How to Make a Pillow Cover with Zipper?
Want to give your home a fresh look without spending a fortune? Making your own pillow cover with a zipper is a fun and easy way to update your decor. Plus, you’ll get to show off your crafty side!
Quick Answer: To make a pillow cover with a zipper, measure and cut your fabric, sew the zipper to one side, attach the other side, sew the remaining edges, and turn it right side out. It’s that simple!
My Pillow Cover Journey
I remember the first time I decided to make a pillow cover with a zipper. I was nervous about working with zippers, but I wanted to freshen up my living room without buying new pillows. After a bit of trial and error (and maybe a few moments of frustration), I ended up with a beautiful, custom pillow cover that I was proud to display. Now, I’m excited to share what I learned with you!
What You’ll Need
- Fabric (enough to cover your pillow plus 1 inch on each side)
- A zipper (as long as one side of your pillow)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread that matches your fabric
- Iron and ironing board
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Measure and Cut Your Fabric
First things first, let’s get your fabric ready. Measure your pillow and add 1 inch to each side. For example, if your pillow is 16 inches square, you’ll want to cut two pieces of fabric that are 17 inches square. This extra inch gives you room to sew without making your cover too small.
2. Prepare the Zipper
Now for the fun part – adding the zipper! Lay one piece of fabric face up on your work surface. Place the zipper face down along one edge of the fabric. Pin it in place. Using your sewing machine’s zipper foot, sew the zipper to the fabric, staying close to the zipper teeth.
Next, take your second piece of fabric and place it face down on top of the first piece, lining up the edges. Pin the other side of the zipper to this piece and sew it in place. When you’re done, you should be able to open the zipper and see both pieces of fabric attached.
3. Sew the Sides
Before you sew the rest of the sides, make sure to unzip the zipper halfway. This is super important – if you forget, you won’t be able to turn your cover right side out later!
Now, put the right sides of your fabric together and pin around the remaining three sides. Sew these sides with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the start and end of each seam to make it strong.
4. Finish the Edges
To keep your pillow cover looking great wash after wash, it’s a good idea to finish the raw edges inside. If you have a serger, you can use that. If not, a zigzag stitch on your regular sewing machine works great too.
5. Turn and Press
You’re almost done! Turn your pillow cover right side out through the zipper opening. Use a chopstick or pencil (something not too sharp) to push out the corners so they’re nice and pointy. Finally, give your new cover a good press with your iron to make it look crisp and professional.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right fabric: Medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or canvas work great for pillow covers.
- Pre-wash your fabric: This prevents surprise shrinkage later.
- Use a zipper foot: It helps you sew close to the zipper teeth for a neat finish.
- Take your time: Sewing is not a race. Go slow and enjoy the process!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced sewers make mistakes sometimes. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:
- Forgetting to open the zipper: Always unzip halfway before sewing the sides.
- Sewing the zipper upside down: Make sure the zipper pull is on top when you lay it on the fabric.
- Using the wrong size zipper: Your zipper should be as long as one side of your pillow.
Get Creative!
Once you’ve mastered the basic pillow cover, why not try some fun variations?
- Add piping around the edges for a professional look
- Use contrasting fabric for the back of the pillow
- Try an envelope closure instead of a zipper
- Add appliqué or embroidery to the front of your pillow
Caring for Your New Pillow Cover
To keep your handmade pillow cover looking great:
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Use mild detergent
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
- Iron on the appropriate setting for your fabric
Wrap Up
Making your own pillow cover with a zipper is a great way to refresh your decor, learn a new skill, and express your creativity. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up custom pillow covers in no time!
Remember, the key to success is taking your time and enjoying the process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn and improve. Before you know it, you’ll be the go-to person among your friends for all things pillow-related!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some fabric, fire up that sewing machine, and let’s make some awesome pillow covers!
Your Next Steps
- Choose a fabric you love
- Gather your supplies
- Set aside some time to sew
- Follow this guide step by step
- Show off your new pillow cover!
Happy sewing, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. We’d love to see what you make!
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