How To Replace a Zipper in Jeans

Don't Toss Those Jeans—Fix the Zipper and Wear Them Again

So your favorite jeans have a broken zipper? Don’t worry—you don’t have to say goodbye just yet. Replacing a zipper in jeans might sound tricky, but with a little patience and a few tools, you can bring those beloved blues back to life.

It’s true—fixing a zipper on an already-sewn pair of jeans is a bit more involved than inserting one into a fresh project. But if you’re comfortable with your sewing machine and can follow basic steps, you’ve got this!

What You'll Need:

A new metal zipper (same length as the original)

Seam ripper or small scissors

Pliers (optional, for stubborn zipper teeth)

Denim thread in a matching color

Jeans needle for your sewing machine

Pins or sewing clips

Sewing machine

Iron

Step 1: Remove the Old Zipper

Start by carefully unpicking the stitches that hold the old zipper in place. A seam ripper works well, but sharp embroidery scissors can also do the trick. Begin at the base (near the crotch) and work your way to the waistband.

Once the stitching is undone, gently pull out the zipper. If the teeth are bent or damaged, use pliers to remove any bits that are stuck in the fabric. Work slowly—you don’t want to tear the denim.

Step 2: Prep the New Zipper

Measure the zipper opening to match your new zipper length. If your zipper is too long, that’s okay! You can sew across the teeth at the correct length (using a zigzag stitch or bar tack), then trim off the excess zipper tape.

Be sure your new zipper matches the old one in both length and style—metal zippers are standard for jeans and hold up better than plastic

Step 3: Install the New Zipper

Turn your jeans inside out and place the new zipper face down, aligned with the original zipper area. Use clips or pins to hold it in place.

Sew one side of the zipper first, using a jeans needle and strong denim thread. Stitch from the bottom to the top, staying close to the edge of the zipper tape. Repeat for the other side.

Take your time—denim is thick, and sewing over zipper teeth can get bumpy. Go slow and steady.

Step 4: Reattach the Waistband

Now fold the jeans right sides together at the waistband and align the edges.

Sew the waistband back into place, making sure the top of the zipper is secure inside the seam. Backstitch at the start and finish for extra strength—this is a high-stress area.

Step 5: Finish and Test

Try the zipper several times to make sure it opens and closes smoothly. Give the fly area a quick press with a warm iron for a neat finish.

If everything looks good—you’ve done it! You just extended the life of your jeans and saved them from the donation pile (or worse—the trash).

Sewing a zipper into denim isn’t always a beginner task, but with care and patience, you can do it. In fact, it’s one of those practical sewing skills that can really pay off. Imagine how many jeans, shorts, or skirts you could rescue with just a zipper and a little time at your sewing machine.

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© Rhonda Harris – For personal use only – www.theneedlemarket.com