Sewing a zipper onto a pillow may sound daunting to a beginner, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can add a professional touch to your homemade pillows. To sew a zipper onto a pillow, you will need a pillow cover, a zipper that is slightly shorter than the width of the pillow cover, pins or fabric clips, a sewing machine, a zipper foot, and matching thread. The basic process involves positioning the zipper along the seam of the pillow cover, securing it in place, and stitching it carefully with a machine using a zipper foot for precision. Understanding the steps in detail will help elevate the finished look of your pillow.
Getting Started
Before we delve into the specifics of sewing a zipper into a pillow, gather all the materials and tools you will need. Choose a zipper that complements your fabric—if the pillow cover is decorative, a hidden or invisible zipper may be the most aesthetically pleasing.
Materials Required:
- Pillow cover (pre-sewn or fabric pieces to sew)
- Zipper (1-2 inches shorter than the pillow cover’s width)
- Sewing pins or clips
- Thread (in a matching or contrasting color, as desired)
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing machine
- Zipper foot for the sewing machine
- Iron (optional, but helpful for pressing seams)
- Seam ripper (in case of mistakes or if you’re installing a zipper into an already finished pillowcase)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Fabric and Zipper
The first step is to prepare the pillow cover. If you’re starting from scratch, sew three sides of your pillow cover, leaving one side open for the zipper. Press the seams with an iron to make them crisp and flat. If you’re adding a zipper to a finished pillow cover, carefully use a seam ripper to open one side of the seam where you want to insert the zipper.
Next, prepare your zipper by ironing it on a low heat setting. This step will flatten the zipper tape, making it easier to work with.
Positioning the Zipper
Place the zipper face down along the seam allowance where the zipper will be installed. The top stop of the zipper should be about 1/2 inch from the top edge of the fabric. Center the zipper along the seam, and ensure that the zipper teeth are directly over the seam line. Pin the zipper in place or use fabric clips to hold the zipper to the fabric without shifting.
Sewing the Zipper
Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine, as this will help stitch close to the zipper teeth. Before you start sewing, baste the zipper in place with long, hand stitches. This will secure the zipper further and make it easier to remove pins or clips while sewing.
Begin at the top of the zipper, and backstitch to lock the stitches in place. Sew down one side of the zipper, keeping the needle close to the zipper teeth without sewing over them. When you approach the zipper pull, lower the needle into the fabric, lift the presser foot, and carefully unzip the zipper past the foot. Lower the foot and continue sewing to the bottom of the zipper. Backstitch again to reinforce the end of the stitching.
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Repeat this process on the other side of the zipper, ensuring that the fabric is flat and that the zipper is not twisted.
Finishing the Zipper Installation
Once the zipper is sewn into place, remove the basting stitches with a seam ripper. If you installed an invisible zipper, use an iron to press the fabric along the zipper to give a crisp edge and to help conceal the zipper teeth.
If you’re making a new pillow cover, you can now sew the remaining sides of the pillow cover. Be sure to unzip the zipper partway before you finish sewing the pillow cover so that you can turn it right side out.
Testing the Zipper
Finally, turn the pillow cover right side out and test the zipper to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. You may need to trim any excess threads or fabric from around the zipper to prevent snagging.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Zipper Length
If the zipper is still a bit too long once installed, you can create a new zipper stop by sewing several stitches over the zipper teeth at the desired length, and then cutting the excess zipper tape, leaving about 1/2 inch beyond the new stop.
Zipper Puckering
Avoid puckering by pinning securely and using even tension while sewing. If you do end up with puckers, removing the stitching and trying again is often the best approach.
Sewing Around the Zipper Pull
The zipper pull can be cumbersome to sew around. To manage this, keep the zipper partially open while starting to sew. After you have sewn an inch or two, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, and close the zipper behind the foot. Continue sewing after the zipper pull is out of the way.
Finishing Thoughts
Sewing a zipper onto a pillow is a skill that can greatly enhance your DIY home décor projects. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking pillow cover that not only looks good but also functions smoothly. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. The more you sew zippers, the more comfortable you will become with the process, and the better your results will be. Your handmade pillow covers with neatly installed zippers will be well worth the effort, providing both beauty and functionality to your living space.
