How to Replace a Jeans Zipper with Buttons

Introduction

Have you ever put on a pair of jeans and when you try to zip them up it breaks? Broken zippers are a common struggle that most people suffer daily because of the quality of the product or just because of the years of use. When a zipper breaks, this does not mean the jeans are not wearable anymore. Instead, it can be a great opportunity to add some buttons and give them a second life.

In this guide, you will be able to remove a broken zipper and add new non-sewing buttons without the need for expensive machinery or knowledge. In just 20 minutes, you will have a new pair of jeans ready to wear!

What you need

Step 1 Zipper

How to Replace a Jeans Zipper with Buttons, Zipper: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Replace a Jeans Zipper with Buttons, Zipper: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Replace a Jeans Zipper with Buttons, Zipper: step 1, image 3 of 3

Open the broken zipper and identify the stitches.
Take the seam ripper and insert it under the last stitch seen.
Remove the stitches of the zipper and when most are removed, cut the rest of the zipper with fabric scissors.
Make sure to remove at least one half of the zipper.

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Step 2

Insert the buttons tack to the right fly of the jeans.
Insert 2 or 3 button tacks, depending on the length of the fly.
Add textile glue to the pointed part of the tacks.
Adding glue to the tacks helps secure the buttons and avoids damage caused by the washing machine and daily use.

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Step 3

While the textile glue is fresh, insert the buttons into the tacks and make sure they are secure.
You will notice the buttons are secure after you hear a clicking noise when pressing the buttons to the tacks.

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Step 4

Cut three holes using the pointed part of the fabric scissor on the left fly of the jeans that correspond with the buttons on the right.
Make sure to open the fabric scissor and use only one blade.
Alternatively if you have access to a sewing machine, follow this guide to create the button holes.