Zipper Jigger review. Trials and tribulations Does it work Easily, Quickly, Well enough? Is it junk?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

If you enjoyed this video & feel like giving something back to the channel, you can do that here..... www.buymeacoffee.com/stitchthisr

[@ruthheythaler6457]

How much is a coffee in Australia??

[@Amys_Crafts-N-Things]

Ok. I have this jig and pulled it out after watching your video.. after some digging/research I have found this jig works flawlessly if the zipper slider is face up with the pull on top. I've tried numerous times and have had excellent results quite quickly. Give it another go.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Amy. I'll give it another go soon😀

[@patriciaclevenstine-ali4714]

I must give you credit for your "stick-to-it-ness"! You know more than most people, practice makes perfect.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Had to do it for the team Patricia. Without the video, I'd have tossed it😁

[@patriciaclevenstine-ali4714]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs I want to be on your team!

[@luvnotvideos]

I appreciate that you showed how difficult it COULD be as well as how easy it worked too. Tutorials are most effective when they show both realities. Now, if someone has a bad day and just can't get those teeth to mesh, they can think back on this and remember that it actually will work, they just need to step back a moment, maybe trim off the damaged ends, and try again. Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you. I agree, you have to show the good with the bad. I'm sure if I do this more often, it will become easier just as the manual method did for me after many years of practice😀

[@ellenpowell4155]

When u did it manually you had the zipper pull n teeth face up but using the jigger u had them face down. That might have something to do with it not going on easily without being uneven.

[@Brandi62]

I am glad to hear the towel holder works better since that is what I bought to try,.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It also doesn't stick out like this one Brando😀

[@rebaschweitzer8847]

Hi from Arizona. I have my "bell" set for "All" so I don't miss any of your videos. I find your teaching style so easy to understand and I have tried many of the items you have demonstrated. I searched for this zipper jig where you directed and found two examples. One seller was offering the jig for nearly 40 usd and the other you could buy two for 30 usd so you could have twice the frustration. The manual way you taught works for me most of the time. I think I'll save my money. Thanks

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, "twice the frustration". Just what we all need Reba. 😀

[@ruthheythaler6457]

It's my most favorite KZbin influencer....love you girl ❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, thank you Ruth😁

[@rebeccar7837]

I love your persistence! I would have given up long ago! 😂

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, if you weren't watching, I'd have given up😁

[@CorinaBarker]

I would not waste my money on a gadget like that. I have a fork with a clamp attached to my table, it works all the time 100%. Good to see you Christine!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm determined to beat that gadget Corina😁

[@janetsheehan6983]

Oh Christine, you have patience! If that was me it would have found the corner of my sewing room..😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, I was very tempted janet😁

[@sallyatkinson1682]

Thank you so much for demonstrating a product I don’t need to purchase!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, I think I may have used it incorrectly. I'm going to master it Sally😁

[@MrYaleck]

I noticed that when you put one end of the zip in, it did not work but when you turned it around and put the other end of the zip in it did work! Thanks for your wonderfull video's!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I think that was just a fluke Marga. I did it several times off video at both ends, and it worked both ways. I need lots more practice😁

[@joycestewart1557]

I’m with you, Christian don’t need the frustration. I purchased the metal towel holder from Amazon, and after I got the hang of it, it worked just fine. Thanks for the tip and ,of course, everything else you provide for us through your knowledge. Have a blessed day!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I think I still need to work on this one Joyce. I can't let it beat me😁

[@joycestewart1557]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Absolutely not. My husband and I are working on a solution using your original idea using the towel holder. So far, so good. I’ll let you know.

