Zipper Recycling | How To Deconstruct Clothing for Cool ZIPPER UPCYCLING

[@joanhawkins8552]

I love to recycle clothing. We have a community outreach thrift store in the small town where I live. People donate all types of things. Being near a military base there is a big turnover in the community. Most just have the time to have a yard sale so they donate. Once or twice a month the shop holds a $10 bag sale. Sometimes it is only clothing and other times it is "anything goes", except jewelry. That is when I go in and load up. They provide the paper grocery bag. I look at the fabric itself, trim, buttons and zippers. I bring it home and dump it all in the washer, not just to make sure it is clean but to shrink any that does. I use the it all in my craftng.

[@JanHowell]

That is wonderful to have a thrifting opportunity like that in your area!

[@MrsMika]

I ❤️doing this. Little kid pants zippers are good for earbud bags & coin purses. I almost feel like a lotto winner when I get a sleeping bag or luggage zipper. Those are great for cushion covers or big dog beds.

[@JanHowell]

Love that! Love upcycling. I think we're recycling nerds!

[@winona7836]

I never thought about recycling zippers. Thanks for the information

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Once you unpick a few stitches to get some space, then instead of using the pointy end of the ripper, lay the zipper flat and insert the ‘ball’ prong of the ripper and glide it along the row of stitches to cut them quickly. Hard to explain but play with how to hold it as you push with the ‘bend’ between the two points to cut the stitches. Once you do this, you will cut through the line of stitches really quickly. It’s really how the ripper was designed for efficiency. Have fun! Thanks, Jan, for your tutorials.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rosesbaker]

Love the idea of upcycle the zippers... not a fan of using my Seam Ripper and picking out the seams, but this I could get enthusiastic about... 2 fold : saving money on zippers and the landfill!!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Jan, I really really enjoyed watching you show us how to up cycle zips and using the fabrics too. I’m up cycling some jeans at the moment and I’m really really looking forward to seeing what you do with those extra bits of zippers tape. I really really enjoy your videos and I’m watching each one I see on the KZbin. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@JanHowell]

I just uploaded last week a fun tutorial showing how to make some fun bracelets with the zipper tapes. Check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3m9cohmhJ2bgMU

[@lalagamma4452]

I can't thank you enough for everything you do. You're such a Wonderful Artist 🤗🐞😘

[@JanHowell]

Oh, Lala thank you. You are so kind!

[@sumitabanerjee6769]

Thank you you are an incredible artist

[@CarolGoff-j3z]

What a great idea! I've been making some bags out of jeans that are heading to the goodwill but I never thought of zippers! I will keep my eye out for them going forward. I don't mind picking out, it is something I would do while sitting with the TV on. Fabric and notions are really expensive these days (at least I think so) and so it is always a bonus to get free (or very inexpensive like at thrift stores) fabric and now I will think of zippers! Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@annajean-nanaarbogast2487]

O really enjoy all your great ideas! Can't wait for the zipper ideas! I actually have a great zipper purse, so cool!

[@JanHowell]

Why thank you and stay posted for those zipper projects.

[@Lee-fb4oj]

so clever--thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@MsLiveLife]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@guamposer]

Unpicker? I think its called a seam ripper. lol thats ok ,if it works for u thats great. I have a great tip since u recycle zippers. Because those zippers r old. Put a drop of ur machine oil on the “zipper pull” on the wide end n it will slide very easily n it ll last longer.

[@JanHowell]

Nice tip, thank you

[@oconnorfamilytree7496]

oh your a life saver and a wallet saver heheh thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@lucilledaub5991]

When you buy a zipper to cut down nyou want to use the zipper for another project . How do you know what size zipper tab to buy?

[@JanHowell]

Are you talking about the fabric tabs that you add to different projects? If so, you make the tabs yourself. If you have further questions, let me know.

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Lucille asks how to buy the metal ‘handle’ that makes the zipper close. The zipper teeth are different sizes. Good question!

[@kgaclash]

great video! I'm thinking about adding a zipper to a knitting project of mine instead of using buttons. have you ever done this with an upcycled zipper?

[@JanHowell]

No, I have not. Sorry.

[@Potato-ln2ku]

Where can i find the tutorial to use only a small portion of the zipper?

[@Potato-ln2ku]

I have a metal separating zipper from a jacket but want to use it on a bag, so dont need it to separate.

[@JanHowell]

Here is one video that shows how to cut a zipper kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZSYmGlqZr97ZqMsi=ZxOXJZZDxX6o5myI&t=365 I will be uploading another video this week that will show even more details. Watch for it.