This is one of my all-time favorite DIYs. Because I should have titled this post “A DIY for short girls who like to wear skinny jeans.” These heels (which I love) made a rare appearance for photos because I am normally in one of my 57 pairs of flats. And I hate when my jeans bunch up at the ankles. If your are 5’3″ or under, I know you know what I’m talking about. Yes, you could get them tailored but isn’t a zipper way more fun?
How to Add a Zipper to Your Jeans and Avoid Sewing
What you’ll need:
- A pair of jeans (these are the ones I used)
- 2 5-inch zippers
- Fabric fuse tape
- Seam ripper
First lay out the zipper on the outside seam of the pants. The end of the zipper should be at the very bottom of the jeans. Then make a mark at the top end of the zipper so you know how far to rip the seam.
Then rip away! But don’t get too carried away – as you get close to the mark check the fit of the zipper.
Apply the tape to both sides of the top of the zipper. One thing I learned is that you want to cut off the extra tape width if its wider than the zipper. So trim any overhang before you peel off the top white part.
Carefully attach the zipper with the tape to both pant legs.
If you accidentally rip the seams too high (like I did on one side) stick a bit more of the tape at the top of the zipper to hold it together.
I haven’t washed my jeans because I’m one of those lazy people who washes jeans every other month or so. It’s gross, I know. But I’ve worn them at least a dozen times and they’ve held up great.
Edit: It’s now June and the zippers are still going strong. I’ve washed the jeans several times (regular washing & drying cycles), and the tape is holding up perfectly!
Love this idea – because I always have to hem my pants! Do you think iron stitch witchery would work? I mean it holds corduroy and jean hems together so do you think it would work on this project?
I almost went that route but the ladies at JoAnn’s sewing dept said the tape was a better bet. But I would think the iron on version would work too.
Wonder how these would work for a 6 footer like myself. It sure is a great look.
Way to score one for the “petite posse”! Thanks to your brilliant idea I shall never have to walk on/ruin the hem of my jeans again!
Such a fun and easy fix ! Love it !
My Blog – A Pretty Nest
Where did you get this idea? Amazing there’s no sewing required! These are very cool, well done again sis :)
This is awesome! I’m totally going to try it.
absolutely genius
i am going to have to try this
brett
Love that there’s no sewing involved but that was my question about the washing. I guess it’s an excuse not to wash?
Totally! I’m going to wash on delicate and air dry … when I get around to washing :)
I use this double stick tape for costumes all the time! It stays incredibly well. I actually still have some on a costume from a show over a year ago and I just toss it in the washer and dryer when I need to.
Thanks for the info Mel! Maybe now I can wash my jeans :)
A great idea! And it’s really cool that you don’t even have to sew it!
I’m 5″1…so sad, i know. I look forward to zip jeans!
I totally feel your pain Francesca! My pants are always too long!
I love jeans with zippers on the bottom. So fun to make your own!
I love that you don’t have to sew it! I haven’t worn jeans with ankle zippers since they were popular back in elementary school!
Tonia, you sound like you were quite the fashionista back in school!
Oh, you’re so clever and check out those shoes! I love them.
Anne xx
Great idea!! The jeans look fantastic too! I bet this would be great on kid pants with colored zippers too! -Jen
Oh, that is a fun idea! There are so many colorful zippers to choose from.