[@stewartnorminatorboughen]

Old ways are best in my eyes. love the video.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Totally agree Stewart. Thank you😀

[@connyjones2131]

I saw a utube video where the tip was given and shown to cut about a cm of the fabric away first and then put the zipper on. I haven't tried it yet but definitely won't get that tool! Thanks for the video, great as usual.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I have tried that Conny, but it seems wasteful to me. Especially since you don't need to cut anything off when doing it manually😁

[@sewdeb2]

I have watched both of your zipper tool videos and I found that when I put the zipper sides straight down I was catching the one edge. Try putting your two sides in at a 45 degree angle and it works perfectly every time!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm going to have to have another play with them soon😁

[@homebound_lovingit]

I think I'll save my money on that!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I think that's a good idea😁

[@landarogers9926]

I appreciate you sharing your tools. I thought I wanted but after this video not so much

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

My pleasure Landa. Though I think with practice, it'll be easier😁

[@chickiemagoo9995]

Hi Christine, I also struggled to put the pull into my #5 tape .. I tried it manually as you showed us in one of your sewing tutorials and it was so frustrating...however, i found that there is a right direction and a wrong direction to put it on. When you put it on with the teeth facing towards the pull in a v shape which will open the zipper it was difficult but the other direction was a breeze. You showed that with the Jig too! Look at the direction of the teeth and it will work easily. 😊❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks for the tip. I've only just found out that there are two different directions. Doing it manually, I can get them on at both ends easily, so didn't think it would be different. I've learned something new today😁

[@christinesmutek3856]

I think you were amazingly patient. I’d have thrown it out the window 😂😂. Thanks for showing us how it didn’t work lol🤪

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, you're welcome Christine. If I throw it out the window, it'll end up perfectly in Chris's scrap pile😀

[@IMOO1896]

I didn’t even k ow there so many different size zippers. Thank you for this comparison and demo! I I could attach the head as easily as you do without a jig, I’d be delighted.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, it takes loads of practice Sandi. Even then, I still havve trouble at times😁

[@debbiekollar7508]

I use my fingers and it works every time. I mostly use size #3 zippers as well. I would have had that tool thrown out the window, just watching you made me angry!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for your effort!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, I used a few choice words when attempting this Debbie. Very frustrating, but I plan to master it. Just have to recover from the ordeal first😁

[@annekent7350]

I thought your patience and persistence were amazing! I just bought a different type, and I mainly use dress zips. Shall let you know if it is awesome.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, do let me know how it goes Anne😁

[@carolsmith6264]

It would of been put in the bin by now, well done for your patience,

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It might still end up there Carol.😁

[@leticiavazquez1051]

God bless yesss i will stick with the hand method better...steals my time n I cant afford to lose a minute. too busy for that....thankyou for sharing

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Totally agree Leticia. Time management is a big priority with my work too😁

[@joannetaylor3656]

Hi I just watched your video. I do it with the slider up the other way and it works better

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Joanne. I'll give it a go😁

[@Sewlsista12]

Christine, I have this tool and I put my zipper tab right side up instead of upside down and it works perfect. Maybe try it that way and see if it works for you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Angie. I need lots more practice😁

[@veldahere]

I have the same zipper jig, and as long as I'm not rushed, I can get it to work

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Could be my problem Velda. I'm always in a hurry😀

[@evekankam6744]

Thanks for sharing,you have saved people me included a lot of money. It would have been out of the window if that was me 😁.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I was certainly tempted Eve. More practice required though😀

[@evekankam6744]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs you have more patience than me 😁

[@nicolanewington1798]

My son 3D printed some for me and I had some similar challenges. As you said, better to just do it manually!

[@nicolanewington1798]

I found the zipper does have to be freshly cut for the jig.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Nicola😁

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea!

[@catherinegray5106]

Hi Christine. I have been thinking about getting a jig for some time and have considered the one from the gypsy quilter. That model plus another one I’ve seen made from metal are oriented differently than the one you were demonstrating. Those model have the zip pull facing north, and the tape is inserted from the top; therefore, wondering if the orientation of this gadget you were working with is part of the problem? Just a humble thought… Thank you for your video. I will steer clear of this one !

