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Sewing a cushion cover with a zipper: Instructions

07.09.2018 by Sabine Schmidt

Kissenhülle nähen mit Reißverschluss: Anleitung

Sewing a cushion cover with a zipper is a breeze, even for beginners. In this sewing tutorial, I'll show you how it's done!

The most important points at a glance

  • In this post, I'll show you how easily you can sew a beautiful cushion cover with a zipper
  • With these instructions, even beginners can sew a simple cushion cover in no time
  • The cushion cover is made from cotton fabric, such as a sturdy canvas
  • My finished cushion cover in the tutorial measures 50 x 50 cm
  • Sewing level: easy
  • Sewing time: approx. 1 hour

More posts on this topic:

Sewing a cushion cover: Required supplies

The amount of fabric naturally depends on

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fabrics can be used to sew the cushion cover?

Non-elastic cotton fabrics are suitable for sewing the cushion cover. I prefer to use a sturdy canvas for this.

Is this sewing tutorial suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! I will guide you through the instructions step-by-step with many pictures, and you will be thrilled with the great result.

What are the dimensions of the finished cushion cover in the sewing tutorial?

My finished cushion cover measures 50 x 50 cm. However, you can of course sew the cushion cover in any size you like. Just be sure to remember to add a 2 cm seam allowance when cutting the fabric.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Sew a cushion cover with a zipper

Quick standard cushion cover (50 x 50 cm) with a sewn-in zipper opening. Wonder tape replaces pins when inserting the zipper and stops it from slipping.

  1. Step

    Calculate the size of the fabric pieces

    • Add 2 cm seam allowance to the edge length of the cushion.
    • For a 50 x 50 cm cushion, the fabric pieces are 52 x 52 cm.
    • I have already applied a flock print to my cushion cover.
    Calculate the size of the fabric pieces
  2. Step

    Finish the edges

    • Finish all the edges of the fabric pieces with the overlock.
    • A three- or four-thread overlock stitch is perfect for finishing.
    • Alternatively, you can of course use your sewing machine with a zigzag stitch.
    Finish the edges
  3. Step

    Markings for the zipper opening

    On the side where you want to insert the zipper, make a mark 8 cm in from both ends.

    Markings for the zipper opening
  4. Step

    Sew the opening with a straight stitch

    • Place both fabric squares right sides together.
    • Sew from the fabric edge to the marking with a straight stitch.
    • Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
    • This creates an opening into which the zipper is inserted.
    Sew the opening with a straight stitch
  5. Step

    Open and press the seam allowances

    • Open out the seam allowances and press them.
    • Repeat this with the seam allowances of the opening.
    Open and press the seam allowances
  6. Step

    Apply Wondertape to the opening

    Wondertape holds the zipper in place without pins and stops it from shifting while you sew.

    • Turn the fabric over and stick Wondertape onto the seam allowances of the opening.
    Apply Wondertape to the opening
  7. Step

    Position the zipper

    • Peel off the backing of the Wondertape.
    • Position the zipper symmetrically in the opening (you can still adjust it slightly while sewing).
    Position the zipper
  8. Step

    Edgestitch the zipper in place

    • Using the zipper foot of your sewing machine, edgestitch all the way around the zipper from the right side with a straight stitch.
    • At the ends of the zipper, sew a bar tack by sewing back and forth several times — this keeps the seam from tearing later.
    Edgestitch the zipper in place
  9. Step

    Sew three sides closed

    • Fold the fabric so that the right sides are facing each other.
    • Pin both layers of fabric together.
    • Sew the three sides with a straight stitch, a presser foot's width from the edge.
    Sew three sides closed
  10. Step

    Trim the corner seam allowances

    • Trim the seam allowances at the corners diagonally to 3 millimetres from the seam.
    • This makes it easy to push out the corners later.
    Trim the corner seam allowances
  11. Step

    Turn and push out the corners

    • Turn the cushion cover right side out and push out the corners.
    Turn and push out the corners

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.