I love this combination of fabrics. The pairing of a classic black and white houndstooth with a vibrant turquoise ruffle.
This pillow is part of a collection of pillows I made a couple of years ago for Stacey. It’s one of her favorites. And as sometimes happens with gently loved items the zipper gave out.
Sometimes it’s not, but in this case the pillow was definitely worth the extra effort of putting in a new zipper.
Today I’m going to show you how to go about fixing that busted zipper in your favorite pillow.
For this post I’m starting with re-inserting the zipper. I removed the old zipper (not shown) using a seam ripper and unstitched the side seams of the pillow about 1″ or so on each side. For more details on creating and sewing a ruffled pillow see this post.
This pillow cover is 20×20. I’m using a regular 20″ black zipper. I use this size zipper in most of my pillows. Even if it’s a larger pillow cover, a 20″ zipper will usually be large enough to accommodate the pillow insert.
Turn the zipper over, face down.
And unzip the zipper.
In this position, (with the zipper facing down) you will be attaching the right side of the zipper first.
Align the zipper with the edge of the pillow cover. I usually inset my zipper about a 1/8th inch.
Install your zipper foot. Shown above right. A regular stitching foot is shown on the left.
A zipper foot allows you to stitch nice and close (about 1/8th of an inch) to the zipper teeth.
Once the right side of the zipper (as seen while facing down) is stitched in place…
re-zip the zipper.
Align both ends of the zipper with the side edges of the pillow cover.
Continue aligning and pinning the left side of the zipper to the pillow cover opening.
Unzip the zipper.
Turn the pillow cover around and begin stitching the remaining unstitched side in place.
Before closing up the side seams be sure to mark the metal end of the zipper.
This comes in hand as you stitch the side seams closed. Sewing over that tiny metal piece of the zipper is a sure way to break a needle. Believe me…I’ve done it numerous times.
Stitch both side seams (at each zipper end) closed.
Turn pillow cover right side out.
Insert pillow form and zip closed.
As I’ve sad before feather inserts are my favorite. Even though they’re more expensive it’s worth the investment.
When zipping a pillow cover or cushion cover it’s a good idea to hold the zipper closed to avoid undue strain on the zipper.
Good as new!
Replacing zippers will never be my favorite task but in this case the pillow cover was worth repairing.
Black & White Houndstooth and Turquoise Velvet! A beautiful combination!