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Catherine. I'm going to look into this one, and see how it goes😁

[@cindyklasson371]

I use a fork clamped to my counter. Works every time!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm yet to try that Cindy😁

[@MarieDam-ue6uo]

This was really helpfull, thanks

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

My pleasure Marie😁

[@GreyRose333]

I have a REALLY hard time doing it by hand. I bought this exact same tool and I STILL have a hard time! I don't know how people do it!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

GreyRose, checkout this video I did a month ago. I have a more detailed view of the zipper insertion that might help😁

[@suewalsh4216]

Oh no 😢mine got delayed with flooding on the Nullarbor and I probably won't get it until tomorrow. But maybe it's like when I first started doing zips in projects and I will need to practice. Thanks for the shout out 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I definitely need more practice Sue. Let me know how you go with it😁

[@Marie_West]

The main issue I see is having to mount it somewhere, and it's a stab Hazzard! It has stabby stabby written all over it. I think teaching the way you manage zips is a skill. And one I appreciate knowing! Thank you! ❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks so much Marie😁

[@cathysimpson6126]

Oh Christine! The frustrating I experienced just watching made me angry! But maybe it's like with anything and it just takes practice. I know I had a heck of a time when I first started using continuous zips but watched you do it manually many, many times and with lots of practice I'm now a pro like you.😉 Wondering if you'll return the frustrating jig? Hugs from Nevada, Cathy❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, I found this one so frustrating Cathy. I'll keep trying (after I get over the ordeal), as I think it will be good for the smaller zips, but manual is best for me. I won't return it. Who know, it may be useful for something else😁

[@cathysimpson6126]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs love your determination. I’m sure you’ll find a good use for it, even if it’s just a paperweight.😉

[@lesleygilbert1945]

I felt your frustration 😬🙄

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, thanks Lesley😁

[@Burglar-King]

Hi I usually use a towel holder, I found the same thing. Teeth need to be fractionally misaligned, so I cut the zip. You will find your way but wow nothing like using your fingers as it’s a huge hassle. Unfortunately my fine motor skills have gone to pot. Towel holder it is now.😢 well done Christine and thanks.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I prefer the towel holder to this tool too, but even better is to do it manually. At least whilst I still can😁

[@meganmills6545]

There's someone on youtube (Michelle Demos) who shows how she uses the Gypsy Quilter zipper jig. She has a couple of techniques she picked up somewhere. First, if it is the kind of tape that can be 'melted' a little to stop it fraying at the ends she does that. And secondly - she 'introduces' each side of the tape into the zipper pull at an angle - best to watch her do it it get the idea. She doesn't get it lined up perfectly first time every time, but usually has it in 2 or 3 tries and her tape doesn't get all scraggly if she needs a 2nd or 3rd go at it. So perhaps those are tricks worth trying regardless of what 'zipper pull installation' method you're trying if it's giving you conniptions.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Megan. I'll check it out, though I really do prefer to do them by hand😀

[@meganmills6545]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Hi Christine - of course, given your skill at doing them by hand I doubt that any 'jig' is going to be of much help to you, and would be more a nuisance having to get it out of the drawer or wherever. You'd have several on just in the time it takes to faff about setting one up! :-) I was thinking more people who struggle and struggle to do it manually and still have trouble - especially if they've got a tool to get over that very problem and are still having trouble. Sorry I didn't make that clearer in my first comment.

[@MJBJ-cb2jd]

Reminds me of the clamp in Dad's shop.

[@1anita1m]

I like the concept but it seems to take too long. It also seems to chew up the fabric. I'll stick to manually attaching the zip pull. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate. Much appreciated. 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

My pleasure Anita😀

[@doloreshigbie1892]

My son got me one for Christmas.. It was not worth the frustration.. The towel one is the one for me..Smiles from NY

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, the towel one worked better than this for me too Dolores.😀

[@pamelamiller3215]

Good patience Christine if it was me be in the bin by now think you have waisted your money i havent used thoes types of zips but going to try them i like my tools to work quick and easy as well

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Pamela. I think this will come in handy for my smaller zips as they're a bit fiddly. More practice required though😁

[@katehare8104]

It looks like the jig has a preferred end of the zipper tape

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I thought that too Kate. I tried both ends a few more times, but I think it's just the way I put it in😁

[@ChristineKrannich]

