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
- 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
- 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
Measure and Cut Fabric
- Measure your body pillow and cut the fabric.
Prepare Zipper Placement
- Prepare the zipper placement on the fabric.
Prepare Zipper Placement Attach Zipper to One Side
- Sew the zipper onto one side of the fabric.
Attach Zipper to One Side Attach Zipper to Other Side
- Repeat Step 3 for the other side of the fabric.
Sew and Finish Side Seams
- Sew the remaining open edges of the fabric together using a French seam technique.
Sew and Finish Side Seams Finish Zipper Edges
- Finish the raw edges of the fabric near the zipper (using pinking shears or another method).
Finish Zipper Edges Turn 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.