How to Fix a Broken Zipper Pull and Mend Sweaters at Home
By Prymamericas.com: Sewing, quilting, and knitting supplies | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to fix a broken zipper pull, use a zipper repair kit, apply iron-on mending tape for holes, and remove pilling from sweaters with a fabric comb.
Quick answer
If the zipper slider is broken or worn, replace it with a zipper repair kit; if the teeth or tape are torn, the zipper needs replacing. For small holes, use iron-on mending tape, and for sweater pilling, a fabric comb restores the surface.
Why zipper sliders fail and when a repair kit works
Zipper sliders wear out from repeated use, especially on jeans and jackets where the pull is grabbed daily. A repair kit replaces the slider without removing the zipper tape, but it cannot fix missing teeth or torn fabric. Check the teeth and tape first: if they are intact, a kit is a quick fix; if not, plan to replace the whole zipper.
Iron-on tape vs. sewing for holes
Iron-on mending tape is fast and works well for small tears and worn areas on washable fabrics, but it adds bulk and may not suit high-stress seams. For stretchy knits or areas that flex a lot, sewing a patch may last longer. Use tape as a quick fix or reinforcement, not as a permanent solution for large holes.
Pilling: when to comb and when to stop
Pilling happens when loose fibers tangle into small balls. A sweater comb removes them without cutting into the fabric. Use gentle strokes on a flat surface, and stop if the fabric starts to thin or you see holes. For heavy pilling, the garment may be too worn to restore.
Diagnosis: match the symptom to the fix
- Zipper slider won't stay closed or is missing: Replace the slider using a zipper repair kit. Match the slider size and type (nylon coil or metal) to your zipper. If the teeth are damaged or the tape is torn, stop and replace the zipper. Check the teeth and tape before buying a kit.
- Small hole or tear in fabric: Apply iron-on mending tape: cut a piece slightly larger than the hole, place it over the area, and press with a hot iron according to the tape instructions. For large holes or high-stress areas, consider sewing a patch instead. Test on a scrap first to avoid iron damage.
- Sweater has fuzzy pills: Lay the sweater flat and use a sweater comb with gentle strokes to remove pills. Stop if the fabric appears thin or you see holes; the garment may be too worn to salvage. Comb in one direction and avoid pressing hard.
Tools that help
- Sweater and Fabric Comb: Dritz Sweater Comb brushes away fuzz from woolens, coats, blankets, and sweaters. It removes pilling quickly without damaging the fabric, making sweaters look new again.
Sweater and Fabric Comb - Clothing Zipper Repair Kit, Assorted: Dritz Clothing Zipper Repair Kit includes nylon coil sliders, metal tooth sliders, and stops for jeans, jackets, and coats. It provides the parts to replace a broken slider without replacing the entire zipper.
Clothing Zipper Repair Kit, Assorted - Iron-On Mending Tape, 6" x 13": Dritz Iron-On Mending Tape is a 6" x 13" piece of iron-on fabric for repairing tears and holes; it is machine washable and dry cleanable. It offers a no-sew fix for small holes and tears, saving time on repairs.
