How To Sew A Throw Pillow Cover With Zipper?

Sewing a throw pillow cover with a zipper is a straightforward task that can revamp your living space or bedroom with a touch of personal style. Generally, you’ll begin by cutting your fabric to the desired dimensions, allowing for seam allowances, positioning the zipper along one side between two fabric panels, and then stitching around the rest of the perimeter to complete the pillow cover. Now, let’s break down these steps in more depth for clarity.

Gathering Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials ready. You will need:

  • Fabric of your choice
  • A zipper, at least as long as one side of your pillow
  • Scissors or a rotary cutter
  • Sewing pins or clips
  • A sewing machine
  • Thread that matches your fabric
  • A sewing needle (for hand sewing the end of the zipper)
  • An iron and ironing board
  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • A fabric marker or chalk

Step by Step Guide

Preparation of Fabric

1. Measure and cut your fabric. For a standard 18×18 inch throw pillow, you’ll cut two squares of 19×19 inches to include a half-inch seam allowance on all sides. If your pillow insert is a different size, adjust your measurements accordingly.

2. Press your fabric with an iron to remove all wrinkles, providing a clean surface to work on, which is crucial for accurate sewing.

Installing the Zipper

3. Place your fabric right sides together and pin the zipper area. Sew a temporary seam with a long stitch length (basting stitch) along the edge where you want your zipper. This helps to align the fabric properly.

4. Press open the basted seam carefully with your iron, laying the fabric flat.

5. Position your zipper face down along the seam, centering it. The zipper should be facing the right side of the fabric. Pin or clip the zipper in place, making sure that it doesn’t shift while sewing.

6. Change to a zipper foot on your sewing machine, and carefully stitch around the zipper. You’ll stitch a rectangle that encloses the zipper, getting as close to the zipper teeth as possible without hindering the zipper’s ability to open and close. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to secure the zipper in place.

7. Using a seam ripper, gently remove the basting stitches to reveal the zipper.

Sewing the Pillow Cover

8. Once the zipper is installed, unzip it halfway. This is an essential step, ensuring that you can turn your pillow cover right side out after sewing.

9. Align the remaining edges of your fabric right sides together again and pin in place. Sew around the three remaining sides of the pillow cover with a straight stitch, remembering the half-inch seam allowance.

10. Trim any excess threads and fabric corners to reduce bulk, being careful not to snip your stitches. This will give your corners a sharper edge when turned right side out.

11. Turn your pillow cover right side out through the unzipped zipper opening. Press the edges with your iron for a crisp finish.

Tips for Success

  • Fabric Choice: When choosing fabric, consider the end use of your pillow. If it’s purely decorative, a less durable fabric may suffice, but for a pillow that will be used, opt for a more robust fabric.
  • Zipper Length: Choosing a zipper that is the exact length of one side of your pillow or a bit longer is best as it makes inserting the pillow form easier.
  • Sewing Machine Tension: Adjust your machine tension if needed — a tension that’s too tight or too loose can affect the finished look of your seams.
  • Practice: If you’re new to installing zippers, practice on scraps of fabric first. Getting comfortable with the process can help achieve better results on the actual pillow cover.
  • Precision: Take your time to measure and cut accurately. In sewing, precision is key to professional-looking results.

Decorative Options

To add a more personalized or decorative touch, consider these options:

  • Use a contrasting thread color for a pop of color.
  • Add piping along the edges for a more tailored look.
  • Embellish with appliqués, embroidery, or decorative patches.
  • Mix and match fabric textures and patterns for visual interest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing the process: Take your time, especially when sewing in the zipper.
  • Not pressing your fabric: Ironing is essential for professional results.
  • Ignoring the zipper: Ensure the zipper is halfway open before sewing the remaining sides, or you might not be able to turn your pillow cover right side out.
  • Forgetting seam allowances: Incorrect measurements can result in a pillow cover that’s too small or too big.

Finishing Thoughts

Sewing a throw pillow cover with a zipper may seem daunting at first, especially for beginners, but it’s an excellent project to practice and enhance your sewing skills. Not only does it allow you to customize your decor to your tastes, but it also provides the satisfaction of creating something functional and beautiful with your own two hands. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to craft a pillow cover that’s both stylish and practical, perfect for swapping out with the seasons or refreshing a room at a moment’s notice. Happy sewing!

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Author

  • Aiden Lawrence

    I'm Aiden Lawrence, a certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor of GoodSleepHub, proud parent of two amazing kids, and a pet lover with a cat and a dog. Join me as we explore the world of sweet dreams and comfy pillows. Let's make bedtime the highlight of your day!

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