how to install a zipper in a pillow

2 min read 12-01-2025

Adding a zipper to your pillowcases can dramatically improve their practicality. Zippers prevent stuffing from escaping and make changing pillowcases much easier. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to install a zipper in a pillow.

Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather these essential materials:

Pillow: The pillow you want to modify.
Zipper: Choose a zipper slightly shorter than the pillow opening. Consider a hidden zipper for a cleaner look.
Matching Thread: Select thread that closely matches your pillowcase fabric.
Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the process significantly faster and easier.
Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting fabric.
Pins: For securing the zipper in place before sewing.
Measuring Tape: To accurately measure the zipper and pillow opening.
Seam Ripper (optional): In case you need to remove any stitches.
Iron and Ironing Board (optional): To press seams for a neater finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Installing a Zipper in Your Pillow

This guide assumes you are adding a zipper to a standard pillowcase opening. If your pillow has a different closure, you may need to adapt these steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Pillowcase Opening

Carefully examine the existing pillowcase opening. If it's already a seam, you might need to carefully unpick it using a seam ripper. This will create a single, flat edge to work with.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Zipper

Measure the length of the pillow opening. Buy a zipper slightly shorter than this measurement. Cut the zipper to the appropriate length, leaving extra zipper tape on each end for sewing.

Step 3: Prepare the Zipper

Lay the zipper face down on your work surface. Open the zipper slightly.

Step 4: Pin the Zipper to the Pillowcase

Place the zipper face down against the right side of the pillowcase opening, aligning the zipper's edge with the pillowcase's raw edge. Pin the zipper securely to the fabric. Ensure the zipper teeth are facing the inside of the pillowcase.

Step 5: Sew the Zipper to the Pillowcase

Using your sewing machine, stitch along the edge of the zipper tape, close to the zipper teeth. Sew one side of the zipper first, then repeat for the other side. A zipper foot on your sewing machine is highly recommended for this step.

Step 6: Close the Pillowcase Opening

Fold the pillowcase's raw edges together to create the seam of the pillowcase. Pin the other side of the zipper to this seam and repeat Step 5.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once both sides of the zipper are securely sewn, check for any loose threads and trim them. You may want to press the seams flat with an iron for a neat finish.

Troubleshooting Tips

Zipper getting stuck: Ensure the zipper tape is properly aligned and not twisted before sewing.
Uneven stitching: Take your time and use a zipper foot for a cleaner seam.
Zipper too short/long: Carefully re-measure and repeat the process.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Zipped Pillow!

Adding a zipper to your pillows may seem daunting, but by following this detailed guide, you’ll create more convenient and practical pillows. Now you can easily change pillowcases and keep the filling securely inside! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. With a little patience, you'll master this helpful sewing technique.