Tutorial: Fixing a Zipper

So, you make a really tailored (read: tight-fitting) dress for your Craftsy class Couture Dress.  And you hand-sew EVERYTHING in this puppy, including the lovely lapped zipper. Then, instead of trying to pull it over your head like someone sensible, you try and step into it.  However, you have hips that say to the world: "I really, really like eating chocolate."

What happens?  You force the zipper teeth out of one side of the zipper and ruin it trying to squeeze your hips into it as if the dress were a glass slipper and you are a wicked stepsister.

I didn't want to take the zipper out and replace it, given all of the hand-sewing.   This what to do to fix it.

• First, take off the metal clamp at the bottom of the zipper.  I used a tool that was entirely inappropriate to do this (it was a seam ripper), but I am sure you have the good sense to use something else.

•  Without the clamp at the bottom, you can lower the zipper pull (feeder?  head?) to below the teeth. Feed the zipper into the side where it is missing.   Make sure that the other side of the zipper is also near the bottom or it won't close properly, you'll have gaping zipper bits at the top and people will make fun of you.

• Sew a circle of thread around the end of the zipper, slightly higher than where the clamp was. Sure, it would have been better to use white thread.  I see that now.
• Enjoy victory chocolate.