Because we removed the plastic top stop, we need to create a new one, which we will do by tying a thick knot. For this, we will use a sewing needle and thick thread. The knot must be thick enough to stop the slider at the tape end again.

Get creative: this knot will be visible, so might choose a matching thread colour to be less noticeable; or a bright contract colour to celebrate your repair!

Start by putting the needle through the zipper tape, and making a standard hand-sewing knot. Then, keep repeating the process of sewing through the tape, to build a thicker and thicker bundle of thread.

Tip: periodically pull the zipper up to the repair, and gently test if the thread bundle is large enough to stop it coming off. If it's still too small, keep adding more thread.

Once the thread bundle is large enough to prevent the zipper puller from coming off, make a final securing knot, and cut the excess thread away.