Unlock the Secrets: Mastering How to Sew a Pillowcase with Zipper

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly struggling with the zipper on your pillowcase? Or perhaps you’re just looking to add a personal touch to your bedding? Look no further, because in this article, we will guide you through a simple and efficient tutorial on how to sew a pillowcase with zipper. Whether you’re a beginner at sewing or an experienced pro, this step-by-step guide will have you creating perfect pillowcases in no time. So grab your fabric, thread, and sewing machine, and let’s get started on this useful and fun project!

Materials Needed

To sew a pillowcase with a zipper, you will need the following materials:

1. Fabric – You will need two pieces of fabric, one for the front of the pillowcase and one for the back. The size of the fabric will depend on the size of your pillow. Typically, a standard pillowcase is 20 inches by 30 inches, so you will need two pieces of fabric that are at least 21 inches by 31 inches to allow for seam allowance.

2. Zipper – You will need a regular zipper that is at least as long as the width of your pillow. For example, if your pillow is 20 inches wide, you will need a zipper that is at least 20 inches long.

3. Matching thread – Choose a thread color that matches your fabric for a seamless look.

4. Sewing machine – While it is possible to hand sew a zipper onto a pillowcase, using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and efficient.

5. Scissors – Make sure to have sharp scissors on hand to cut your fabric and zipper.

6. Pins or wonder clips – These can help hold the fabric in place while sewing.

Preparing Your Fabric

Before you start sewing, it is important to prepare your fabric correctly. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Wash and iron your fabric before cutting it into pieces for your pillowcase. This ensures that any shrinkage occurs before sewing rather than after when it could alter the fit of your pillowcase.

2. Measure and cut out two identical pieces of fabric according to the size of your pillow plus seam allowance (typically 1 inch on all sides).

3.After cutting out the pieces, lay them flat on top of each other with right sides facing inwards.

4.Pin or clip around three sides of the fabric, leaving one side open for the zipper.

Attaching the Zipper

Now it’s time to sew in the zipper. Follow these steps:

1. Measure and mark where you want your zipper to start and end on the open side of your fabric.

2. On one side of the fabric, fold over a small section (about ½ inch) of fabric towards the wrong side and press with an iron. This will create a nice clean edge to sew the zipper onto.

3. Place your zipper face down on top of this folded edge, aligning it with your marked start and end points.

4. Pin or clip the zipper onto the fabric at these points to keep it in place.

5. Change your sewing machine foot to a zipper foot, which will allow you to sew closer to the teeth of the zipper.

6. Starting at one end, slowly sew down one side of the zipper, making sure to backstitch at both ends for reinforcement.

7. When you reach the bottom of your sewing, leave about an inch unstitched before cutting off your thread.

8. Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper.

Sewing Together The Pillowcase

With your zipper now attached, it’s time to sew together the sides of your pillowcase. Follow these steps:

1.Ensure that both ends of your zip have been closed – this is important as you do not want to get stuck attaching two pieces that don’t match!

2.Pin or wonder clip all three sides again like you did before attaching your zip but make sure that you don’t pin over any zips that are close by!

3.Switch back to your regular sewing foot if needed and start sewing from one end down three sides in total using a seam allowance guide – usually 0.5 inch/ 1 cm

4.To ensure clean corners always start ~0.5 inch /1 cm from the edge and leave needle up in your sewing machine when you need to turn your fabric!

5.End the stitch before getting close to your zipper stop and make a nice clean back stitch.

6. Turn your pillowcase right side out through the zips opening, please take great care when you are turning over – as not press on your zipper – I find it is helpful to undo the first corner by cutting through seam allowance and scuttle away with pinking shears.

7. Congratulations! You now have a pillowcase with a zipper!

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble sewing in your zipper, here are some tips to troubleshoot common issues:

1. Zipper not sewing smoothly – Make sure the teeth of the zipper are facing down towards the fabric when sewing, and that there is no fabric caught in between the zipper teeth.

2. Uneven sides – Check that your fabric pieces are cut evenly and that you are using a consistent seam allowance when sewing.

3. Zipper not lining up correctly – Make sure you measure and mark where you want the zipper to start and end before pinning or clipping it onto the fabric.

4. Uneven corners – Be sure to start from a consistent distance away from the edge when turning

Preparation for Sewing a Pillowcase With Zipper

Before you begin sewing a pillowcase with zipper, there are a few things you need to prepare. The right tools and materials will make the process smoother and easier. Here are the items you will need:

– Fabric: For making a pillowcase with zipper, you will need two pieces of fabric – one for the front and one for the back. You can use any type of fabric, but medium-weight cotton is recommended.
– Zipper: Choose a zipper that is at least 1 inch longer than the width of your pillowcase.
– Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors is essential for cutting your fabric accurately.
– Pins: Pins are useful for holding fabric in place while sewing.
– Iron: Before sewing, ironing your fabric will help create crisp edges and ensure neat sewing.
– Sewing machine: While it is possible to sew a pillowcase by hand, using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and neater.
– Thread: Choose thread that matches the color of your fabric.
– Measuring tape or ruler: To ensure accurate measurements while cutting your fabric.

