Sewing Prescription for a Broken Zipper
Replacing a broken zipper, mending jeans, sewing on buttons—those tasks get a 2-thumbs down rating in my book under the topic of sewing entertainment! These repairs are important, but they don’t have to be difficult.
In this new 2-part Sewing With Nancy series, I’m taking a lighter approach to fixing what’s broken, while breaking most of the sewing rules.
You’ll find five common mending repairs in the second episode of Quick Stitch to Wear Again, a new Sewing With Nancy program. Watch online, on Public TV, or on DVD. Or, follow all the details in the book. Here’s what you’ll learn!
Cutaway-Zipper Remedy
The Cutaway-Zipper Remedy is my prescription for replacing a broken zipper in a jacket or coat. Unlike traditional solutions, this zipper cure does not involve opening seams.
Holes to Art Patches
A tear in pants or jeans can easily turn from an unwanted hole to art. This next Quick Stitch to Wear Again technique is one way of fixing a problem with unconventional, yet clever sewing steps.
Lumberjack Patches
If you are faced with a lumberjack-sized hole in your jeans, which needs immediate attention, I’d like to show you how to take the easy way out. But don’t think that this quick fix is temporary. No sir-ree, it’s meant to withstand the riggers of any want-to-be logger.
Too Much Cake Fix
Indulging in an extra cookie or a piece of chocolate cake may seem like poor choices. After time those extra treats can turn into a permanent fixture around our middles. Rather than discarding or never wearing your favorite pair of jeans, I’d like to show you how to make them wearable again, using my Too Much Cake Fix.
No-Fuss Repairs
The next time someone asks you to sew on a button, suggest that they watch this Sewing With Nancy segment online! I’m a firm believer that everyone should know how to sew this basic fix. The process is a no-brainer, when using no-fuss steps.
Two-thumbs up to Philip Ashby, graphic artist at Wisconsin Public TV, for his spot-on illustrations!
For a chance to win a copy of Quick Stitch to Wear Again, simply leave me a comment sharing which of these mending tips you need the most. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on September 10.
Watch Quick Stitch to Wear Again on Sewing With Nancy online.
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Bye for now,
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Jeanne
I definitely want to see the cut away zipper remedy.
Kathy McLaughlin
Zippers are definitely my nemesis!
Cheryl England
Oh, the cutaway zipper remedy would be so helpful!
Lisa W
I would like to see the cut away zipper remedy and the too much cake solution!
Ruth Falk
So much of my sewing is repairing. I can’t wait to learn these techniques.
Linda McNeely
With me it would be all but especially the lumberjack patches. my hubby is constantly needing patches on his pants and some of them are in very difficult places to patch!
Linda McNeely
O.k. this is my last try. have completed this five times now and it hasen’t gone through. I would need all of the repairs but especially the lumberjack patch repair. my hubby is constantly tearing his pants in the most difficult places to repair!
Diane C
fixing & replacing zippers
Christina in FL
Oh Nancy, I need the Too Much Cake Fix. True!
Wendy
Nancy, when you send a notification for an update on your blog, shortened the email with a “read more” statement added to your blog. That will drive more traffic to your site. As it is, most people will read the complete email notice and never look at your site. I rarely come here because I get everything in my email notice. An example of the code, would be WordPress’ “insert Read More tag” which shows up as “Continue reading” in my blog’s updates.
Sheila
All of the mending techniques would be very useful to know and share with my granddaughter who is learning to sew.
grapenutquilter
Cutaway-Zipper Remedy is calling my name! I could put it to use right away!
Nancy
Sad to say, but I’d really like the Too Much Cake remedy!
Jean Palionis
I don’t like mending either. This book sounds likk a remedy!:)
Marion Blakely
The Zipper fix is my favorite. I have a down jacket that has been in the closet for years waiting and waiting for a fux.
Mary B
The zipper mend!! My family is constantly breaking zippers in expensive jackets and sweatshirts!!!! I need an easier way to fix than what I do which seems to take a lot of time and effort.
Cyndi
I think this is a great book! I am certain I will use the broken zipper remedy. Thank you for the give away!
Janet
I want to learn how to fix zippers. They’ve always been one of the scariest parts of mending.
Shaela
Anything that makes mending easier is wonderful in my book!
Linda
Jacket zippers are always daunting! These ideas are very welcome!!
Margaret Davis
Zippers, by all means! And thank you!
Jean D
The ‘too much cake’ would be great to know, but may have to use the ‘broken zipper’ more often. Great ideas!
