Sewing a zipper into a pillow is a straightforward project that takes about an hour once you have the materials ready
A zipper pillow lets you remove and wash the cover without unpicking seams. The zipper goes into one side of the pillow before you close it up. You sew three sides of the pillow closed first, insert the zipper into the fourth side, then stitch the zipper in place. The process is the same whether you use a standard coil zipper or a metal one—the main difference is how easily the slider moves.
The key is to pin the zipper carefully before sewing so it sits straight and doesn't bunch. Most home sewers can do this by hand or machine. If you have never sewn a zipper before, a pillow is a good first project because the stakes are low and the seams are forgiving.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two pieces of fabric the same size, sew three sides closed, then insert the zipper into the fourth side before closing it completely.
- Pin the zipper face-down along the seam line so the teeth sit just inside the stitching, then sew it down with a zipper foot on your machine or by hand.
- A 16-inch or 18-inch zipper works for most standard pillows; measure your pillow width and buy a zipper 1 to 2 inches shorter.
- Sewing by machine with a zipper foot is faster and more even than hand-sewing, but hand-sewing gives you more control if the zipper is slightly crooked.
What you need before you start
Gather your fabric, zipper, thread, pins, and sewing tools before you cut anything. For a standard 18-inch square pillow, you need two pieces of fabric cut to 19 inches square (the extra half-inch on each side is the seam allowance). Use a zipper foot if you have one—it is a presser foot that lets the needle sit closer to the zipper teeth than a regular foot can. If you do not have a zipper foot, you can sew by hand or use your regular presser foot, though the stitches will sit a little farther from the teeth.
Buy a zipper that is 1 to 2 inches shorter than the width of your pillow. For an 18-inch pillow, a 16-inch zipper works well. The zipper should match your thread color or be close enough that the stitches blend in. Coil zippers (the kind with nylon teeth) are easier for beginners because they are forgiving if your stitches are slightly off. Metal zippers look more finished but require more precision.
Sewing the three closed sides
Place your two fabric pieces right sides together (the pretty sides facing each other). Pin three sides, leaving the fourth side unpinned—this is where the zipper will go. Sew along the three pinned sides using a straight stitch and a half-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam to lock the thread. Press the seams flat with an iron once you finish.
Turn the pillow right side out through the open fourth side so the pretty fabric faces outward. Use a blunt tool like a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil to push the corners out so they are sharp and square. Press the entire pillow flat with an iron, paying special attention to the open side—press the seam allowance inward as if the side were already sewn. This makes it easier to pin the zipper straight.
Pinning the zipper in place
Lay the pillow flat on your work surface with the open side facing you. Place the zipper face-down (teeth pointing down toward the fabric) along the open edge, with the zipper tape sitting on top of the seam allowance you just pressed. The zipper teeth should sit just inside the fold of fabric, about a quarter-inch from the fold. Pin the zipper tape to the seam allowance on both sides, placing pins every 2 to 3 inches.
Check that the zipper is straight by looking at it from above before you sew. If one end is higher than the other, unpin that end, adjust, and repin. The slider should sit roughly in the middle of the pillow. Once you are satisfied with the placement, you are ready to sew.
Sewing the zipper down by machine
Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine. Lower the presser foot and position the needle so it will sew along the edge of the zipper tape, about a quarter-inch from the teeth. Sew slowly along one side of the zipper, keeping the line straight. Stop and raise the presser foot when you reach the slider, then slide the slider toward you (away from the foot) so you can continue sewing past it. Backstitch at the end.
Flip the pillow over and repeat on the other side of the zipper. Sew along the opposite zipper tape using the same quarter-inch distance from the teeth. Once both sides are sewn, the zipper is find and you can close the pillow.
Sewing the zipper down by hand
If you do not have a zipper foot or prefer hand-sewing, use a backstitch, which is the strongest hand-sewing stitch. Thread your needle and knot the end. Starting at one corner of the zipper, push the needle through the zipper tape and the seam allowance from back to front. Bring the needle back through about a quarter-inch away, then push it forward again through the same hole you just came out of. This creates a solid line of stitches.
Work your way along one side of the zipper, keeping your stitches small and even. When you reach the slider, work around it carefully—you may need to sew a few stitches at an angle to get past it. Once one side is done, flip the pillow and repeat on the other side. Hand-sewing takes longer but gives you more control if the zipper is slightly crooked.
Closing the pillow and finishing
Once the zipper is sewn in place, you need to close the two open ends of the pillow. Open the zipper about halfway so you have room to turn the pillow right side out later. Fold the open edges of the fabric inward so they meet in the middle, and pin them together. Sew across this opening with a straight stitch, backstitching at both ends. Use the same half-inch seam allowance you used on the other sides.
Turn the pillow right side out through the zipper opening. Use a chopstick or pencil to push out the corners. Press the entire pillow flat with an iron, paying special attention to the seam you just sewed. Insert a pillow form through the zipper opening, zip it closed, and you are done.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the zipper puckers or bunches as you sew, you pinned it too tightly or the fabric shifted. Unpick the stitches, repin the zipper, and sew again more slowly. If the stitches are too far from the teeth and the zipper tape shows, you can sew a second line of stitches closer to the teeth, or accept the gap—it does not affect how the zipper works.
If the slider gets stuck or does not move smoothly, the fabric may be caught in the teeth. Stop sewing, back up a few stitches, and check. You can also rub a pencil along the zipper teeth to help the slider move more easily. If the zipper breaks or the slider comes off, the zipper cannot be repaired and you will need to remove it and sew in a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sew a zipper into a pillow by hand if I do not have a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a backstitch, which is strong enough for a pillow that will be opened and closed regularly. Hand-sewing takes longer—usually 30 to 45 minutes for the zipper alone—but the result is just as durable as machine-sewing. Keep your stitches small and even, about a quarter-inch apart.
What size zipper do I need for my pillow?
Measure the width of your finished pillow and buy a zipper 1 to 2 inches shorter. For a 16-inch pillow, use a 14-inch zipper. For an 18-inch pillow, use a 16-inch or 17-inch zipper. The zipper does not need to run the entire width—it just needs to be long enough to open and close the pillow easily.
Do I have to use a zipper foot, or can I use my regular presser foot?
A zipper foot is easier because it lets the needle sit closer to the teeth, but you can use a regular presser foot if you do not have one. Your stitches will sit a little farther from the teeth, which is fine—the zipper will still work. Sew slowly and be careful not to hit the slider or teeth with the needle.
What if I sew the zipper in crooked?
If the zipper is only slightly off, you can live with it—it will not affect how the pillow works. If it is noticeably crooked, unpick the stitches with a seam ripper, repin the zipper, and sew it again. This is easier to do before you close the open ends of the pillow.
Can I wash a pillow with a zipper in it?
Yes. Close the zipper before washing. Machine-wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, or hand-wash if the fabric is delicate. Dry on low heat or air-dry. The zipper will not be damaged by washing, but closing it first prevents the slider from catching on other items in the wash.