Repairing pocket zippers

[litewait]

I've got these nylon hiking pants I love. Problem is the zippers are in perfect condition, but it is like the heat-sealed to zipper to the nylon or something. Not sure if I could actually so them or should take them to a tailor.


 Thanks!

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Thank you

[BrendaP]

I think you are saying that the zip was heat sealed (or glued) to the fabric instead of being stitched to it,    and the heat sealing (or gluing) has come apart.

The easy answer is just to stitch it to the fabric - impossible to do by machine without totally deconstructing the garment first, and fiddly to do by hand, especially if you want a neat finish.  Stab stitch (short backstitches) is the way to do it.

Pocket repairs are my least favourite type of sewing.

[litewait]

Brenda,
Probably rules out a tailor then for cost. Don't really care how it looks, not much of a sew(er), but given the time I can do it I think. Worst that can happen is it doesn't work no worse for the wear.

To sew this since its nylon do I need a special needle and thread?

Thanks.

[BrendaP]

I would use regular polyester sewing thread such as Guetermann SewAll and a bog standard sharps hand sewing needle in size 8 or 9.
https://www.jjneedles.com/downloads/JJ-Needles-Types-and-Sizes-Guide.pdf

[Sewgorgeous]

I would have a go by machine, if you use a matching thread it would look absolutely fine.  I am sure no-one would be looking or inspecting them anyway 

[Catllar]

Sew gorgeous is right - if they are that close they can see your pocket zipper stitches then they are too close by far!

[BrendaP]

I would have a go by machine, if you use a matching thread it would look absolutely fine.  I am sure no-one would be looking or inspecting them anyway 

@Sewgorgeous  How would you get the edge of the pocket and the zip tape under the foot of the machine?

[Sewgorgeous]

@BrendaP - I am really rubbish at explaining things, I did this recently on a pair of shorts, with the right side of pocket facing you, and the zip open, have the zip and just the edge of the pocket under the machine so your moving everything else out of the way making sure your not stitching all of the pocket together so you can't open it! it will be fiddly but its definitely do-able and shouldn't be to noticeable. - sorry that was a rubbish explanation!

[BrendaP]

@Sewgorgeous   Would you be able to stitch all the way to each end of the zip?

[Sewgorgeous]

@BrendaP - yes, when I did it recently I think I topstitched the ends of the zip, I don't think any thing was lost in terms of use of the pocket but even if some of the pocket opening is lost as in a bit stitched together to get the zip in, it still would be better than no pocket use at all.  It will not be as neat as putting a zip in the construction stage so it has to be done the best way you can with what you have, if it were my fave jacket, I would certainly attempt it as best I could, and if it looks that bad (after several attempts  ) you could always un pick your stitches  so your back where you started and all you have lost is your time

[Pockets, please!]

Do you have access to a glue gun?

[Radiofan]

Since it was not stitched in the first place, I would be tempted to use fabric glue, then baste it together with matching thread until the glue holds.