Alice
It seems that I always have more mending then actual sewing projects to tend to. This book would be very helpful .
Susan Case
I could definitely use the Lumberjack Patches and Holes-to-Art patches. My husband falls asleep while smoking and burns holes in his clothes! (He only smokes outside the house, so no danger of a house fire.) I have all kinds of holes to patch in his pants.
Bonnie
What a great idea for a book! I could definitely use some quick fix mending tips to prolong the life of my clothes. The cutaway zipper remedy is the one I would find most useful.
Marj
Hi Nancy,
The tip I need the most is the zipper fix. My dear husband has a few good pants but zipper is a problem.
Melanie
Hi Nancy, at the top of my list is ‘too much cake! Followed by ‘quick zipper remedy (I have a purse in my basket thats been waiting patiently to be fixed). Then would come Holes To art, ireally has me curious. But really, they all sound great! Thanks Nancy, you’ve done it again!!
GrrannyH
Love the quick fix zipper!
Barb Steinmetz
I definitely need this book. Especially foe tje “too much cake” fix! Once again Nancy you saw a need and provided us some much needed instructions. Thank you!
Pat
The cut away zipper fix will be a wonderful time saver for me. Thanks for this clever and practical approach to a repair that has always been a real challenge.
Kathy B.
Reality is that the majority of my sewing tends to be repairs, so any quick tips are wonderful! That will hopefully leave me more time for other sewing that I REALLY want to get to but don’t have as much time for.
Cindy C
I have been sewing for years and repairs are not as much fun as creating new. I really liked your jean zipper repair, I real time saver method!
Susan L
I love the method for zipper replacement. I watched the show yesterday and wished I had recorded it.
Barbara Basel
I’ve had to make most of these repairs already in my lifetime. I certainly look forward to an easier way to do them. Can’t wait to see the book and ‘the movie!’
Christina Gonzalez
I have to try cut away zipper repair.
bonnie
I am always putting in new zippers in grandsons thing
Nancy Taylor
By the way, love your new look.
The 2nd part of this seminar almost, I said almost, makes me want to rip out a coat zipper just to see if I can do it and how easy you make it look.
Now I will rethink about tossing a jacket out .
Nancy Taylor
Debbie Echaves
The cutaway zipper is the fix I will definitely use. Quick easy and the results are very nice.
Virginia Shirey
Replacing zippers–hands down! How many times over the years have I groaned when a child or grandchild handed me a pair of jeans or a tote or a jacket with a zipper issue! To have another option–something just short of a miracle!!
Keryn Shaver
My grandchildren always say “Grandma can fix anything”, but I’d really like quicker, easier ways to do all those projects, especially fixing broken zippers.
Linda Rupe
I love the zipper technique so much that I would use it on a new garment! It certainly does not look repaired.
Mary
Zipper repairs are one of the things I seem to do most , especially for friends who don’t know how to sew. I am definitely in favor of an easier way to do them.
Starla
I would most use the patching ideas. My husband is always getting little tears in his jeans. Sometimes I need “holes to art,” sometimes “lumberjack.”
Cheryl
Your quick fixes are genius. I am ready to tackle my mending basket. I see I have not been sewing on buttons properly but I guess it is because I was self-taught. I am always learning something new from you. Thank you.
Teresa
The patched jeans! My boyfriend is a house painter and I am ALWAYS repairing his work pants. He also has a pair of shorts that he LOVES and I am constantly repairing (what is left) them.
Peg G
I often teach beginners to sew and I always have someone who just wants to mend. That’s not covered in the curriculum, however. I’m so glad I can now refer them to your website for that information.
Diana G.
They are all wonderful tips But me and zippers do not get along at all. So that will help me out ! I’ll be sure to watch it on the Ipad.
Thank you for the opportunity to win …
Becky D
Love, love, love the cut-away zipper fix! Will be so much faster on the kids’ clothes! I also must say I need the too much cake solution on a couple of pairs of jeans too! Thanks Nancy!!
Michelle Shook
The Cutaway Zipper probably would be the greatest help to me. I can’t stand replacing zippers and will throw out the item rather than replace a zipper. If you’ve got a short cut, I’m all for it!
Susan
ZIPPERS! I’ve had to replace so many zippers in not only jeans & dress slacks but the worst – jackets & parkas. If there’s an easier way to do this, my husband would be very happy because I wouldn’t be complaining every time he broke a jacket zipper.
Laura Yeager
The cutaway zipper would definitely be the most used, but would use all of the tips eventually.
