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Afraid of hand-sewing zippers? Don’t be! You will be a pro in no time after reading this straightforward step-by-step guide on hand-sewing a zipper into a pillow.
This is the technique that allows one to have custom, removable pillow covers without a sewing machine, as it’s going to teach you how to prepare your materials, attach the zipper precisely, and complete the pillow cover like a pro.
Whether you’re a beginning crafter or experienced, these instructions will help to create a touch that is functional and polished for your home decoration projects.
Let’s begin!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- No need to feel all zipped up with anxiety – hand-sewing a zipper into a pillow is as easy as pie once you know the tricks of the trade!
- Preparation is half the battle: cut your fabric to size, iron that zipper flat, and you’ll be off to the races faster than you can say "custom pillow cover."
- Slow and steady wins the race when attaching the zipper. Pin it, baste it, then stitch it close to the teeth – your future self will thank you for the extra care.
- The devil’s in the details: don’t forget to backstitch those zipper ends and give your pillow a final press. It’s these little touches that separate the wheat from the chaff in the world of DIY decor
How to Sew a Zipper in a Pillow by Hand?
To sew a zipper in a pillow by hand, start by preparing your pillow cover and zipper. Pin the zipper right side down along the pillow opening, then baste it in place.
Fold the cover right sides together and pin the zipper between fabric layers. Using a needle and thread, stitch close to the zipper teeth, starting at one end and moving to the other. Backstitch at both ends for security.
After sewing the remaining sides, trim seam allowances and turn the cover right side out. Insert your pillow form and stitch across the zipper ends to prevent gaping.
With these steps, you’ll create a professional-looking, hand-sewn zippered pillow. Let’s explore the process in more detail
Prepare the Pillow Cover
First, pick a beautiful and sturdy fabric for your zippered pillow cover.
Measure your pillow insert and cut two pieces of fabric to this measurement with a ½-inch seam allowance. Be sure the fabric orientation or patterns are matched up correctly to create a professional look when finished.
Place your cut fabric on a flat surface, right sides together. Mark the bottom edge where your zipper will be.
This will ensure that your pillow cover has a perfect fit and looks professional
Prepare the Zipper
First, select the type and length of your zipper. For pillows, you’ll want to use an invisible zipper, but a regular one will work, too. Cut your zipper slightly shorter in inches compared to the pillow opening so that there won’t be a gap when you open up your pillow.
Using a sewing machine, first attach a zipper foot; for hand-stitching, only a simple needle and thread are required. Unzip the zipper and iron it flat. This allows for smooth installation of your pillow cover so that the process doesn’t leave puckering
Attach Zipper to Pillow Cover
To attach the zipper to your pillow cover, start by pinning it right side down along the pillow opening, ensuring it’s centered. Once pinned, baste the zipper in place close to its teeth, then fold the pillow cover right sides together and pin it securely
Pin Zipper Right Side Down Along Pillow Opening
Now that your zipper’s prepped, it’s time to place it. Lie your pillow cover flat, right side up, then put the zipper face down along the opening, matching carefully.
Straight-pin it in place, considering the thickness of the fabric and how flat or full you want the pillow to look.
This step is crucial to achieve a professional look for hand-sewn pillow covers with zippers
Baste Zipper in Place Close to Teeth
Now that you’ve pinned the zipper, it’s time to baste it in place. This temporary stitch will secure the zipper while you work. Use a contrasting thread color for easy removal later. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sharp needle and matching thread
- Fabric-marking pencil
- Sewing scissors for trimming
Baste close to the zipper teeth, maintaining even seam allowance throughout
Fold Pillow Cover Right Sides Together and Pin
Now that you’ve basted the zipper, it’s time to fold your pillow cover. Place the right sides together, aligning the edges and corners carefully. Pin the folded edges, ensuring the zipper is sandwiched between the fabric layers. Here’s a quick guide for pin placement:
| Corner | Side | Center |
|---|---|---|
| 2 pins | 3 pins | 1 pin |
| Diagonal | Evenly spaced | Centered |
Sew Zipper in Place
You’ll now use your zipper foot to stitch close to the zipper teeth, starting at one end and moving to the other. As you sew, make sure to backstitch at both ends to secure the zipper in place, ensuring a sturdy and professional-looking finish
Using Zipper Foot, Stitch Close to Zipper Teeth
Now, it’s time to get stitching! Grab your zipper foot and attach it to your machine. Set the correct tension and load suitable thread. Position the fabric so the zipper foot glides along the zipper’s edge. Start sewing, keeping your stitches close to the teeth. This is where the magic happens, folks – your zipper’s coming to life!
