Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Sewn Pillow Covers with Zippers: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly replacing your old, worn-out pillow covers? Have you been wanting to add a touch of personalization to your home decor? Look no further, because today we are going to learn how to sew a pillow cover with a zipper. This essential skill will not only save you money in the long run, but also allow you to create custom designs for your living space. So dust off your sewing machine and get ready to upgrade your home decor game!

Introduction

Sewing is a skill that has been around for centuries and while it may seem daunting at first, it is a skill that anyone can learn with patience and practice. One of the most common projects for beginners to start with is sewing a pillow cover with a zipper. Not only is this project simple enough for beginners, but it also allows for creativity and personalization in fabric choices and design. In this guide, we will go through step by step on how to sew a pillow cover with a zipper, giving you all the necessary information and tips to successfully complete this project.

What You Will Need

Before starting your pillow cover project, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of essentials you will need:

– Fabric: This can be any type of fabric you prefer, but for beginners, we recommend using cotton or linen as they are easier to work with.

– Zipper: The zipper should be slightly longer than the width of your pillow to ensure easy insertion and removal.

– Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors are essential for cutting out the fabric pieces accurately.

– Sewing machine: While sewing by hand is possible, a sewing machine will make the process much faster and easier.

– Thread: Choose thread that matches your fabric or opt for contrasting thread for decorative purposes.

– Pins: These will help keep your fabric in place while sewing.

– Iron: This will come in handy for pressing seams and creating crisp edges in your pillow cover.

Preparing Your Fabric

Before you begin cutting out your fabric pieces, make sure to prewash and iron them. This will prevent shrinkage after sewing and give you precise measurements to work with. Once your fabric is prepped and ironed, lay it flat on a cutting mat if available or any flat surface.

Here are some additional tips for preparing your fabric:

– If using patterned fabric, make sure to match up the pattern on both sides of the pillow cover for a seamless look.

– Measure and mark your fabric pieces to ensure accuracy when cutting.

Cutting Out Your Fabric

Now it’s time to cut out your fabric pieces according to the measurements of your pillow. You will need two identical pieces for the front and back of the pillow and one longer piece for the zipper panel. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure accuracy in cutting.

Here are some tips for cutting out your fabric:

– Add an extra inch on each side for seam allowance when cutting out the front and back pieces.

– The zipper panel should be about 3 inches longer than the width of your pillow.

Sewing The Zipper Panel

The first step in sewing a pillow cover with a zipper is to attach the zipper panel. Take one long piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew a straight stitch along one long side, leaving about ½ inch at each end.

Next, press open your seam using an iron. This will give you a crease down the middle which will serve as a guide for inserting the zipper.

Now it’s time to insert the zipper. Lay your folded fabric piece flat, with the right side facing up. Place your zipper on top with one end lining up with the edge of the fabric and pin it in place. Using a sewing machine, sew along one side of the zipper using a zipper foot attachment.

Repeat this process on the other side, making sure that both sides of the zipper line up evenly when closed. Once finished, unzip the zipper halfway as this will make turning your pillow cover right-side out easier later on.

Sewing The Front And Back Pieces

With your zipper panel attached, now it’s time to sew the front and back pieces together. Lay your front piece on top of the zipper panel, right sides together, aligning the edges. Make sure that the zipper panel is facing towards the front piece.

Pin all three layers – front piece, zipper panel, and back piece – together along three sides, leaving the side with the zipper open. Using a sewing machine, sew along these three sides using a ½ inch seam allowance.

Once complete, unzip the zipper and turn your pillow cover right-side out. Press all seams using an iron for a clean finish.

Finishing Touches

The last step in sewing a pillow cover with a zipper is to close up the open side of the cover. Fold in each edge by ½ inch and press them down with an iron. Then fold in each edge again by ½ inch and press.

Pin these folded edges in place and sew along them using a straight stitch on your sewing machine. Be sure to backstitch at both ends for extra durability.

Finally, insert your pillow into the cover through the now fully closed zipper and zip it up! Your new pillow cover is now complete and ready to be displayed on your couch or bed.

Conclusion

S

What You Will Need

To sew a pillow cover with a zipper, you will need a few essential supplies. These include:

– Fabric for the outer cover and lining. It is recommended to use a medium-weight fabric, such as cotton or linen.
– A zipper that is at least the length of one side of your pillow. A longer zipper is fine too, as it can always be trimmed to fit.
– Coordinating thread and sewing needles.
– Measuring tape, scissors, and pins.
– Sewing machine (optional but highly recommended).
– Iron and ironing board.

