Adding a zip to your boots can make it easier to put them on and remove them.If you want to sew a zip into a pair of boots, you'll need a sewing machine, a board that fits inside of your boots and some special tools.If you want to make it easier to put on and take off your boots, try adding zippers.
Step 1: Make a list of where you want the zipper to travel.
If you prefer, you can put your zip up on the back or outside of the boot.Buckles, straps, or designs are things that might interfere with the zip of your boots.Decide where the best location would be.
Step 2: Take a look at the area where you want to place the item.
Measure the area where you want to place the zipper to make sure it's the right size.Measure from the top of the boot to the sole.You should record this measurement and take it with you when you buy a zipper.If the area from the top of the boot to the sole is 7” (18 cm), then this is the size you will need to buy.
Step 3: You should purchase your zippers.
You can find the zippers at a craft store.The sewing notions section is where they should be located.Find the size and color you need and buy two.It's important to get the same color zippers as your boots.This will make the zippers blend in.If your boots are black, you should get black zippers.If your boots are red, you should get red zippers.
Step 4: To mark the boots, use a ruler and chalk.
Take out your ruler and place it on the part of the boot where you want the zip to be.Take the ruler from the top of the boot to the place where the zip will end.The length of your zip ties this together.You will need to draw a line on your boot that is the same length if you are using a 7” (18 cm) zip.
Step 5: Cut the line.
Put your board inside of the boot so that it is behind the area you want to cut.The other areas of the boot will be protected by this.You can use the knife to cut the line on the boot.Carefully cut to get a straight line.
Step 6: The opening needs to be expanded slightly.
Extra space is needed for the teeth and pull.To create this space, cut out a small portion of the boot material with a knife or scissors.The material should be removed from the edge of the opening.Extra material should be cut away from the boot.As you cut, keep the board in place.Remove excess material from the boot.
Step 7: Put a layer of glue on the fabric.
It is important to avoid using pins because they can damage your boots.It can be difficult to keep the zip up as you sew.It's a good idea to glue the zip to the inside of the boot before sewing it.There is a thin line of fabric glue on the front of the zipper.You can do this for both sides.As you apply the glue, the zip up should be visible.A small binder clip can be placed at the top and bottom of the zipper to increase its stability.It won't hurt the leather or vinyl of your boots, but it will keep everything in place.
Step 8: Press the thing into place.
The inside of the boot needs to be pressed against to make sure that the zipper's teeth are away from the edge.For both sides of the boot, do this.This can be done for the other boot as well.
Step 9: The boot and fabric are aligned.
When the inside of your boot has a glue on it, you can begin sewing.Put the boot and zipper under the presser foot of your sewing machine.Lower the presser foot and sew a straight stitch down to the bottom.You can reverse your sewing direction by pressing the lever on the side of your machine.Remove the boot from the machine.Attach it to both sides with this.You can put your zip up on the boots in this way.
Step 10: A heavy duty needle is used.
It is important to use a strong needle for boots made from leather or other heavy materials.A heavy duty needle is meant for sewing leather.The needle needs to be sharp as well.It is a good idea to get a brand new needle before you start sewing.If you use a dull or fine needle, you may end up with a broken needle.
Step 11: Make sure that your boots are in good shape.
After cutting them open and sewing in a zip, boots that are worn out or have defects will not hold up well.Make sure that the boots you are adding to are made from strong materials and that they are in good condition.
Step 12: The thread should be heavy duty.
Since you will be sewing through many layers of material, you need a thread that is strong enough to hold everything in place.You should use a heavy duty thread that matches the color of your boots.You should check the thread label before buying it.The thread should be labeled if it is fine, regular, or heavy duty.