Mastering the Art of Pillow Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sew in a Zipper

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Tired of trying to wrestle your pillows into decorative covers, only to have the zipper fall apart or become stuck after just a few uses? Fear not, for we have the ultimate solution to your pillow predicament – sewing in a zipper! One of the most common and useful skills in sewing, being able to properly insert a zipper can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. In this article, we will walk you through step by step on how to sew in a zipper for a pillow cover, so you can achieve that professional and seamless finish every time. So grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!

Sewing a zipper onto a pillow may seem like an intimidating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and efficiently. Zippers are commonly used to close pillow covers, making it easier to change and wash them. By learning how to sew in a zipper, you will have a versatile skill that can be applied to many other sewing projects. With some practice and patience, you will soon find yourself confidently sewing in zippers like a pro.

Gather Your Materials

The first step in sewing in a zipper is gathering all the necessary materials. For this project, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Zipper tape of desired length
  • Zipper foot attachment for your sewing machine
  • Pillow fabric (two pieces for the front and back)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine with thread
  • Sewing pins
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Fabric marking tool (chalk or fabric pen)

Before starting your project, make sure that you have all these materials readily available. It’s always better to have everything organized before you begin sewing.

Get Started: Preparing the Zipper Tape

The next step is preparing the zipper tape. To do this, lay out your zipper tape flat on a table with the right side facing up. Take your fabric measuring tool and mark equal distance on both ends of the zipper tape.

Now add an additional 1 inch on either side of the markings. This extra inch will serve as seam allowance when attaching the zipper onto your pillow cover.

Using your fabric scissors, cut along these markings to divide the zipper tape into two equal pieces.

Preparing Your Fabric Pieces

Take your pillow fabric and lay them flat on a table with the right side facing up. Make sure that the pieces are placed on top of each other so that you can cut them together in order to achieve identical dimensions.

With your measuring tool and fabric marker, measure a seam allowance of ½ an inch from the edge of your chosen fabric and mark it along all four sides.

Once marked, cut along these lines with your fabric scissors. This will ensure that you have equal-sized fabric pieces for your pillow cover.

Aligning the Zipper Tape onto the Fabric

Take one of your fabric pieces and lay it flat on a table with the wrong side facing up. Place one piece of your zipper tape onto this piece of fabric, aligning it with the top edge. The zipper teeth should be facing down towards the wrong side of the fabric.

Now lay down the other piece of fabric on top with its wrong side facing down. Make sure to align all edges neatly and pin them together using sewing pins.

Sewing in the Zipper

Attach your zipper foot to your sewing machine as this attachment is specially designed for attaching zippers. Adjust the needle position on your sewing machine so that it’s close to where the zipper teeth are located.

Start sewing from one end by leaving a tail when starting off. Continue sewing close to the teeth, removing pins as you go along.

Once you reach halfway, turn your project around and continue sewing until you reach the other end. Don’t forget to leave another tail when ending off.

After finishing both sides, close and open your zipper to ensure everything is attached correctly.

Attaching The Other Side Of The Zipper

Take out another piece of fabric for the back part of your pillow cover. Place it on a table with its right side facing up.

Now take one half of your zipper tape and place it onto the top edge of this piece, again facing down. Make sure that the fabric and zipper tape are facing each other.

On top of this, place your first fabric piece with its right side facing down. Align the edges and pin them together.

Sew along the edge, similar to how you attached the first half of the zipper tape. Once done, open and close your zipper to ensure that everything is properly attached.

Finalizing Your Pillow Cover

To complete your pillow cover, turn it inside out and sew along all four sides starting from where you left off on one end of the zipper.

Once done, turn your project back to its right side and insert your pillow form through the open zipper. You now have a beautifully sewn pillow cover with an inserted zipper!

Learning how to sew in a zipper into a pillow cover may require some practice but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great skill to have. With this step-by-step guide, sewing in zippers will no longer be a daunting task. So go ahead and give it a try – soon enough you’ll be confidently sewing zippers onto various projects!

Understanding the Basics of Sewing a Zipper in a Pillow

When it comes to creating beautiful and functional home decor, learning how to sew in a zipper in a pillow can be a game-changer. Not only does it allow you to easily switch out pillow covers for different seasons or moods, but it also gives you the freedom to use any fabric of your choosing – without being limited by pre-made pillow covers with fixed zippers.

However, many people are intimidated by the thought of sewing in a zipper. Questions such as “where do I even start?” and “how do I make sure it looks professional?” may arise. But fear not, as we’ll guide you through the basics of sewing in a zipper in a pillow and soon you’ll be an expert at this essential sewing skill.

