How to sew a zipper on a pillow? Sewing a zipper onto a pillow involves aligning and stitching the zipper to the fabric edges. Adding a zipper to a pillow is a straightforward process that allows for easy removal of the pillow cover for cleaning or changing.
By following simple steps, you can create a professional-looking finish and add functionality to your pillow design. You will learn how to sew a zipper onto a pillow cover with clear and concise instructions. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your sewing skills, this tutorial will guide you through the process, helping you achieve a seamless and polished result.
With a few materials and a sewing machine, you can elevate your pillow-making abilities and create custom, professional-looking decor for your home.
How to Sew a Zipper on a Pillow?
Introduction To Sewing A Zipper On A Pillow
Adding a zipper to a pillow cover can elevate its functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or a beginner, mastering the art of sewing a zipper onto a pillow can open up a world of creative possibilities. As a versatile closure option, zippers not only provide easy access to the pillow insert but also allow for convenient washing and maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the why, uncover the benefits, and explore the step-by-step process of sewing a zipper on a pillow, empowering you to take your pillow creations to the next level!
Why Sew A Zipper?
Sewing a zipper onto a pillow presents a practical and visually appealing closure solution. Zippered pillow covers offer the advantage of easy removal and washing, making them a convenient choice for homes with children, pets, or high traffic. Additionally, zippers allow for seamless insertion and removal of pillow inserts, facilitating the interchangeability of decorative pillow covers. This versatile closure method also provides a polished and professional finish, adding a touch of sophistication to your home decor.
Benefits Of Sewing A Zipper On A Pillow
- Convenience: Zippered pillow covers enable effortless removal for washing and maintenance.
- Interchangeability: With zippers, it’s easy to swap out pillow inserts and covers, allowing for versatile decor options.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A neatly sewn zipper provides a sleek, professional finish to your pillow covers.
- Functionality: Zippers offer a secure closure, preventing the insert from slipping out while ensuring a snug fit.
- Durability: Properly sewn zippers enhance the longevity of pillow covers, withstanding regular use and washing.
Materials Needed
When it comes to sewing a zipper on a pillow, you will need a few essential materials to get started. These materials will vary depending on the specific project, but some basic items are necessary for attaching a zipper to a pillow successfully. Let’s take a closer look at the materials needed for this project.
Fabric
To sew a zipper on a pillow, you will need a piece of durable and suitable fabric for the pillow cover. Ensure that the fabric is cut to the appropriate size to accommodate your pillow, leaving some extra space for the zipper and seam allowance.
Zipper
Choose a zipper that matches the length of the pillow cover and complements the fabric’s color. A standard polyester coil zipper or an invisible zipper is often used for pillow covers. Ensure that the zipper teeth and fabric are compatible for smoother sewing.
Thread
Select a sturdy thread that matches the fabric’s color for a seamless finish. Using a high-quality thread will ensure that the zipper is securely attached to the fabric, providing durability and longevity to your pillow cover.
Sewing Machine
Having a functional sewing machine with a zipper foot is essential for attaching the zipper to the pillow cover. A sewing machine will provide precise and consistent stitches, making the zipper installation process efficient and professional-looking.
Scissors
Sharp scissors are necessary for cutting the fabric and thread accurately. Having a good pair of scissors will help you achieve clean and precise cuts, ensuring the fabric edges and thread ends are neat and professional.
Measuring And Cutting The Fabric
The first step in sewing a zipper onto a pillow is to measure and cut the fabric. Ensuring the correct measurements are taken and accurate cuts are made is crucial for a professional-looking finished product. There are a few key considerations when determining the pillow size and cutting the fabric pieces.
Determining Pillow Size
Before measuring and cutting the fabric, determine the desired size of the pillow. Measure the pillow insert or existing pillow cover to determine the dimensions. It’s important to note that the fabric pieces should be slightly larger than the pillow insert to allow for a snug fit.
Pro tip: A standard throw pillow size is typically 16 inches by 16 inches, but pillows come in various sizes, so be sure to measure or check the size of your specific pillow.
Cutting Fabric Pieces
Once you have determined the pillow size, it’s time to cut the fabric pieces. Lay the fabric flat on a clean, spacious surface. Use a fabric measurement tool or ruler to mark the dimensions of the pillow on the fabric. Double-check the measurements to ensure accuracy before cutting.
Using sharp scissors or a fabric cutter, carefully cut along the marked lines to create two equal fabric pieces for the front and back of the pillow.
| Pillow Size | Front Fabric Piece | Back Fabric Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 16 inches by 16 inches | 16 inches by 16 inches | 16 inches by 16 inches |
Remember to leave some extra fabric along the edges for seam allowance.
