Sew a Body Pillow Cover with a Clean Zipper Finish

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Body pillows offer unparalleled comfort and support, but their covers often require more frequent washing than the pillows themselves. A well-made, removable cover is essential for hygiene and longevity. This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a custom-fitted body pillow cover with a professional-looking, clean zipper closure. Forget those frustrating, bulky zippers that snag and pull! We'll focus on a method that ensures a smooth, invisible zipper finish, transforming your homemade cover from functional to truly elegant.

Learning to sew a zipper into a pillowcase might seem daunting, but with clear instructions and a little patience, you'll be surprised how easily you can achieve a flawless result. This project is perfect for intermediate sewists looking to refine their skills or beginners ready to tackle a slightly more challenging project. Ready to elevate your sewing game and create a luxurious body pillow cover? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Body pillow
  • Fabric (2 yards of cotton recommended)
  • Zipper (to fit the short edge of the pillow)
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pinking shears (optional)
  • Fabric softener
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp sewing machine needles and pins appropriate for your fabric to prevent skipped stitches and fabric damage. Dull needles can cause injury.
  • Exercise caution when using scissors and rotary cutters. Keep fingers away from the blades to prevent cuts.
  • Before operating your sewing machine, ensure it is properly threaded and the needle is correctly inserted. Incorrect usage can lead to machine malfunctions or injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut Fabric

    • Measure your body pillow and cut the fabric.

  2. Prepare Zipper Placement

    • Prepare the zipper placement on the fabric.
    Prepare the zipper placement on the fabric.
    Prepare Zipper Placement

  3. Attach Zipper to One Side

    • Sew the zipper onto one side of the fabric.
    Sew the zipper onto one side of the fabric.
    Attach Zipper to One Side

  4. Attach Zipper to Other Side

    • Repeat Step 3 for the other side of the fabric.

  5. Sew and Finish Side Seams

    • Sew the remaining open edges of the fabric together using a French seam technique.
    Sew the remaining open edges of the fabric together using a French seam technique.
    Sew and Finish Side Seams

  6. Finish Zipper Edges

    • Finish the raw edges of the fabric near the zipper (using pinking shears or another method).
    Finish the raw edges of the fabric near the zipper (using pinking shears or another method).
    Finish Zipper Edges

  7. Turn Right Side Out

    • Turn the cover right side out.
    Turn the cover right side out.
    Turn Right Side Out

Read more: King Size Quilt Tutorial: Efficient Chain Piecing Method

Tips

  • Pre-wash your fabric and use fabric softener for a softer pillow cover.
  • Add seam allowance (1-1.5 inches) to your measurements when cutting fabric.
  • Use a French seam to prevent fraying and create a professional finish.
  • Ensure your zipper is undone before sewing the final seams.
  • Use pinking shears to prevent fraying on the raw edges near the zipper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Seam Allowance

Reason: Inconsistent seam allowance throughout the project leads to a sloppy, unprofessional finish and difficulty in zipper insertion.
Solution: Use a seam guide on your sewing machine or carefully measure and mark your seam allowance before cutting and sewing.

2. Zipper Not Centered

Reason: An off-center zipper creates an asymmetrical body pillow cover that looks uneven and unprofessional; it can also cause the zipper to bind or not close properly.
Solution: Carefully pin the zipper in place, ensuring it's centered before stitching, using the seam allowance as a guide.

FAQs

What type of zipper should I use for a body pillow cover?
For a clean finish, use a separating zipper (the kind that opens and closes in the middle) that's at least as long as the length of your pillow. Invisible zippers work well, too, but require slightly more advanced sewing skills.
How do I ensure the zipper doesn't get caught or bunched up inside the cover?
Careful measuring and cutting of fabric is key. Ensure your zipper is centered and evenly placed. Also, pressing the seam allowances open before stitching the zipper in place will help to eliminate bulk and create a smoother finish.