Stitch From One End of Zipper to the Other
Begin stitching from one end of the zipper, using your chosen hand-stitching technique. Maintain consistent pressure and tension as you work. For thicker fabrics, select a larger needle size. Employ a prick stitch or regular straight stitch, moving steadily along the zipper’s length. Keep your stitches close to the teeth for a neat finish
Backstitch at Each End to Secure
This will be important as you work along the ends of the zipper: take care to secure your stitches.
Use a strong backstitch, which may be done by either a sewing machine or hand, so that your zipper doesn’t inadvertently come undone, even with heavy use.
Be cautious that these stitches are of high quality and nearly invisible to blend into your fabric of choice
Finish Pillow Cover
After sewing the zipper in place, you’ll need to finish the remaining sides of the pillow cover. Sew along the edges, trim any excess fabric, clip the curves if necessary, then turn the cover right side out and insert your pillow form to complete your handmade zippered pillow
Sew Remaining Side of Pillow Cover
Now, you’ll sew the remaining side of your pillow cover. Adjust your zipper foot placement and thread tension on your sewing machine. Maintain a steady stitching speed and consistent seam allowance. Remember, basting technique helps keep everything aligned as you DIY your zippered pillow cover
Trim Seam Allowances and Clip Curves
After sewing, you’ll need to trim and clip your pillow cover for a polished look. Here’s what to do:
- Trim excess fabric along seams
- Clip corners at a 45-degree angle
- Snip curves to reduce bulk
- Use pinking shears to prevent fraying
This step improves appearance and prevents puckering
Turn Pillow Cover Right Side Out
Now it’s time to know you did the zip placement part right. Carefully turn your pillow cover right side out, ensuring the seam allowance is tucked in. It brings out that personal design style and is one step closer to that finished look you’re working toward.
Insert Pillow Form
Now that your cover’s right side out, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Grab your pillow form, whether it’s feather or synthetic, and gently insert it through the zippered opening. Smooth out any wrinkles or lumps to achieve that perfect, plump look
Sew Zipper Ends Closed
To prevent gaping at the zipper ends, you’ll need to sew across them securely. Using a needle and thread, stitch back and forth several times at each end of the zipper, making sure to backstitch for added strength and durability
Stitch Across Zipper Ends to Prevent Gaping
Now that you have completed the pillow cover’s central part, prevent the zipper from gaping. This is where hand-stitching techniques come in use.
Using coordinating thread and a zipper foot, carefully stitch across both ends of the zipper. This step adds to the professional polished finish of your work. Be sure to work with the seam allowances folded back.
Keep the fabric taut as you go along your stitching to avoid puckering. This won’t only add a professional touch to your home decor fabric but also provide added strength to the zipper, making your pillow cover more functional and robust
Backstitch to Secure
To finish your pillow’s zipper, you’ll need to secure those ends. Grab your needle and thread, matching the fabric thickness. For hand sewing, use a shorter needle length for better control.
Start with a few backstitches at each zipper end, increasing stitch density for extra strength. Keep an eye on thread tension to avoid puckering.
