How to Replace a Zipper in a Coat

First, the original zipper must be removed from the jacket. Using a seam ripper, carefully undo the stitches next to the Zipper.

Ensure that all the extra thread is removed from the coat. This will make it cleaner at the end if all excess threads are gone.

Now it is time to insert the zipper. Begin by lining up the bottom of the zipper with the bottom of the coat because it is always easier to work from one end to the other. Pin on top of the old seam so that more holes will not be added to the leather. On other coat fabrics, this is not crucial but still helpful. When working with leather, I pin on both sides of the zipper to help ensure the fabric does not move off the seam. Make sure that when you are actually sewing that you remove pins from both the top and bottom. If you don’t, you can hurt your machine or break a needle.

Using a leather needle will help puncture the leather and provide you with less of a headache!!! The point is sharp and can punch through materials of all types easily.

Stitch as close to the original seam as possible. This will keep the new zipper looking like the original. Again make sure to take out the pins as you stitch especially if they are hidden underneath.

Finally, clip the threads close sp that no extra strings are hanging off at either end. Now the coat has a brand new life and is ready to keep you warm during the winter months!!!