How to Sew a Zipper into a Pillow (Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial)

In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a zipper into a pillow using a simple, beginner-friendly method. I’ll walk you through each step with photos and tips so you can confidently create a zippered pillow back that looks neat, polished, and professional—without any stress.

Why Add a Zipper?

If you’ve ever wondered how to sew a zipper into a pillow without it getting bunched up or bulky, this method is for you. It’s simple, clean, and gives your handmade pillows a polished, professional look—while still being easy to take off and wash. Once you learn this technique, you’ll want to use it on every handmade cushion!

Materials you’ll need

All seam allowances are 1/4″ unless noted. Directions are for one 18″ pillow. Width of fabric (WOF) is assumed to be 42″.

Pillow Front: 18 1/2″ pillow front – I used my Stars Aglow pillow pattern
Pillow back fabric: 1/2 yard (I used solid white quilting cotton)
Fusible Interfacing: 1/2 yard (I used Pellon SF101)
Zipper Cover Accent Fabric: 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ (I used the Wild Haven collection for this pillow)
18″ pillow form: This is the pillow insert I like
20″ nylon zipper: I prefer nylon zipper by the yard

Step 1: Cut the Fabric for the Pillow Back

Fabric and interfacing pieces cut and laid out for an 18-inch zipper pillow

Cut your fabric and interfacing pieces for the pillow back and zipper accent.

Pillow back fabric, cut:

(1) 18 1/2″ x 11″ – bottom panel
(1) 18 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ – top panel

Accent fabric, cut:

(1) 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ – zipper cover

Fusible interfacing, cut:

(1) 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″
(1) 18 1/2″ x 11″
(1) 18 1/2″ x 7 1/2″

Step 2: Prepare Fabric with Interfacing

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of both pillow back pieces and the zipper accent strip.

Tip: If using Pellon SF101, place the rough/shiny side against the fabric. Cover with a damp press cloth and press with a Wool/Steam setting for 10–15 seconds. Steam press from the right side. Let cool and check bond.

Step 3: Finish the Pillow Edges

Use a serger or a zigzag stitch to finish the edges of your pillow back and zipper accent pieces.

Zigzag stitching raw fabric edges to prevent fraying

At the very least, finish the fabric edges around the zipper area to help prevent fraying and keep the zipper working smoothly.

Step 4: Attach the Zipper

Folded zipper accent strip pressed in half lengthwise. Place the zipper right-side-down on the pillow back bottom panel.

Fold the 2 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ accent strip in half lengthwise and press. Set aside.
Place the zipper face down on the right side of the pillow back bottom panel, pin in place.

Sewing zipper onto pillow panel with zipper foot

Sew with a narrow 1/4″ seam using your zipper foot.

Pressing and topstitching the bottom pillow panel after attaching the zipper

Press the panel away from the zipper and topstitch with an 1/8″ seam.

Aligning the folded accent strip with the zipper edge

Place the folded accent strip on top of the bottom panel, aligning raw edge with the zipper.

Pillow back top panel layered over the zipper and accent strip

Then, layer the pillow back top panel right side down on top, pin in place.

Sewing the zipper sandwich with a zipper foot

Next, sew with a narrow 1/4″ seam using your zipper foot.

Sew with a zipper foot, then press and topstitch the top panel.

Press the top panel away from the zipper and topstitch with an 1/8″ seam.

Stitching over zipper ends to secure before trimming

Sew over the zipper ends several times, about 1/4″ from each pillow edge, to secure the zipper. Trim any overhanging zipper.

Step 5 – Assemble the Pillow

placing the pillow top and back right sides together

Place the pillow top and back right sides together.

Drawing tapered lines to trim pillow corners and avoid dog ears

To avoid “dog ear” corners, trim a tapered 1/2″ over 4″ at each corner.

Draw a line starting 1/2″ in from each corner and taper it out to the edge over 4″. Trim along the lines.

Pillow top and back pinned right sides together

Pin the pillow front and back right sides together. Make sure your zipper is halfway open!

Sewing around the pillow edge with a 1/2 inch seam

Sew around the pillow with a 1/2″ seam, then clip the corners.

Turning pillow right side out and pushing corners

Turn the pillow right side out, and gently push out the corners.

Finished 18-inch pillow with zipper back and insert added

Insert the pillow form and zip it closed. Done!

Wrap Up Your Pillow Project

You did it! Whether this is your first time sewing a zipper or just one more project in your stack, I hope you’re feeling proud of your finished pillow. Adding a zipper back gives your pillow a clean, professional finish—and now you’ve got a technique you can use again and again.

If you liked this project, here are a few more tutorials and patterns you might enjoy:

✿ Blossom Pillow Pattern – a simple floral-inspired design that brightens any space
✿ Heart Mug Rug Tutorial – a sweet and scrappy project that makes a perfect gift
✿ Quilt Project Planner – Free Download – get organized and finish more of the projects you start

Want more beginner-friendly tutorials like this one?

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Thanks for sewing with me—happy stitching, from my home to yours!