I never was able to get it to work by hand. I use a towel holder. I attached it to a cell phone stand and it lives on my side table.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm going to persevere with this one, but also looking at trying something else hopefully soon😁

[@dorothymccann2812]

I have a different type of jig and fight it also. Trying to learn to do it without the jig. Less stress. Lol

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It's so much easier without the jig Dorothy. It just takes a little practice😁

[@sandreawhite7534]

Could you use heavy spray starch or Terial Magic fabric-stabilizer to stiffen up the ends a bit?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That might work Sandrea, but would add extra time to the whole process😀

[@paulinewright160]

Zip sliders quite often have the size indented on the back

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, they do. Thanks Pauline😁

[@Do-U-Know-me00]

❓ Can you show how to use the towel holder again? I have one, but forgot how to do it. Usually, I just use pre-made zippers, although I like the #5 better. Maybe Chris could figure it out, he's pretty clever.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Sure can. Here's the video link kzbin.info/www/bejne/gae9oXyJgtGans0si=HmUWUNrrpzwr_zVa 😀

[@susannightingale4972]

Well I’ll stick to the manual method but just to say when I get a link, if you run it almost to the end then split the last couple of teeth it’s all even again. Obviously doesn’t work if you have a closed end zip though x

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I will too Susan. The kink only matters if the other end is closed as you said, or if you have two sliders😁

[@ellythompson4055]

I too struggled and feel like too much time prepping and looks like a weapon I would gouge myself on.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, my first thought was that if I have it attached somewhere, I'll keep walking into it and gouging myself too Elly😁

[@anubis33]

I find these gadgets no better than using a fork. With troublesome assembly I cut the first tooth off the opposite side off that seems to help. Also, lightly flaming the edge stops that fraying. I had to do that on the cooler bag I made that I’ve yet to post.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I might have to sacrifice a fork and give it a go Duncan. Though I do really enjoy doing them manually😀

[@danaridings6387]

I think the key is practice. Have to get the trick down. I can’t do either at this point 😮😂, once I figure out the “trick” to it I will be unstoppable!! Which ever method it may be.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Manual is definitely best for me Dana, and practice is certainly the key😁

[@vivienfiset1687]

You hands are extremely unsteady using #5 jig compared to just doing it manually. Also noticeable difference between #5 and #3 jig with your steadiness of hands. Personally I gave up on my jig and learned to do it manually. I have better success and it is faster.. I think you proved hand control is better without contraptions. Thanks so much for the demo 😜

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That was just me speeding up the video Vivien, so as not to make you suffer in full time as I did😁

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Would melting the raw edges help? Have you tried feeding the zipper through while it is still zipped? I don't make my zippers; but, I have replaced a lot of broken zippers. I have been watching videos that show me how to repair zippers without replacing them. I need better small tools to repair zippers.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I need to rummage through chris's shed to find some of those narrow pliers too Arvetta. Melting the ends won't work though, and I tried it closed as well. Need lots more practice😁

[@MJBJ-cb2jd]

It seems the good jigs do a good job of holding the zip handle in place.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, it certainly did that well😀

[@lorirodgers5982]

Do you have other style of zipper pulls that you tried? I use mostly #5 with more decorative pulls, wondering if there's any difference?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I usually tend to just use the No.5 Lori, as it saves on the amount of products I need to keep😀

[@nitababcock3977]

Was thinking maybe of a purchase but not now. I would've had a hole I my wall. It shouldn't be that difficult!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, it was so frustrating Nita. Manual is much easier😁

[@sunflowersammee1994]

Thanks for showing us. I'm a pass on this gadget. Do you use those hem roller gadget/attachment for a rolled hem in any of your projects?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Well now I'm just going to have to get myself one Sammee😁

[@EricaSews88]

I have the exact same one and for the life of me I can't work it 😔

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm glad it's not just me Erica😁

[@valeriehaggerty4860]

Maybe it you clamp it upside down so the zip pull is on top? That way everything is face up as when you do by hand.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'll master this gadget soon Valerie😊

[@valeriehaggerty4860]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs 😊 I’m sure you will. That’s a neat gadget & the tea towel one was cool also. I appreciate you testing these things out so the rest of us can decide if we want to try it or not. Good luck with it.

