happened to me a little while ago!

"If the slider is off the track on a metal zipper, carefully rip out the stitching around the lower ends of the zipper tapes. Pry off the metal stop at the bottom of the zipper, being careful not to tear the tapes. Remove the zipper foot entirely.

Guide the track tapes into the grooves of the slider, inserting them into the top and pushing them through the slider to the bottom; use a pin if necessary to work the track tapes through. Pull the tapes carefully so that the slider is evenly seated on the tracks.

When both tapes have been threaded through the slider, carefully pull the slider up until the locked track teeth appear at the bottom. Make sure the slider is evenly seated on the tracks, or the zipper won't close evenly at the top. Sew a new stop at the bottom of the tracks with needle and thread, and repair the stitching that holds the zipper in the garment."

If you'd like to take a look at this article:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-mend-clothes.htm

Hope that helps!
~ Sarah