Adaptive Clothing: Inclusive Magnetic Zipper- The DIY Therapist

MagZip Magnetic Inclusive Replacement Zipper:
An Adaptive Clothing Tutorial

Learn how to replace an existing zipper on a jacket with an adaptive magnetic replacement zipper. This inclusive, magnetic zipper takes away the need to align and manipulate the zippers by instead moving the zippers close together and letting the magnetic element do the rest. The MagZip magnetic inclusive zipper is great for one-handed zipping. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of replacing an existing zipper on a jacket with Ankhgear’s MagZip magnetic inclusive zipper. Let’s get started!

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Ankhgear MagZip Magnetic Zipper

I am so excited about today’s DIY tutorial, and it’s just in time for the fall and winter months. This is a project that I have been wanting to do for a while, and I am so excited to share it with you.

We’ll be using Ankhgear’s MagZip Inclusive magnetic zippers which are amazing! Easy to use with one or two hands, you’re going to love these zippers. These magnetic zippers not only help those who struggle with traditional zippers become more independent in dressing, but these zippers also save time and frustration associated with zipping.

If you are new to replacing a zipper, no worries. You’ve got this. Overall it’s an easy, straightforward process. Make sure to check out my sewing tips and other helpful hints before starting this project along with the suggested video tutorials.

Why Add The Inclusive MagZip Magnetic Zipper To A Jacket?

The Magzip magnetic zipper is a type of assistive technology that can make aligning and engaging the zipper easier and stress-free. Ankhgear’s MagZip is great for one-handed use or for anyone who struggles to zip up a traditional zipper. These magnetic zippers make zipping up a jacket or hoodie easier, improving independence in dressing skills.

The Magzip magnetic replacement zipper may benefit:

Arthritis care
Stroke recovery
Hand or arm injury
Differences in the fine motor control
Anyone who has difficulty grasping and aligning both sides of the zipper
Limb differences
Developmental disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, or neurodivergence
Low vision
Difficulties with zipper alignment and/or engagement
Differences in muscle tone and strength who have difficulty manipulating zippers

What Materials Are Needed For This Adaptive Clothing Tutorial?

For this project you will need a few things to replace your existing zipper with a new MagZip Magnetic Inclusive Zipper:

Sewing machine and thread
Scissors
A jacket or zip up hoodie
Seam ripper or sharp, small bladed scissors
Ankhgear’s Round Base MagZip Zipper– these magnetic zippers come in a variety of colors and sizes, choose the one that best fits your needs. See below for sizing.
If you will be cutting the MagZip magnetic replacement zipper to size, you will also need Ankhgear’s top stop kit
Needle nose pliers, for installing the top stop kit
Handheld wire cutters, for installing the top stop kit
Push pins for holding the new zipper in place

What Length Magnetic Zipper Should I Purchase?

To find out what length of zipper you will need, measure from the top of the existing zipper on your jacket or hoodie to its base. Make sure to order a zipper that is at least that exact size or longer than what you need.

If you are cutting the zipper to size, you will also need Ankhgear’s top stop kit.

I will show you how to cut the zipper to the size you need, add the top stop kit, and then sew the new magnetic zipper on.

Do I Need Ankhgear’s Top Stop Kit?

If you will be cutting the zipper shorter to size, then yes, you will need Ankhgear’s top stop kit. The top stop kit is required to complete the installation of the MagZip magnetic zipper when the zipper is cut to size. The top stop kit is the small metal piece that will stop the zipper at the top of the jacket.

For installing the top stop kit, you will also need handheld wire cutters and needle nose pliers.

What Is Seam Ripping?

Seam ripping is the act of taking a seam ripper tool, or sharp small bladed scissors, and carefully cut or rip the threads that are holding the zipper to the jacket (see picture above). Each of these threads will need to be cut and the threads removed. This process does take time, so find yourself a comfortable place to sit and get to seam ripping.

If this is your first time seam ripping, I highly recommend using the seam rip tool as it will make it much easier and faster (and safer) than using scissors. You can purchase a seam ripper at your local craft store. Please note, only rip one or two seams at a time, pull the fabrics apart to stretch the remaining seams, and repeat. If you seam rip more than two seams, you run the risk of breaking the tip of your seam ripper in my experience. Always use safety precautions. This project is not intended for children.

How To Cut A Zipper To Size?