The first thing to note is that there are two types of zippers available for pillow-making – standard or invisible. Standard zippers have exposed teeth, while invisible zippers have their teeth hidden behind the fabric. For this tutorial, we’ll be focusing on inserting an invisible zipper as it gives a cleaner and more seamless finish.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before getting started on sewing your zipper, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand:

  • Fabric of your choice (preferably a sturdy material like cotton or linen)
  • Matching thread
  • Invisible zipper (measure the length of your pillow and add 1 inch for proper fit)
  • Zigzag scissors
  • Pins or clips
  • Sewing machine with an invisible zipper foot attachment (optional)
  • Iron and ironing board

Once you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to begin sewing!

Preparing Your Fabric and Marking Placement for the Zipper

Start by cutting your fabric to the desired size of your pillow, adding an additional half-inch seam allowance on each side. This will ensure that the zipper is not too snug and that you have enough fabric to work with.

Next, fold over one edge of the fabric by half an inch and press it with your iron. This will serve as a hem for the opening of your pillow cover.

Now, lay down your fabric right side up and place the zipper face down on top of it. Align the end of the zipper with the edge of your fabric and mark its placement with a washable fabric marker or chalk. Repeat this step on the other side of the fabric and make sure both marks are at equal distances from each edge.

Sewing in the Zipper

To start sewing in your zipper, lay down one side of your fabric right side up on a flat surface. Place the zipper centered and face down on top, aligning it with the markings you made earlier. Use pins or clips to secure it onto the fabric.

If you have an invisible zipper foot attachment for your sewing machine, now is a good time to attach it. This will make sewing much easier as it helps guide your needle closely along the zipper teeth. If you don’t have this attachment, use a regular foot but make sure to sew as close as possible to the teeth.

Begin sewing from just below where you marked for placement until you reach just above where you want your hem to begin (do not sew all the way to the end). Backstitch at both ends for extra reinforcement.

With one side done, flip over your fabric and repeat this step on the other side – making sure that when closed, both sides align perfectly.

Finishing Up Your Zipper

Once both sides are sewn in place and aligned perfectly when closed, open up your zipper halfway so that you can turn your fabric right side out later on.

Fold over the other raw edge of your fabric by half an inch and press it with your iron. Now place your fabric right sides together with the zipper sandwiched in between. Use pins or clips to secure all sides together, including the hemmed edges.

Starting from just below one end of the zipper, begin sewing all around your pillow – keeping a half-inch seam allowance. Once you reach the end of your zipper, backstitch to reinforce it and continue sewing until you reach where you started.

Turn your pillow cover right side out and give it a good press with your iron to ensure a smooth finish. Your invisible zipper pillow cover is now complete!

Learning how to sew in a zipper in a pillow is an essential sewing skill that will allow you to create beautiful and functional home decor. With the basic techniques outlined in this guide, you can now confidently sew in a zipper on various projects such as cushion covers, pouches, and more. Keep practicing this skill and soon enough you’ll be able to insert zippers like a pro!

1. How do I determine the correct size of zipper for my pillow?
The length of your zipper should be at least 2-3 inches shorter than the width of your pillow. This ensures that the zipper is not too long or too short.

2. Do I need any special tools to sew in a zipper for my pillow?
You will need a basic sewing kit with a seam ripper, pins, needle, thread, and a sewing machine (if available). A zipper foot attachment for your sewing machine can also be helpful.

3. Can I sew in a zipper by hand?
Yes, but it may be more time-consuming and requires more precision. Using a sewing machine with a zipper foot attachment will give you more accurate and efficient results.

4. What is the best method for securing the zipper to my pillow?
To ensure that the zipper stays in place while sewing, it is recommended to pin it onto the fabric first before starting to sew. Make sure to remove the pins as you sew along.

5. How can I hide the raw edges of the fabric when inserting a zipper?
You can use bias tape to neatly cover the raw edges and give your pillow a professional finish. It is also recommended to finish off any exposed edges with an overlock stitch or zigzag stitch before inserting the zipper.

6. How can I fix mistakes while sewing in a zipper on my pillow?
In case of any mistakes or misalignments, gently remove stitches using a seam ripper and start again. It is always better to take your time and do it accurately rather than rushing through it. Practice makes perfect!

In conclusion, learning how to sew in a zipper in a pillow is a simple yet essential skill for any sewing enthusiast or beginner. It allows for easy removal and cleaning of pillow covers, extends the life of pillows, and adds a professional and polished touch to homemade pillow projects.

We have discussed the importance of choosing the right zipper for your project, measuring and marking placement accurately, and various techniques for sewing in a zipper. These steps may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can master this skill.

It is crucial to pay attention to detail when working with zippers, taking your time to ensure neatness and precision. Mistakes may happen along the way, but with proper techniques and tools at hand, they can easily be fixed.

By learning how to sew in a zipper in a pillow, you not only expand your sewing skills but also open up possibilities for creating unique decorative pillows or revamping old ones. This skill can also be applied to other sewing projects such as clothing items or home decor items.

Furthermore, being able to sew in zippers gives you the flexibility to customize your pillows according to your preference and style. You can choose from various types of zippers – invisible, standard, or contrasting – that will add a personalized touch to your pillows

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.