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

Adding a zipper to a pillow might feel intimidating, but a lapped zipper is one of the easiest methods to learn. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you step by step through how to sew a zipper into a pillow using a simple lapped zipper technique that works beautifully for quilted pillow covers.

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: 1/3 yard or 11″ x 37″ (I used solid white quilting cotton)
Fusible Interfacing: 2/3 yard or 20 5/8″ x 18 3/8″ (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 3/8″ x 18 3/8″
(1) 10 7/8″ x 18 3/8″
(1) 7 3/8″ x 18 3/8″

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: 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.