Replacing Jacket Slider

Sometimes the slider on a jacket zipper can come off.  Usually this happens because the manufacturer has cut down the zip from the top section, which means that the zipper section at the top is folded into the fabric.  There will not be a plastic or metal tab at the top.

With nothing at the top to stop it coming off, the slider can slip out.  There can be other reasons for it coming off, but the bottom line is that you can replace it. 

If you have the old slider that would be great, but if not you will need to buy one.  One option is to go to a second hand store and buy a jacket that has the same zip as your jacket.  A second option is to buy a zipper the same as you have on your jacket and use the slider from the new zip.

Have a look on the back of the slider.  It will have a number on it.  Most standard jackets are number 5.  But again this will depend on the zipper.

Always replace by undoing the top of the zip.  An open ended zipper sits above the square section at the bottom of the zip.  Then the side with the thin strip goes into the side of the slider.  So you need to undo the zip side at the top which has the square section at the bottom.

Be sure to unpick the topstitching first, then the seam underneath.  Only undo enough to push the slider on, then sew up the seam, and re topstitch.  It’s as simple as that.

Good luck and Happy sewing

Judith aka Genie