Trina Peterson: Pillow Cover with Zipper Tutorial

Here is the (long over-due) pillow cover with easy zipper tutorial that I promised would follow my pillow form tutorial. I hope this helps at least one person get over his/her fear of zippers!!

To view/print this tutorial in PDF format, please click here.

This is home-dec fabric from Ikea. Cheap and fun!

Tools & Supplies:

Fabric (measuring & cutting instructions in Step 1)
One Zipper - at least as long as your pillow form (no metal teeth, as you will be sewing across them)
Sewing Machine with all-purpose foot and zipper foot
Thread & Marking Pen
Scissors & Tape Measure (or Rotary Cutter, Mat & Gridded Ruler)
Iron & Board
Optional: Pinking Shears or Serger

Seam Allowances are identified within pattern.

Step 1: Measure across the fullest part of the pillow from side seam to side seam, and then from top seam to bottom seam. Add 1" to each of these measurements. These are the measurements for your two main panels: cut 2 of these. Also cut 2 zipper tabs: 2" x 3" (regardless of pillow size).

Step 2 (Optional): Serge, Zigzag, or Pink all raw edges of fabric.

Step 3: Place zipper alongside bottom edge of one main panel. Measure in 1.5" from each side of panel and make a mark on the zipper tape. Cut off zipper at mark. Be sure not to cut off the pull!

Step 4: Fold zipper tab (right sides together) over end of zipper, lining up edges of tab and end of zipper to make a sandwich (zipper tab is 2" x 1.5" folded). Sew 1/4" seam from edge. Turn tab right sides out and press. Repeat with other tab and zipper end.

Step 5: Lay one panel right side and bottom up (if you want zipper to be at the bottom of pillow). Pin zipper unit with pull facing down (right sides together) to panel, lining up edges of tabs with panel. The zipper tape should be approximately 1/4" below panel edge.

Step 6: With zipper foot, sew from edge to edge, close to zipper, stopping to move zipper pull out of the way. Backstitch at both ends.

Step 7: Turn and press panel away from zipper. Topstitch close to seam.

Repeat Steps 5-7 with second panel and other edge of zipper.

Step 8: Open zipper before continuing!

Step 9: Place panels right sides together, lining up the three remaining edges and pinning. Sew 1/2" seam all the way around the three edges. Backstitch at both ends.

Step 10: Clip corners, turn right sides out, and press.