Connie Rhoden
The Lumberjack patches is the one for me. I seem to end up with too stiff of a patch, the kids don’t like it.
Doreen Linehan
I think I need them all but Lumberjack Patches the most. My son asked me to mend some work pants for him. I asked are they ripped on the seam? His response was an affirmative. However when he brought them to me there is no seam remaining and they are ripped and frayed from just above the crotch to just below the knee. Oh yes and his request was to not have them look like they’ve been patched. He gave them to me about 5 years ago and they are still where I left them in my sewing room. I can definitely say that is beyond my sewing skill.
Helen L.
I need the zipper fix. Seems the zipper goes “kerflowy” and the jacket is still in really good condition.
Love your program on WI PBS!!
Gail
Zippers!
Susan brennand
I need the Lumberjack patch. My work pants wear out at the crotch and I need them to last at least a year.
Sally Groff
Zippers are my dreaded repair. I have yet to be able to replace zippers. I just watched your zipper fix the other day and thought that was great! I have a pair of shorts now that the tab of the zipper is broken and I need to come up with a fix for that if possible. I could really use your book! 🙂
Nancy
Zipper fix…for some reason zippers scare me…
Marilyn Mundt
The zipper is a challenge for me. When it is broke it needs help and so do I. The other techniques would be very helpful, also.
Maeve
Zippers, zipper pulls, zipper teeth . . . those pesky problems that come with all sorts of zippers. It isn’t easy to repair them and it is even more difficult to find the parts necessary. I would love to know more about this subject and especially how to make it easier! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Rachel Worley
To win your book “Quick Stitch to Wear Again” would be wonderful.
Thanks
Brenda
Oh! to know how and to have all the repairs done – would be like having a brand new wardrobe.
Lillian K
I would love to win “Quick Stitch to Wear Again” book. I am always having to make a repair AND I always dread it. This looks like repairing would be less “dreadful”. Thanks.
Renea
I have a coat for my son that needs a new zipper. This book would be great to add to my library. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Rhonda
Zipper fixes, well all of them would be great to learn. I would love to win this book!
Linda Morales
Well all tips would be very useful, but I need to get into some pants that are alittle too snug for comfort. I can’t get rid of them so soon and swear I’ll lose these extra few lbs………but I haven’t yet. I need to know your tricks.
Janet Weirauch
I have been saving a jacket for two years trying to figure out how to best repIr and not replace the zipper completely. I am sure hoping this works before I out grow it. LOL.
Terri Burton
My number one repair help is ZIPPERS!!! a close second is adding a bit of sizing to a pair jeans! Looking forward to the series!
Barbara
Zippers, zippers, zippers… I have at least 3 items out of commission due to broken zippers..
this book/series sounds fantastic
Loretta Headrick
Add me to the list of those who loved the cut away zipper repair. Wow, what a great technique.
Tonya Davis
Zippers! I really don’t like the time it takes to take it apart just to replace the zipper.
Berenice
Anything that makes zipper repair faster & easier is for me!
Christine
Watching your use of double sided basting tape reminds me of a show I made for a horse show. I was using a new zipper insertion technique and you placed the zipper and then auditioned it. Somehow, I forgot to actually sew it! I wore it at a show, got poked by one of the few pins I had used. Pulled out the pin, rode my class. Shirt stayed closed, got my ribbon! Wish I’d had your tips years ago, you’re a genius!
BevM
I choose zipper repair. When someone asks me to replace a zipper, I have started agreeing only if that person will rip out the zipper first!
Linda Pearce
I am really interested in the Cutaway Zipper technique.
Karen
My favorite remedy is the Too Much Cake fix. I think these episodes are ingenious! I dislike mending a lot but these fixes make me almost want to mend. Thanks Nancy!
Judy G
My children believe I can fix anything, sew much sew that they send me all their children’s mending and even some of their friends mending. They have no idea of the trauma zippers cause me. I am looking forward to getting my hands on this book. It definitely goes on my Wish List!
Leanda Mayer
I love that there is so much more to learn and that you “think outside of the square” to get things done. I would absolutely love to get my hands on this book. Keep up the awesome work you do, and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Lynn
I need to repair a zipper and a few holes.
Gladys Der
I have to replace or fix zippers often.
Pamela Pope
I could use the whole book but I really would like the cut away zipper method! Sometimes friends seem to think it might be a big honor to fix their broken zippers! I tell them I do it for my household only! Not fun.
Linda
Zipper repair, since zippers breaking are the #1 problem in our household. At least I learned over the years to NOT sew a zipper into my garments too ‘permanently’ when making them, just in case.