This technique works for box cushions too, not just pillows
Press and Enjoy
Now that you’ve sewn the zipper ends closed, it’s time to give your pillow cover a final press and enjoy your handiwork. Take a moment to admire your creation:
- A beautifully crafted pillow with a perfectly placed zipper
- A washable cover that complements your decor plan
- A custom design that showcases your sewing skills
Press the pillow cover with an iron to set the stitches and remove any wrinkles. This final touch will give your pillow a professional look. You’ve successfully learned how to sew a zipper in a pillow by hand, making confident decisions about fabric choice and zipper placement. Enjoy your stylish, functional creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to sew a zipper in by hand?
Place the zipper face down along the seam, pin it, and baste it in place. Use a prick stitch to secure the zipper, inserting the needle a few threads to the right and traveling across the back. Remove basting stitches when finished
What is the best stitch to sew a zipper?
For sewing zippers, you’ll want to use a straight stitch. It’s strong, secure, and creates a clean finish. Set your machine to a medium stitch length, about 5-3mm. Don’t forget to switch to a zipper foot!
How to fix a broken zipper on a pillow?
Faced with a stubborn zipper, you’re not stuck. Assess the issue: teeth misaligned or slider broken? Realign teeth with pliers, or replace the slider. If beyond repair, you’ll need to remove and install a new zipper entirely
How do you sew an invisible zip on a pillow?
To sew an invisible zip on a pillow, start by pinning it face down along the seam. Use a zipper foot to stitch close to the teeth, then repeat on the other side. Finish by closing the remaining seams
How do you sew a zipper on a pillow?
Breathe life into your cushions! Pin the zipper face-down along the seam, baste it in place, then use a prick stitch to secure it. You’ll have a professional-looking pillow that’s uniquely yours in no time
How do you sew a pillow?
You’ll need fabric, thread, and a needle. Cut two pieces, align them right sides together, and pin. Sew around the edges, leaving a gap. Turn inside out, stuff, and hand-stitch the opening closed
Are zipper pillow covers easy to sew?
Yes, zipper pillow covers are relatively easy to sew. You’ll need basic sewing skills and patience. With practice, you’ll master the technique quickly. They’re a great project for beginners and offer a practical way to refresh your home decor
How do you remove a zipper from a pillow?
While delicate fabrics require care, removing a zipper’s often a breeze. You’ll need a seam ripper and patience. Gently unpick the stitches securing the zipper, then pull it out. Don’t rush; you’re in control of this satisfying task
Can I use decorative zippers for pillow covers?
You can absolutely use decorative zippers for pillow covers! They’ll add a fun pop of color or texture to your pillows. Just make sure the zipper’s length matches your pillow’s size and that it’s sturdy enough for regular use
How do I handle thick or textured fabrics?
When working with thick or textured fabrics, you’ll need a heavy-duty needle and strong thread. Use a thimble to protect your fingers, and consider a longer stitch length. Take your time, easing the fabric through as you sew
Whats the best stitch length for hand-sewn zippers?
You’ll feel like a master tailor with the perfect stitch length! For hand-sewn zippers, aim for stitches about 1/4 inch long. This length provides strength and flexibility, ensuring your zipper’s secure without puckering the fabric
Should I pre-wash the fabric before sewing?
You’ll want to pre-wash your fabric before sewing. It’ll prevent shrinkage and color bleeding later. Plus, you’ll get a better fit for your pillow. Just toss it in with similar colors and you’re good to go!
Can I add piping along with the zipper?
Yes, you can add piping alongside a zipper. It’ll give your pillow a professional touch. Sew the piping to one side first, then attach the zipper. It’s a bit trickier, but you’ll love the polished result
Conclusion
With these steps, you’ve mastered how to sew a zipper in a pillow by hand. Like a skilled artisan, you’ve transformed fabric into a functional and stylish creation.
You’ve prepared your materials, attached the zipper precisely, and finished the pillow cover with care. Your newfound skill opens up a world of decorating possibilities
- sewingmachinebuffs.com