To cut the zipper to size, first measure how the length of your existing zipper. Mark the length on the new zipper. With both sides together on the new zipper, and with the zipper pull on the correct side to keep it intact, cut the excess zipper by cutting straight across the zipper and teeth. Here is a tutorial on cutting a zipper to size and replacing it.

Where Can I Purchase Ankhgear’s MagZip Hoodies?

You can purchase Ankhgear’s inclusive MagZip hoodies at their online store including the adaptive lightweight hoodie as well as Ankhgear’s MagZip heavyweight hoodie. And Ankhgear also offers kids sizes too!

And the zipper pulls have a great design as well. The MagZip magnetic zippers can also be found at Under Armour.

Helpful Hints and Troubleshooting

Here are some helpful hints when sewing and using the Magzip:

Sewing Tips

Before sewing the magnetic zipper in place, make sure the adjacent fabric is not too close to the zipper. If the fabric is too close, it will cause issues jamming the zipper, and you will need to redo that step to move the fabric further away.
If the fabric did get sewn too close to the zipper seam rip just beyond that section, adjust the fabric and pin in place, and carefully sew. Make sure to sew over the last few stitches before seam ripping, and backstitch at both ends to secure all the ends.
Check out this zipper replacement tutorial
Also here is a stop top kit replacement video tutorial as well

Zipper Resistance Tips

Sometimes new zippers can have a slightly higher resistance, and will need to be broken in. If this is the case, break in the zipper after it has been sewn in place by running the zipper up and down the jacket repeatedly. This shouldn’t take too long, but this repeated zipping will help to loosen up the zipper so that it can be zipped up more easily.
If the MagZip magnetic zipper is still more resistant than what you prefer, try adding either zipper lubricant, or even a little soap (I used liquid dawn dish soap), graphite, or dry lube. Make sure to add any of these using a Q-tip being careful not to get any on the fabric causing damage.

Listen For the Click

When putting on the jacket and moving the zippers close together, listen and feel the click. This will tell you the zippers are aligned and ready to be zipped up.
There are a few different ways you can move the zippers close together whether using one hand or two. Check out this video by Ankhgear demonstrating various ways to move the zippers close together and how to zip up using one hand.

Fine Motor Differences and Zipping Up The Magnetic Zipper

For some individuals who have differences in fine motor dexterity or strength, or possibly children, who will be using one hand to zip the jacket may need practice learning to engage the zipper initially. Some finger dexterity and strength is needed to move the zipper up away from the base. Check out the video link just above for a demonstration.

Zipper Care

Close all fasteners prior to washing.
Do not iron magnets

Magnet Precautions

If you have a pacemaker, get physician approval before replacing or using the magnetic zipper.

How To Replace An Existing Zipper With A MagZip Magnetic Zipper

Materials

Sewing machine and thread
Scissors
Seam ripper, or sharp small bladed scissors
Jacket or zip up hoodie
Ankhgear’s Round Base MagZip Zipper
Ankhgear’s Top Stop Kit, if you are cutting the zipper to size
Handheld wire cutters, for the top stop kit
Needle nose pliers, for the top stop kit
Push pins for holding the new zipper in place

Instructions

First, using the seam ripper and jacket, seam rip all the stitches holding the old zipper in place. Once complete, remove the old zipper from the jacket (save for another project if possible or discard). See picture under Seaming Ripping section.
Next, remove the ripped threads.
If cutting the MagZip zipper to length: (otherwise skip to step 6) Measure the zipper length needed based on the existing zipper. With the MagZip zipper together, and with the zipper pull on the correct side, cut the excess zipper using scissors straight across the fabric and teeth. Here is a zipper replacement tutorial.
Next for the stop top kit, you will need to remove the second tooth from the top on each side of the zipper (video tutorial). To remove the zipper tooth, use the wire cutters to carefully snip off the second tooth from the top as seen in the picture. Remove the tooth with the needle nose pliers. If the tooth does not come off easily, you may need to flip the zipper over and repeat process on the backside of the same tooth. Remove with needle nose pliers.
To add the stop top kit (check out the video just above), place one stop top in the place of the missing zipper tooth, squeeze tight using needle nose pliers to secure. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other side of the zipper.
To sew the MagZip zipper to the jacket: Place your MagZip zipper in the same place where the old zipper use to be, making sure the bottom and the top ends of the zipper are flush with the fabric. Pin in place. Ensure that the fabric along the zipper is not too close to the zipper as it will jam the zipper, and will need to be redone.
Sew the zipper in place using a straight stitch, removing the pins when needed. Backstitch at both ends. Trim any loose ends. Enjoy!