Before starting, ensure that you have all these supplies ready so you can work efficiently without any interruptions.

Preparing the Fabric

The first step to making a pillow cover with a zipper is preparing your fabric. Start by ironing out any wrinkles from your fabric using a steam iron. This will make it easier to work with and give you better results.

Next, measure and cut out two pieces of fabric for the outer cover and two pieces for the lining. The size of these pieces should be 1 inch bigger than your pillow on all sides to allow for seam allowances.

If you are using patterned fabric, make sure to align the pattern on both pieces for the outer cover before cutting them out. This will ensure that your finished cover looks neat and professional.

Installing the Zipper

Once your fabric is cut and prepped, it’s time to install the zipper. Start by taking one piece of your outer cover fabric and turning it over so that the right side is facing down. Place your zipper face down along one side of this piece, aligning it with the edge.

Using pins or clips, secure the zipper in place along this edge. Then take one piece of lining fabric and place it face down on top of this first piece, making sure to line up the edges. Pin or clip it in place as well.

Use your sewing machine to stitch along the pinned edge, attaching the zipper and both pieces of fabric together. Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper, making sure to sandwich it between the other piece of outer cover fabric and lining fabric.

Once both sides are stitched in place, unzip your zipper halfway. This is important as it will allow you to turn your cover right side out once it is fully sewn.

Constructing the Cover

With your zipper now attached, it’s time to construct your pillow cover. Start by aligning both outer cover pieces with their right sides facing each other and pinning or clipping them in place.

Next, do the same with both pieces of lining fabric. Make sure that all four pieces are aligned correctly before sewing them together. Leave a small opening on one side of the lining for turning later.

Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, stitch along all four sides of your cover. Once finished, trim any excess fabric from the corners and turn your cover right side out through the opening in the lining.

Now you can neatly hand-stitch this opening closed using an invisible slip stitch or use your sewing machine to top-stitch it closed for a more secure finish.

Final Touches

Congratulations, you have successfully sewn a pillow cover with a zipper! Before inserting your pillow, give it a final press with an iron for a crisp finish.

If needed, you can also add some additional decorative touches such as piping or trim along the edges of your cover for an extra polished look. Remember to use coordinating thread and follow a similar process as above when attaching these elements.

With these simple steps, you can easily sew beautiful pillow covers with zippers that will make changing and washing your pillows much easier. Don’t be afraid to play around with different fabrics and designs to add a personalized touch to your home decor. Happy sewing!

1) What materials do I need to sew a pillow cover with a zipper?
To sew a pillow cover with a zipper, you will need fabric (at least 1 yard), a zipper (measuring the same length as one side of your pillow), scissors, thread, pins, and a sewing machine.

2) What type of zipper should I use for a pillow cover?
It is recommended to use an invisible or concealed zipper for pillow covers, as it provides a cleaner and more professional finish.

3) Do I need any prior sewing experience to make a pillow cover with a zipper?
Some basic sewing skills are helpful but not necessary. You can follow online tutorials or consult with someone who is experienced in sewing for guidance.

4) How do I measure the fabric for my pillow cover?
Measure your pillow and add an extra inch to both the length and width for seam allowance. Then, cut two pieces of fabric according to these measurements.

5) What stitch should I use when sewing the fabric pieces together?
A straight stitch is recommended for sewing the two fabric pieces together. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.

6) How do I insert the zipper into my pillow cover?
Pin one side of the zipper tape along one edge of your fabric piece with right sides facing each other. Sew using your machine’s zipper foot attachment. Repeat on the other side and then unzip the zipper halfway before sewing the remaining three sides of your pillow cover together.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a pillow cover with a zipper is a practical skill that can benefit anyone interested in creating their own home decor. Through this guide, we have explored the step-by-step process of sewing a pillow cover with a zipper, including choosing materials, measuring and cutting fabric, constructing the cover, and installing the zipper. We have also discussed some useful tips and techniques to ensure a professional-looking finish.

It is evident that sewing a pillow cover with a zipper is not as daunting as it may seem at first. With patience, practice, and attention to detail, anyone with basic sewing knowledge can successfully create their own custom pillow covers. Plus, by learning how to install a zipper properly, you can apply this skill to other sewing projects in the future.

Not only is sewing your own pillow covers cost-effective and customizable but it also allows for greater creativity and individuality in your home decor. You can easily change up the look of your living space by swapping out different covers without having to buy new pillows altogether.

Moreover, mastering the technique of sewing with zippers can open doors to more advanced sewing projects such as clothing or bags. It is an essential skill to have in any sewer’s toolkit.

In conclusion, whether you are looking for practicality or creativity in

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.