Want to give your comfy throw pillows a little upgrade? Adding a zipper is a fantastic way to do it! The sewing machine is your friend, of course, as it’ll make the job much faster than hand-stitching. Think about this: the zipper’s length is equal to the pillow’s side length, since that affects how easily you can remove the pillow insert. You might even be inspired by home décor magazines like *Better Homes and Gardens* to create interchangeable pillow covers for every season, and that starts with learning how to add a zipper to a pillow with ease.
How to Add a Zipper to a Pillow: Easy Sewing
Okay, so you want to give your favorite pillow a facelift with a zipper? Awesome! Adding a zipper makes it SO much easier to wash the cover, swap out inserts, or just generally keep things looking fresh. Don’t worry, it’s totally doable, even if you’re a sewing newbie. This guide breaks it down step-by-step.
Before we dive in, let’s get organized. Having everything prepped and ready will make the whole process smooth sailing. Think of it as setting up your sewing station for success!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your pillow form
- Fabric for your pillow cover (make sure it’s slightly larger than the pillow form!)
- A zipper (the length should be a little shorter than one side of your pillow – we’ll explain why later)
- Matching thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins (lots of them!)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board
Now that you have your supplies, let’s talk about the best way to cut your fabric. Accuracy is key here, as this will directly influence the final size and shape of your pillow cover.
- Measure Your Pillow: Accurately measure the length and width of your pillow insert.
- Add Seam Allowance: Add 1 inch to both the length and width to accommodate a ½-inch seam allowance on all sides. This ensures your pillow cover will fit comfortably.
- Cutting the Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric according to your calculated measurements. These will be the front and back of your pillow cover.
Now, let’s get into the heart of the matter: inserting that zipper. There are a couple of ways to do this, but we’ll focus on a method that’s relatively simple and provides a clean finish.
Think of this like building a sandwich: fabric, zipper, fabric. The "sandwich" needs to be properly aligned and secured (with pins) before we can "cook" it (sew it!).
Here’s the breakdown of how to attach the zipper:
- Prepare the Fabric: Place your two pieces of fabric right sides together. On one edge, mark where your zipper will begin and end, leaving a little space at each end (about 1/2 inch) for the seam allowance. Essentially, the zipper should be shorter than the full length of the pillow side.
- Basting Stitch (Optional but Recommended): Using a long stitch length on your sewing machine, sew a temporary seam (a "basting stitch") along the edge where the zipper will go, between your marked points. This holds the fabric together temporarily and makes it easier to sew the zipper in straight. Press the seam open.
- Position the Zipper: Place the zipper face down on the wrong side of the fabric, centering it over the pressed-open seam. The zipper teeth should be aligned with the basted seam. Pin the zipper in place, making sure it’s straight and secure.
- Sew the Zipper: Using a zipper foot (this is a special sewing machine foot designed to sew close to zippers), sew the zipper to the fabric. Sew close to the zipper teeth. Remove the basting stitches with a seam ripper after the zipper is sewn in. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Prep Fabric, mark zipper placement, leaving 1/2 inch for seam allowance. |
| Step 2 | Basting Stitch (Optional), make a temporary seam, and press it. |
| Step 3 | Position Zipper, place face down, centering it and aligning with seam. |
| Step 4 | Sew Zipper, remove basting stitch after sewing. |
Next, you’re going to sew the other three sides of the pillow cover.
- With the zipper partially open (this is important so you can turn the pillow cover right-side out later!), pin the remaining three sides of the pillow cover together, right sides facing.
- Sew around the three sides using a ½-inch seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure your stitches.
- Clip the corners (carefully cut off the excess fabric at the corners without cutting into the seam) to reduce bulk and make the corners sharper when you turn it right-side out.
- Turn the pillow cover right-side out through the open zipper. Gently push out the corners to make them crisp.
Finally, give your new pillow cover a good press with an iron. This will help smooth out any wrinkles and give it a professional finish. Insert your pillow form and admire your handiwork!
FAQs: How to Add a Zipper to a Pillow: Easy Sewing
Can I use any type of zipper when adding a zipper to a pillow?
Invisible zippers are a great choice for a clean, professional look. However, any zipper that’s slightly shorter than the width of your pillow form will work. Just ensure the zipper tape matches or complements your fabric.
What if my zipper is longer than the pillow side I’m sewing it to?
If your zipper is longer, simply sew beyond the zipper stop with a few extra stitches back and forth to secure it. You can also trim the excess zipper tape after sewing, being careful not to cut the zipper teeth themselves. Knowing how to add a zipper to a pillow includes managing zipper length.
Do I need a special sewing machine foot for this project?
While a zipper foot is helpful for getting close to the zipper teeth, it’s not always necessary. A regular sewing machine foot can work, especially if you sew slowly and carefully, moving the needle position if needed. Using a zipper foot makes learning how to add a zipper to a pillow easier.
How do I avoid the zipper getting caught in the fabric when closing the pillow?
Before you fully close the pillow, test the zipper. Trim any excess fabric near the zipper teeth. Also, consider gently pressing the seam allowance open around the zipper area to reduce bulk, ensuring smooth closure after you add a zipper to a pillow.
So there you have it! Adding a zipper to a pillow really is that simple. With a little practice, you’ll be zipping up pillows like a pro. Now, go grab your fabric and zipper and give it a try – your couch (and your back!) will thank you for it.