Preparing Your Fabric

The first step in preparing your fabric is pre-washing. This step is important because it removes any shrinking or warping that may occur after washing the finished pillowcase. Cut both pieces of your chosen fabric into rectangles according to the size of your pillow. You will need to add extra inches to account for seams, so be sure to measure carefully.

Next, fold the edges of both pieces twice (about ¼ inch each time) towards the wrong side of the fabric and press with an iron. This creates neat hems around all four edges of your rectangle.

Sewing Process

The following steps explain how to sew a simple envelope pillow cover with a zipper. If you have never sewn a zipper before, it may seem intimidating, but with the right technique, it is easy to achieve a professional-looking finish.

– Start by placing one fabric piece right side up on your working surface. Place the zipper on top of the fabric in the center, with the right side facing down.
– Pin one side of the zipper tape to the edge of the fabric and sew along this edge, as close to the teeth of the zipper as possible. Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine for this step.
– Next, place your other fabric piece on top of your first piece and zipper, with right sides facing down. Line up all edges and pin in place.
– Sew along the opposite side of your zipper in the same way as before.
– Once both sides are sewn, use an iron to flatten out any wrinkles.
– Pin all four edges together and sew around all four sides using a ½ inch seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at each end for extra strength.
– Before turning your pillowcase inside out, clip off any excess threads and corners so that they are nice and neat.
– Finally, turn your pillowcase inside out through the bottom zipper opening.

Finishing Touches

To make sure your pillowcase has crisp corners and is well-shaped, run over each side with an iron once again. After this last step, you can insert your pillow into the case through the zippered opening.

You now have a beautifully made pillowcase with a zipper closure. With just a few steps and some basic sewing skills, you can easily create these elegant covers for all of your throw pillows.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Here are some troubleshooting tips for common mistakes that may occur while sewing a pillowcase with zipper:

– If you find that your stitches are too tight or puckering the fabric, try adjusting the tension on your sewing machine.
– If the zipper is not lying flat against the fabric, you may need to press both sides of the zipper tape with an iron before sewing.
– If you have accidentally sewn over a pin, remove it and carefully go over the area again to avoid any puckering or broken needles.
– If your corners are not crisp after turning your pillowcase inside out, use a blunt object such as a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners from the inside.

Learning how to sew a pillowcase with zipper can be daunting for beginners, but with practice, it can become an easy and enjoyable task. With just a few materials and steps, you can create beautiful and functional pillowcases that will add a touch of elegance to any room. So next time you want to add some personality to your throw pillows, rather than buying new ones, try making your own pillow covers with zippers – you will be surprised at how simple and satisfying it can be.

Q: What materials do I need to sew a pillowcase with a zipper?
A: You will need fabric, a zipper, pins, scissors, thread, a sewing machine, and an iron.

Q: What type of fabric is best for making pillowcases with zippers?
A: Cotton and linen are popular choices for pillowcase fabric as they are durable and easy to work with. However, you can use any fabric of your preference.

Q: How do I measure the fabric for my pillowcase?
A: To determine the right size of your fabric, measure the dimensions of the pillow insert and add an extra inch for seam allowance on each side.

Q: Do I need any special techniques to install the zipper on my pillowcase?
A: No, standard sewing techniques such as basting and topstitching will suffice. It’s important to follow specific instructions for your chosen zipper type.

Q: Can I hand sew a zipper onto my pillowcase?
A: While it’s possible to hand sew a zipper onto your pillowcase, it may not result in a durable finish. Using a sewing machine is recommended for better results.

Q: How can I ensure that my pillowcase looks neat and professional after sewing on the zipper?
A: Ironing is crucial in achieving a neat finish for your pillowcase. Be sure to press all seams before inserting the cushion and give it a final press once the cushion is inside.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a pillowcase with a zipper is a valuable skill that can save you time and money while allowing you to add a personal touch to your home decor. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully create a professional-looking pillowcase with a zipper closure.

Key takeaways from this tutorial include ensuring you have the right materials and tools, properly measuring and cutting your fabric, carefully installing the zipper, and finishing off the edges for a clean look. It is important to practice and be patient as sewing takes time to refine. With practice, you will become more confident and comfortable with sewing techniques.

Additionally, understanding the basics of sewing can open up opportunities for creativity and self-expression through other sewing projects. It can also be a therapeutic activity that allows you to unwind and destress while creating something practical.

As you continue on your sewing journey, remember to always follow proper safety precautions and be mindful of your technique. With determination and consistent practice, you will soon be able to sew various items with ease.

Overall, learning how to sew a pillowcase with a zipper is not only practical but also enjoyable. The satisfaction of completing a project with your own hands is unmatched. So don’t hesitate to try it out and discover the joys of DIY

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.