How to add a Zipper Back to a Pillow with Melissa Mortenson | Fat Quarter Shop, by Fat Quarter Shop on YouTube. 15 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Measure your pillow form and add 1 inch to the width and height. Cut one square front panel at that size, plus 1/4 inch seam allowances already included.
Cut two back panels the same width as the front. Make one about two thirds of the height and the other about one third, adding 1 inch to each for the zipper overlap.
If you want a fuller look, fuse a piece of fleece to the wrong side of the front panel following the package instructions.
Finish the long raw edge of each back panel with a zigzag stitch or overlock so it will not fray inside the finished cover.
Lay the short back panel right side up. Place the zipper face down along its top edge, lining up the tape with the fabric edge, then lay the tall panel right side down on top.
Clip or glue baste all three layers together along the zipper tape. Change to your zipper foot and sew 1/4 inch from the zipper teeth through all layers.
Flip both panels right side up and press. Topstitch 1/8 inch from the zipper on both sides to hold the seam flat and keep fabric out of the teeth.
Place the front panel right side up. Lay the joined back panels on top, right sides together, and clip all four edges, matching the corners.
Sew around all four sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, backstitching where you cross the zipper ends. Clip the corners, turn the cover right side out and press.
Open the zipper, push in the pillow form and close it. Give the cover a final press around the seams.
Tips and common mistakes
Buy a zipper longer than the cover width and shorten it later, so you never come up short.
Sew slowly over the zipper teeth and turn the hand wheel by hand if the needle struggles.
Backstitch firmly at both ends of the zipper so the seam does not split when the cover is stuffed.
Use clips instead of pins near the zipper so you do not bend the needle on metal.
Questions
What length zipper do I need?
Use one at least as long as the width of your pillow cover. A longer zipper is easier to sew and can be trimmed and stitched across the end.
Can I use this method for any pillow size?
Yes. Measure the form, add 1 inch for seam allowances, and cut the back panels in the same two thirds and one third split.
Do I need a zipper foot?
It makes a big difference. A zipper foot lets you stitch close to the teeth without the presser foot riding on top of them.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