Becky Payne
I would love to have stress free options to my “fly by the seat of my pants” way of doing repairs! Thanks Nancy!!
Diane S.
I need the Cutaway Zipper Remedy ASAP! My husband’s favorite jacket has a broken center front separating zipper and seems to be attached to several layers of fabric. Since we just gave my sewing room a “makeover,” I have to get busy!
Marilyn R
Wow–easier zipper repair ? I’m all for it You are a true inspiration
Peggy
Great ideas. Would love to have this book Quick Stitch to Use Again. My Grandkids would love to see Grandma fix their many clothes items that they think are ruined forever.
Doris
ZIPPERS,ZIPPERS,ZIPPERS. My worse nightmare when it comes to sewing. The cut away zipper remedy would be of MUCH help to me I’m sure.
beth
I could use this book. I need it for cut away zipper. Many zippers have broke on my clothes.
Peggy S.
Nancy, thank you for the great patching and zipper ideas. I wish I had thought of the pockets for knee patching when my 3 boys were little although they probably would have put rocks, frogs and anything else they thought to put in the pockets! The zipper idea is great and looks very neat. You are an inspiration to us sewer’s. The book would be great to show my granddaughters how patching is not to be a dreaded chore.
Patti
Like that zipper replacement idea. I hate replacing zippers!
Rebecca Monnin
Oh, you’ve been peeking at my mending pile! You’ve hit all the highlights that are waiting for me! Thanks for the tips, as always!
Shirley
O00h, I’m the too much cake girl if there ever was one!
Chris Reeske
I would love to learn an easy way to fix pants zippers.
Pamela Smith
Jean zippers, HELP!!!!
Karen J
The Too Much Cake tip would probably be beneficial to me. I have ruined many pairs of pants trying to make the waist larger.
Diana Diamond
THANK YOU OHHH SO MUCH FOR THESE TIPS. THEY SURE WOULD COME IN HANDY FOR SOMETHING, BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT OF DOING THEM AT ALL. IT:S AMAZING WHAT A LITTLE TAPE & SCRAP CAN DO. ALSO RIPPING THE INSIDE OF THE JEANS TO PATCH IT, AWESOME. THANK YOU AGAIN FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I MAY TRY OUT ONE OF YOUR BLOCKS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. BLESSINGS TO YOU NANCY.
Diana Diamond
I’d love to win the book on Sewing, I haven’t done any Quilting but also live to try it some day but I’ll have to get the tools first & I can’t seem to get them available down here. Thanks again for sharing your tricks & tips.
Jan B
definitely the zipper repair
Sharie
Oh, I so need this book. The zipper repair really caught my eye. I have four grandsons and two grand daughters and someone is always needing something Fixed. Great grands and husband also on list,lol. Thanks, Nancy, for all your great programs and books. Love, love all them !
Patti White
Perfect Timing on Replacing a jacket zipper. I will do this on a toddlers favorite jacket so he can wear it again. Thanks for the great tip on replacing a zipper the EASY way!
Alana LeSueur
I have to say, the Zipper repair is the tip that I need the most.. thanks for the opportunity to win your book.. I shall keep my fingers crossed for this one.
Mary Wippold
I absolutely love the zipper and ribbon approach to mending a broken zipper. With fall coming up I will definitely use this to repair broken zippers on my yard work jackets.
Renie
I have several items of clothing that need new zippers, from jeans to jackets. Nancy’s method takes the sting out of these repairs!
Barbara in N.E. Georgia
I really need the fix for my jeans, adding that cone shaped piece of jean fabric from an old pair of jeans is like magic. Or I could use some of the denim that is waiting for me to make into new jeans. I always buy a little more just for repairs, “just in Case” fabrics if I need a fix for my aging body. Fix = meaning I have to need to sew.
Mary Bosker
Watched the program this morning and I could not believe my eyes…I had a very skinny little boy and all the pants we bought for him were always way to big around the waist and I fixed many a pair or two of pants and jeans to fit just the way you did. I opened the waist band and inserted elastic and finished off the slit with a zig zag stitch. That little boy just turned 43 this past August, so you can see I have used this method about 40 years ago. Thanks for the idea of fixing the zipper in pants and hemming them so much simpler and quicker…wish I had thought of them both…I do plan to use them in the future….thanks again Nancy.
sylvia storey
love the idea of not having to rip out old zippers. I’m sure I’ll have to use the hint soon as it’s jacket weather.