How to replace and fix zippers
Shorten a zip There are going to be times when you can't find the right size zip. One of my pet hates is to see someone shortening a zipper by cutting the excess off at the top of the zip, rather than the bottom. Zippers have stoppers at the top, and this allows the zip to stop and lock, or if not lock at least the slider will not come off the top [...]
Shortening a pair of joggers with a zip can be a monumental job if you are going to unpick the zips, shorten and put the zips back on. I have only done it once for someone and I charged her $85.00 to do the job. My hourly rate is AUD$44 per hour. (AUD$40 + GST which is 10% of what you charge) So after my first experience, I decided to find another way. I don't [...]
Jean zips Most metal jean zippers have a lock at the top. If you lift the slider up the zip will come down, and if you push the slider down against the zip then the zip will lock into place. Sometimes the slider can flip up, and then of course the zip will unzip which can be very embarrassing for the person wearing the jeans. I have had people bring in jeans with this type [...]
I have a method for unpicking trouser zippers. I always start on one side first (the side without the flap) unpicking just enough stitches to get the zip out of the band. Then unpick down to the bottom of the zip, then up the other side releasing the zip from the flap. You must also unpick the flap side. There are usually one or two rows of stitching holding the flap down. I have seen [...]
Replace jacket zippers can take a bit of time because most jackets are lined. If you are charging for your time, the customer may find it cheaper to go buy another jacket. But if the jacket is a favorite, then they will have to suffer the cost. It takes me from one hour and up to two hours to replace a jacket zip. I am again assuming that the jacket is lined. Unpicking the original [...]