By following these steps and properly measuring and cutting the fabric, you are well on your way to sewing a zipper onto a pillow and creating a stylish and functional home decor piece.
Sewing The Zipper
Learn how to sew a zipper onto a pillow with this easy tutorial. Simply pin one side of the zipper to the fabric, stitch alongside the teeth with a sewing machine, and then sew the other side of the zipper to the second piece of fabric.
It’s a simple technique that will add a professional touch to your pillow design.
Preparing The Fabric Pieces
Before sewing the zipper on the pillow, it’s important to prepare the fabric pieces. Start by cutting the fabric into two equal-sized square pieces. Make sure the fabric is clean and free of any wrinkles or creases. Place the fabric pieces facing each other, with the right sides together. This will ensure that the zipper is hidden inside the pillow when it’s finished.
Attaching The Zipper
Now it’s time to attach the zipper to the fabric pieces. Take the zipper and place it face down on one of the fabric pieces. Make sure that the top edge of the zipper aligns with the top edge of the fabric. Pin the zipper in place, securing it to the fabric. Repeat this process on the other fabric piece, making sure the zipper aligns perfectly with the first piece.
Sewing Along The Zipper
To sew the zipper onto the fabric, use a sewing machine with a zipper foot. This foot allows you to stitch close to the zipper teeth without accidentally sewing over them. Start by sewing a straight stitch along one side of the zipper, keeping your stitches close together. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce it. Repeat this process on the other side of the zipper, sewing it onto the second fabric piece.
Ensuring A Secure Zipper
To ensure that the zipper is securely attached to the fabric, reinforce the stitches by sewing over them one more time. This double stitch will provide extra strength to the zipper, preventing it from coming loose or breaking. Trim any excess threads and remove the pins. Now that the zipper is sewn onto the fabric, you can continue following the steps to complete your pillow.
By sewing a zipper onto your pillow, you’ll be able to easily remove and wash the cover whenever necessary, keeping your pillow clean and fresh.
Finishing The Pillow
Learn to sew a zipper on a pillow to give it a polished finish. Lay the zipper face-down and align it with the fabric edges. Use a zipper foot to stitch alongside the teeth, then attach the other piece of fabric and sew along the zipper’s length.
With this simple method, your pillow will have a professional touch.
Now that you have successfully sewn a zipper onto your pillow, it’s time to finish the project and give your pillow a polished look. In this section, we will cover the following steps to complete your pillow:
Trimming Excess Fabric
After sewing the zipper, you may notice that there is excess fabric hanging off the sides. To give your pillow a clean finish, it is important to trim this excess fabric. Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut off the excess fabric, making sure not to cut into the seams or the zipper itself. Trim all sides of the pillow to ensure an even and professional look.
Creating A Zipper Flap
To ensure that the zipper is concealed and the pillow has a seamless appearance, you can create a zipper flap. This flap will cover the zipper and add an extra layer of protection. To create a zipper flap, fold a small piece of fabric over the zipper, making sure that the folded fabric is slightly wider than the zipper itself. Pin it in place and sew along the edges to secure the flap. This will give your pillow a neat and finished look.
Sewing The Remaining Sides Of The Pillow
Now that your zipper is secure and the excess fabric has been trimmed, it’s time to sew the remaining sides of the pillow. Take the two remaining fabric pieces and position them with right sides together, aligning the edges. Pin the edges in place to ensure they don’t shift while sewing. Using a straight stitch, sew along the remaining sides, leaving a small opening to turn the fabric right side out and insert the pillow form.
Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to reinforce the stitches. Once the sewing is complete, carefully turn the fabric right side out through the opening. Use a knitting needle or a chopstick to push out the corners for a crisp finish. Finally, insert the pillow form into the opening, making sure it fits snugly, and sew the opening closed with a slip stitch.
By following these simple steps, you have successfully sewn a zipper onto your pillow and completed the finishing touches. With a trimmed excess fabric and a zipper flap, your pillow will have a clean and professional look. Now you can enjoy your newly sewn zipper pillow while adding a stylish touch to your home decor.
Conclusion
Sewing a zipper on a pillow may seem like a challenging task, but with the right techniques, it can be easily accomplished. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this blog post, you’ll be able to add a zipper to your pillow with confidence.
Remember to pin the zipper in place, stitch along the teeth, and secure the fabric pieces together. With a little practice, you’ll be creating professional-looking pillows with zippers in no time. Happy sewing!
