Workshop: Fix Your Separating Jacket Zipper!

Learn to fix separating zippers on a jacket/sweatshirt full-length zipper by identifying and replacing the slider!

In this hands-on class you will learn how to fix jacket zippers that are separating after being zipped! Zippers are often seen as intimidating; this class aims to break down that barrier by providing you with the knowledge, tools, and parts to repair your own zipper!

This class will only be covering zipper repairs for full-length jacket/sweatshirt zippers which:

• extent from the top to bottom of the garment (are not sewn closed at the top or bottom)
• separate with a box & pin at the bottom (see images)
• are separating or puckering outward after you zip it closed

What we will Cover:

Generally, this zipper issue is caused by the slider (usual metal part that "slides" along the zipper to close/ open it) having worn down or opened over time.

This is a very simple repair to enact but figuring out your replacement zipper slider is tricky; we will thus cover:

• An overview of zipper types and how to identify them with a take-home pamphlet and hands-on examples
• A demonstration of how to replace a zipper slider
• Practice time to replace a zipper on your own item or a sample.

Flim-Flam we will bust: You can fix a separating zipper by taking a pair of plyers and closing the sides of the slider; Actually, this is a short-term solution as your slider is further weakened by moving the metal and it ultimately needs to be replaced.

This class will NOT cover any zipper repairs for the following issues:

• See images attached for examples of each scenario
• Zippers that do not extend to the end of the garment or do not fully open (e.g. "half" or "3/4" zippers, anywhere where one or both sides of the zipper are sewn into the item)
• Zippers where "teeth" are separating, missing, or deformed from the fabric "ribbon" of the zipper. This includes extensive wear on the outside of the teeth that feels rough to the touch
• Zippers where part of it is coming apart or fraying when not zipped up
• Zippers where the bottom "box" , "pin" , or reinforcing plastic are missing, damaged, or separating from the rest of the zipper
• Zippers that have come unstitched from the overall garment

We are hoping to have more classes or a series to address these in the future.

Items to bring, if you have them:

• *Clean Garment(s) to fix (it is a good idea to bring a couple items if you have them in case one is easier than others)
• *Any zipper repair items you have at home, if relevant
• Notebook & pencil/pen
• Reading glasses, if you use them (very important!)

*These items can be provided by Repair PDX; we will have practice zippers if you do not bring a garment. All tools and other supplies provided.

Please note: Your item must be clean when you bring it in; we can send you cleaning tips if needed before the class.

If you are unsure if a zipper can be fixed in this class, bring it in and we will look at it together.

This course welcomes brand-new repairers and those with experience. Repair supplies are provided. If class is full and you are interested in taking it in the future, please sign up for the class' waitlist so we can get a sense of how much demand there is for this class.

Note on Sliding Scale Pricing:

Repair PDX seeks to both pay equitably and keep ticket prices accessible.

Not every event we run is independently solvent. We provide sliding scale, free tickets for volunteers, and other low cost opportunities because of our values. Thus, we rely on those with more financial support to pay the higher end of the sliding scale in order to offset the low-cost tickets. Thus, you will see a variety of ticket prices for the same event and we encourage you to pay what you can.

Proceeds from tickets go directly to paying our wonderful instructors, providing materials for the class, and continuing to host events and workshops like this one!

*If you are a volunteer wanting to join the class when there are no free tickets left, please email margo@repairpdx.org so we can open one up for you.