MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
- A discarded or broken zipper, at least 15 inches long
(the longer the zipper, the wider the cuff) - Thread to match
- A long-ish needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pin (optional)
STEP ONE
Measure your hand at the widest point with your thumb loosely tucked into your palm.
STEP TWO
Mark out that measurement along one end of the zipper with a pin.
STEP THREE
Wind the zipper around itself by lining up the marked pin point with the end of the zipper. Line up the teeth so they overlap at the very start and then let them fall next to each other.
STEP FOUR
Start stitching at the end of the zipper with ¼-inch long stitches. Back-tack at the start so there’s a sturdy base to work with.
STEP FIVE
Keep stitching all the way to the other end, keeping your stitches neat as they will be visible. Tack a few times at this end as well so it’s secure.
Tip: I find it easiest to sew with the zipper winding in a counter-clockwise rotation, but do what’s comfortable for you.
STEP SIX
Repeat steps 1-5 with the other side of the zipper.
STEP SEVEN
Place one piece over the other, with the tape ends overlapping. The edge of the tape on one side should the teeth of the other side.
STEP EIGHT
Stitch both zippers together along the top of tape’s loose end. Double-tack at the start and finish of sewing so your stitching is secure.
Voila! Brand new zipper cuff and one less thing in the landfill.
[...] made it you ask? Disaya? H&M? Alex Wang himself? Nope, this little treat is completely DIY. Ecouterre was nice enough to post this simple, eight-step instruction manual on how to recreate this easy, inexpensive design by Tara St. James, a master of eco-friendly [...]
Is is same desiner for this design?
If different designer, who is the original?
http://www.bksung.blogspot.com/
Hi @hinair, it’s the same designer—Tara St. James.
This is so cool, I’m loving your site! I’ll be linking to this if you don’t mind. It’s such a great project!
My black zipper bracelet is fantastic! I’m going to make another
in olive and another in grey.
I’m looking forward to your weekly updates.