TUTORIAL : Adding an Exposed Zippered Pillow Backing

Sunday, October 3, 2021

TUTORIAL : Adding an Exposed Zippered Pillow Backing

Hello Friends! Today I'm sharing my favorite technique for a zippered pillow backing - exposed zipper! I just love the pop of color the exposed zipper gives - so fun!

Ready to start installing your zipper!

Supplies:

Nylon zipper - longer than your pillow backing width. Example choose a 20" zipper if making a 16" pillow. I buy my zippers HERE at Amazon.
1/4" Wash-away Wonder Tape
Janome Sewing Machine - I will be using my Janome M7
Janome Zipper Foot
2 Pieces of Pillow Backing - A and B
Optional: Clover Hot Hemmer Ruler

Step 1: Iron edge (where zipper will be sewn) of Pillow Backing A 3/8" - wrong sides together. This step will "hide" the unfinished fabric edge, making your finished pillow interior look nice.

Step 2: Pillow Backing A (right side up) - Place Wash-away Wonder Tape along pressed edge of the fabric.

Step 3: Place Nylon Zipper right side down - aligning along top of the fabric. Your zipper will be longer that your pillow backing ... don't trim zipper yet. Tip: If you want to keep the metal zipper end - make sure it is at least 1/2" away pillow edge as you do not want to sew over the metal zipper end when assembling your pillow.

Step 4: Attach zipper with 1/4" seam allowance.

Recommendation: Janome Zipper Foot, Janome M7 Needle Plate with 3 holes, Needle Position to 1/4" right, Stitch Length 2.0

Step 5: Press Pillow Backing A away from the zipper. Do NOT iron the zipper or the nylon coil may melt. Line up the pressed edge of Pillow Backing A to edge of zipper foot. Topstitch along the edge. Use same Janome machine settings as in Step 3.

Step 6: Iron edge of Pillow Backing B (where zipper will be attached) 3/8" - wrong sides together

Step 7: Pillow Backing B (right side up) - Place Wash-away Wonder Tape along pressed edge of the fabric.

Step 8: Place Nylon Zipper attached to Pillow Backing A right side down - aligning along top of the fabric. I moved the zipper slightly to show the Wash-away Wonder Tape for the image only, but the Wash-away Wonder Tape will be fully covered before sewing. Line up the edges of your Pillow Backing Fabrics.

Step 9: Attach zipper with 1/4" seam allowance. Use Janome machine settings as in Step 3.

Step 10: Press Pillow Backing B away from the zipper. Do NOT iron the zipper or the nylon coil may melt. Line up the pressed edge of Pillow Backing B to edge of the zipper foot. Topstitch along edge. Use Janome machine settings as in Step 3.

Step 11: Trim Pillow Backing to size of Pillow Front. Make sure the zipper pull is moved to center of Pillow Backing before trimming zipper to size. You do NOT want to trim off the zipper pull!

I hope you decide to add exposed zippers to your pillow backings too! The zipper is functional too as it so much easier to change your pillow covers for seasonal changes and/or washings!