Tips for Sewing a Pillow Cover with an Invisible Zipper Closure

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For many of us, sewing is a relaxing hobby that can prove quite useful when decorating our homes.  After sorting out some of the architectural projects at our house, I could finally ease myself into thinking about all the lovely layers that only fabric can add to a house (throw pillows, window treatments and upholstery) and being able to sew most of them myself has made all the difference. So, in an effort to bring you content that is both authentic and (hopefully) useful, I wanted to share with you my latest project – sewing pillow covers with an invisible zipper closure – with the hope that it will inspire / encourage some of you to learn a new skill that will empower you to make some lovely things for your home. For many of you experienced seamstresses, chances are sewing on an invisible zipper is a basic skill you mastered years ago. But for beginners like me, figuring this one out feels like a triumph worth celebrating, and therefore the results worth a bit of showing off 🙂 . So, if you’re interested and would like to sew some fun throw pillows of your own, with a neat invisible zipper closure, read on to see how I did it and how you can, too.

The process takes a bit of figuring out but there are several reasons why I think it’s worth the trouble. With an invisible zipper closure…

1. Your pillows will look neat and professional 

2. You’ll use less fabric on the back

3. Once you get the hang of it, attaching the invisible zipper will become super easy.

If you know how to use the sewing machine and have a bunch of pretty fabric pieces you’ve collected over time, crafting some pillow covers (with an invisible zipper closure) could be a great way to refresh your décor while still using things you already have, and learning something new in the process. Here’s what you will need:

1. Some great Youtube tutorials. I learned everything I needed to know for this project with THIS TUTORIAL. I loved it because it’s extremely detailed and the author goes through each step slowly and carefully, which in turn makes the whole process easy to understand.  

2. An invisible zipper foot compatible with your sewing machine. I have a Singer Talent and THIS ZIPPER FOOT from Amazon worked very well.

3. Invisible zippers in the size and color that work best with your pillow size and choice of fabric. I got a bunch from HERE in a beige that goes with everything.

I had this bit of fabric left from a project years ago – it’s a fabulous print by Michael S. Smith called Tree of Life. It is exquisite and the thought of messing it up was scary since I only had a small piece, just enough to make two 20” – single-sided pillows. Because this fabric and print demanded a sophisticated, finished look, I opted for an invisible zipper closure even if it meant figuring it out along the way. Luckily I took some pictures of my fumbles, for all of us to “admire”. Here’s what I learned, the hard way:

1. A zigzag stitch along the edges of your cut-to-measure fabric pieces will avoid fraying.

2. Make sure to remove all bits of thread on the zipper edges of the fabric. That’s where the pillow will have the greatest wear so you want to make sure you used a zigzag stitch or a serger first, so that fraying threads won’t get caught in the zipper over time.

3. Center your zipper for a professional-looking pillow cover.

4. Sounds obvious, but had to mention this one: Make sure your zipper is long enough, and the pillow inserts can slip in and out of the cover easily.  

5. If your zipper is longer than needed, don’t cut off the excess until AFTER you’ve attached the zipper and have stitched the ends. I made the mistake of cutting the zipper down to size too soon and when I closed the zipper, it slid right off.  I had to start all over again, with a new zipper.

6. If you’re planning to add a ruffle (or other trimmings) you can still use an invisible zipper, perhaps centered on the back of the cushion.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and I am curious to hear your side of the story – Do you enjoy sewing as a hobby or professionally? Do you have any other useful tips for working with invisible zippers? Feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!