How to put an invisible zipper in a pillow with welt, piping, or decorative cord trim, by A Square Pillow Isn't Square! on YouTube. 14 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
For a 20 inch insert, cut one 21 inch square for the front and two 21 by 12 inch pieces for the back. Cut enough piping to go around the front plus 2 inches.
Sew the piping to the right side of the front panel with the raw edges lined up, using a zipper foot. Stop and clip the piping seam allowance at each corner so it bends without puckering.
Press the zipper tape flat and open the zipper. Lay one back panel right side up and place the zipper right side down along one long edge, teeth facing the fabric edge.
Sew along the zipper tape close to the teeth with an invisible zipper foot. Join the second back panel to the free side of the zipper the same way.
Close the zipper and check that the seam lies flat and the teeth are hidden. Press the seam open from the wrong side.
Pin the joined back panels to the front panel with right sides together and the piping sandwiched between them. Sew all the way around the four sides with a zipper foot.
Clip the corners and trim the piping ends so the seams sit flat. Turn the cover right side out through the open zipper.
Press the cover, easing the piping straight, then push in the pillow insert and close the zipper.
Tips and common mistakes
Buy a zipper a few inches longer than you need and shorten it, so the pull stays clear of the seam.
Open the zipper before sewing so the foot can run right up to the teeth without catching.
Baste the piping with a long stitch first so it cannot shift during the final seam.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the foot.
Questions
Do I need a special foot for an invisible zipper?
An invisible zipper foot makes it easier, but a standard zipper foot works if you sew slowly and stay close to the teeth. Press the zipper open first so the coils lie flat.
How long should the zipper be?
About 2 inches shorter than the side of the pillow works well. It is much easier to shorten a long zipper than to stretch a short one.
Can I use this method with corded trim instead of piping?
Yes. Sew the cord to the front panel first with a zipper foot, then treat it exactly like piping in the final seam.
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.
