Don’t Cry Over Broken Zippers


As a power thrifter and recipient of a ton of free clothes, I have come across my fair share of broken zippers.  Broken zippers will land something on the clearance rack of most stores faster than a snag or a hole. “  Why?“  They can be costly for a store to repair. As a seamstress, I charge $30/hr.  Depending on the type and length of zipper it can take almost an hour to remove the existing zipper and install the new one properly.  I“  replaced“  22″ invisible zipper in a lined Betsey Johnson dress (My friend picked it up at a clothing swap)“  $22.  If you do it yourself,“  it’s the cost of the zipper (under $5) and your time.

Not all zipper repairs involve replacement.  Sometimes the zipper is just off track or just stuck and needs wax.

For those of you interested in learning to repair, replace, or install zippers, I am teaching a zipper clinic.  One day, four students, four hours $65.  The plan is to learn how to put them into a garment along with a few tips on replacing them when they break. We will make samples for you to take home in addition to giving students assistance on projects or mending brought in from home.

There are two ways to register for class. 1) head over to Brown Paper Tickets and register online.  2) stop by Fabricker and the lovely April can sign you up.