How To Put In A Zipper For Pillow With Cording, by Vintage Coach Restoration | Jann Newton on YouTube. 11 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Serge or zigzag the raw edges of both fabric panels so they will not fray inside the finished cover.
Place the two panels right sides together and line up the edges where the zipper will go.
Mark 2 inches in from each end of that edge with chalk. These marks show where to stop stitching.
Stitch the seam from one end to the first mark, then from the second mark to the other end, leaving the middle open.
Press the seam open and lay the zipper face down along the opening, centring the teeth in the gap.
Pin the zipper tape to the seam allowance and sew it down with a zipper foot, keeping the teeth clear of the needle.
Fold back the fabric to form a placket over the zipper and pin it in place so the teeth stay hidden.
Sew the placket down close to the fold, then check the zipper opens and closes smoothly.
Pin the cording along the outer edges, then sew the remaining sides together right sides out or as your pattern directs.
Tips and common mistakes
Sew slowly over the zipper teeth and turn the hand wheel by hand near the pull to avoid a broken needle.
Keep the zipper foot close to the teeth so the stitching line stays straight and even.
Press the seam before adding the zipper; flat fabric is much easier to pin and sew.
Questions
Why leave 2 inches at each end of the seam?
Those gaps let you attach the zipper tape to the seam allowance without stitching over the ends. It keeps the zipper ends tucked neatly inside the cover.
Can I use this method without cording?
Yes. The zipper steps are the same. Just skip the piping and sew the outer edges together as normal.
What zipper length do I need?
Choose a zipper at least as long as the edge you are opening. A slightly longer zipper is easier to fit and can be trimmed after sewing.
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.
