How To Sew A Zipper ( Into A Pillow)!, by Vintage Coach Restoration | Jann Newton on YouTube. 13 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure your pillow form across the width and height, then add 1 inch to each measurement to allow for seam allowances.
Cut one front panel and one back panel to that size. A rotary cutter and mat give straighter edges than scissors.
Fold the back panel in half to find the centre of the bottom edge, then mark the zipper opening with a chalk fabric marker.
Pin the bottom edge with right sides together and baste it with a long machine stitch. This temporary seam holds the opening closed while you fit the zipper.
Press the basted seam open with an iron. Lay the zipper face down, centred on the seam line, and pin it in place.
Fit a zipper foot and stitch around the zipper, close to the teeth on both sides. Backstitch at each end.
Pull out the basting stitches with a seam ripper and open the zipper. Press the seam flat.
Unzip the zipper halfway. Pin the front and back panels right sides together and sew around all four sides.
Trim the corners diagonally, turn the cover right side out through the zip and press. Push in the pillow form.
Tips and common mistakes
Unzip the zipper before you sew the side seams, otherwise you cannot turn the cover right side out.
Match the thread to your fabric so the stitching around the zipper blends into the seam.
Trim the corners close to the stitching but not through it, so the points look sharp when turned.
Pins, scissors and seam rippers are sharp. Cut and unpick away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the needle.
Questions
What size zipper do I need?
Pick a zipper the same length as the pillow edge, or slightly longer and let the extra ends hide inside the seam allowance.
Do I really need a zipper foot?
It lets you stitch right up against the teeth. A standard foot still works, but your stitching will sit further from the zip.
How much seam allowance should I use?
Half an inch on every side. Adding 1 inch to the pillow form measurement gives you that on all edges.
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.