[@janice5988]

I would return it!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Not sure that I can Janice, but I'll use it for the smaller zips. I may even master it, or find another use😁

[@mq5276]

Sometimes a couple of threats works wonders! 😅😅😅😅

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, I knew I was doing something wrong😀

[@yvettehitchman5681]

I use a table fork secured to the table with a small clamp,work's perfectly, why buy a jig 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've seen people use those with great success Yvette. I'll have to give it a go😀

[@patriciajrs46]

That's why I don't use jigs like that. My frustration would have had it in the recycle, or trash bin.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It could well end up there Patricia.😀

[@creationsbycjdesigns7197]

I would have stopped at the itty bitty screws. The dexterity in my fingers is not what it used to be.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, they were a bit fiddly for me too😀

[@cyn4rest]

Yikes this was painful to see you struggle. These things take practice that’s for sure. I bought one last year: jig $60 us; shipping $20; total $80, or 122 in AUS dollars. Ouch. It sits at right end of my industrial’s table. Pretty to look at… lol. Mine points away from me so the “pull” motion is towards one’s self, probably easier.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

This was certainly frustrating Cyn. I'm going to find a more friendly position and persist. I'll try it the other way too😀

[@ellenpowell4155]

Have u tried using a fork, plastic works fine? Works n is certainly less expensive than that jigger thing

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I have Ellen, and it's certainly a great option😀

[@fran_ward]

If you don’t have the patience, I’m definitely out for the count!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, Keep your sanity Fran😁

[@ingehoward3908]

I never had any luck with a zipper jigger its easier with out one i spend $20. On one and never use it

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Totally agree Inge😁

[@karinfurtkamp9655]

It works only one end, if it doesn’t work one end try the other

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I tried both ends karin. They do both work, just very sporadic😁

[@HeikeWoolard]

No matter how I try this, I get frustrated. We just need 3 hands and viola it works.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

This one was very frustrating Heike😁

[@queenslanddiva]

Life's too short!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Most definitely! I'll try to master it though. One day....😀

[@lucyblum3456]

I think you’ve done it manually so many times that it’s frustrating it try a different method! I get frustrated trying to do it manually!! Takes practice!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I think you're right Lucy. Just like an old dog, I can't be taught new tricks😀

[@debbiehall4155]

I hope you didn’t spend much on this gadget. If #5 is the zipper you use most of the time then it’s totally a waste. The manual method seems so much easier and faster. It was certainly worth a try, tho! Plus the fact that you have to attach it to your table, then attach the zipper gadget with screws? I don’t like it. Love your videos

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Debbie. Definitely much easier by hand, and you're right. Where would I put it? It sticks out too far, and is fiddly😀

[@joyfuljoy5711]

😁 the saying i know of is if it isn't broke don't fix it 😁🤐🤐🤐🪡🪡🥰 thanks for giving it a go 💓💓

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Had to take one for the team Joy😁

[@valerieviner4509]

I have one of these it is RUBBISH 🗑 😒

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Valerie. I'm glad it wasn't just me😁

[@lucilledaub5991]

That’s a frustrating tool.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It sure is Lucille. I'll keep trying though. Once I recover!😀

[@arriettysbags]

I struggled for months trying the get the pulls on, then suddenly one day my fingers and brain clicked and now I can put most zipper pulls on by hand whether #5 or #3 although #3 are trickier. There is a knack, and once you get it, you're away. I tried the fork method for a while - tried being the main word. And to be honest a contraption like that sticking out on my work surface is asking for me to knock into it all the time.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, I think I'll bump into this one too Ariett. I agree, I need lots more practice, and hope in time I will master it too. Just need to exercise some patience😀

[@arriettysbags]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs I think it does take time, but putting on with my fingers is so quick and I can do this with confidence now. Lots of wiggling. I've seen someone open back the teeth and out it together so I tried it this morning and woah! It worked. Not that I'd like to do too long a zip that way though.