Does anyone replace zips in men's trousers?

bellaquidsin

Well, do they. I must admit that in all of my thrifty life I have never performed this fete, but then I don't think I have ever needed to, as the trousers have usually gone before the zip.

DH had the zip go and took the trousers to a place which will replace the zip for £9 + VAT but didn't leave them.

We can't decide if the material is thin because it's thin or because the trousers are old, either way we didn't think it warranted the money, so I thought I'd have a go.

I've started to take the wretched thing out but it seems to me it will be like a chineese puzzle getting it all back together again.

I could sit down and make a pair of trousers from scratch, but I reckon this is going to have me beat. Can anyone encourage me?

Bella.

Francesanne

Admire your patience and prudence but really couldn't be bothered. I'd be off to Tesco's or Primark post haste.

beemuzed

'Fraid I don't think I'd do it either, too many unpickings and then piecing together for me. If they're a favourite/expensive pair then I think the price quoted would be worth it to save me the trouble. If neither of the above....look for another pair!

absolutebounder

Francesanne wrote: »

Admire your patience and prudence but really couldn't be bothered. I'd be off to Tesco's or Primark post haste.

Poor hubby. Why not give him self respect by letting him have decent clothes?

bellaquidsin

absolutebounder wrote: »

Poor hubby. Why not give him self respect by letting him have decent clothes?

He's got loads, but we are trying to be super frugal as he retires in two week's time. It was his idea to repair the zip and if I could do it they would be good enough for pottering around the house and garden in, but hey, I think I'm going to have to admit defeat on this one, unless someone can inspire me.

Thanks guys for your responses, you are confirming what I thought.

Bella.

[Deleted User]

I really admire you but I have done this and I can honestly say it not easy.

For a start you really need a sewing machine foot that can get right up close to the zip (it is actually a half-foot but it is so long since I've done any serious machine sewing I've forgotten what it's called).

It it vital to have the right size replacement zip too. Then you must start off at exactly the right point (make sure you tack it in first).

Then unless your machine has enough power to get through the material and turn deftly at the ends you are going to end up with bunching.

Now I know your man is trying to save money here but ask him, how comfortable will he feel when he sits down and his trouser front comes up like a concertina?

I'm presuming you are planning to use a machine and not hand sew?

bellaquidsin

Thanks WD, yes I have a sewing machine and an appropriate zipper foot, but I take your point about bunching up, and I'd probably end up sewing both legs together.

Well done you thought if you've done it, you deserve a medal.:T:T:T

Bella.

Rikki

Waggle_Dancer wrote:

For a start you really need a sewing machine foot that can get right up close to the zip (it is actually a half-foot but it is so long since I've done any serious machine sewing I've forgotten what it's called).

It's just called 'zipperfoot'.

bellaquidsin wrote: »

He's got loads, but we are trying to be super frugal as he retires in two week's time. It was his idea to repair the zip and if I could do it they would be good enough for pottering around the house and garden in, but hey, I think I'm going to have to admit defeat on this one, unless someone can inspire me.

Thanks guys for your responses, you are confirming what I thought.

Bella.

Have you thought about turning them into lace up trousers? Making holes and using an old shoelace. There are just for gardening etc.


Click Here for moving zipper sewing instructions.

bellaquidsin

Thanks Rikki, lace up trousers, now there's a thought, can't see them going down a storm with DH but maybe I'll just put the trousers away in case times get really tough, who know's what we might have to resort to?

I've looked at the link. I can put a zip in first time round but it's the getting in there to 'replace' that's baffling me

Bella.

[Deleted User]

Rikki wrote: »

It's just called 'zipperfoot'.

I think I was done when I bought that memory foam pillow. It hasn't worked.

champys

Hmmm - when I was school age and had just learned to sew, my mother made me replace zips in my two brothers' jeans fairly regularly (she couldn't sew herself). I just got used to it. Right now, and this may sound crazy to you, my DH's favourite trousers here in France are the blue/green 'vert de travail' work trousers. They come with a button-up fly, which is the only thing he doesn't like about them. So yes, I take off the buttons and put a zip in. It's no worse than replacing jeans zips. And the trousers are 20 Euros a pop and last for ages. I still don't mind.