How to Sew a Pillow Cover - DIY Simplest and Fastest Zip Method To Sell, by Tammy Handmade on YouTube. 3 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure your cushion and cut two fabric squares the same size, adding 1.5 cm seam allowance on every side. Press both pieces flat.
Place the two squares right sides together. Pin along the bottom edge only, where the zip will go.
Sew the bottom edge with a long basting stitch. Press the seam open.
Lay the closed zip face down on the seam, centred, with the zipper pull to one side. Pin or clip it in place.
Fit the zipper foot. Stitch down one side of the zip, close to the teeth, backstitching at both ends.
Stitch down the other side of the zip the same way. Keep the seam allowance flat so the fabric does not pucker.
Turn the cover over and use a seam ripper to open the basting stitches, revealing the zip.
Open the zip halfway. Pin the remaining three sides right sides together and sew them with a 1.5 cm seam.
Trim the corners, turn the cover right side out through the open zip and press the seams. Insert the cushion.
Tips and common mistakes
Open the zip halfway before sewing the last three sides, or you will not be able to turn the cover out.
Use a zip a few centimetres shorter than the cushion width so the opening sits neatly in the seam.
Backstitch at both ends of the zip stitching so the teeth do not pull loose with use.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the foot.
Questions
Do I need a zipper foot?
It makes stitching close to the teeth much easier. A standard foot works if you move the needle position, but the line may not be as neat.
What size zip should I use?
Pick one about 5 cm shorter than the cushion width. A longer zip is easier for beginners but shows more at the ends.
Can I make this without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a backstitch by hand along the zip and a running stitch for the sides, though it takes much longer.
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.
