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Our Ace maker Mad helped us make this tutorial, so follow our step by step guide to learn all Mad’s top tips for how to make a cushion with a zip.
Would you like help making a cushion with a zip? Follow our step by step tutorial on how to make a cushion cover with a zip.
Step by step
Before you start
- In our example, we’re making an 18″ cushion with a zip, but you can make any size; simply adjust the measurements before you start.
- If you have chosen a fabric that can be washed, and if you might want to wash your zipped cushion cover in the future, it’s a good idea to wash your fabric before you cut to size, to take out any shrinkage.
- You’ll notice that the measurements in this zipped cushion tutorial are in inches. This is because our cushions in the shop are sized in inches, and also because our ace maker Mad likes to work in inches herself. Please convert the measurements to centimetres before you start if it’s easier for you – just remember to stick to inches or centimetres throughout!
- We’ve used a sewing machine, but you can of course sew your cushion by hand if you prefer.
Find somewhere to work with decent light, and clear a space before you start work. Gather up all the tools you’ll need before you start sewing, and remember to wash your fabric before you start if you want to be able to wash the cushion cover.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric (We suggest curtain fabric)
- Machine foot
- Zipper foot
- Thread
- Zip
- Pen or Maker’s chalk
- Iron
- pins
1
Cut two 18″ squares out of your chosen fabric
look at pattern of your fabric before you cut, and whether you want each side to match. If your fabric has a strong design feature like a flower, you might want to centre this on your cushion panel.
If you fabric design has a top and a bottom, make sure the two pieces match as you want them at this point. Mark the bottom edge with tailors chalk if this helps.
2
Zigzag on the zip edge
Making sure you’re working on the bottom edge of the fabric, and sewing each piece separately, sew along the raw edge of both pieces of fabric with a zigzag stitch.
This is where your zip is going to go; the zigzag stitch will prevent fraying and give a tidier finish.
3
Mark the edges of the zip side
Working on the reverse of the fabric, measure in an inch from each end of the side you have zigzag stitched.
Mark the measurement with tailors chalk or a pin; this is where we will be putting the zip in.
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4
Stitch the edges of the zip side
Now stitch where you have marked with a straight stitch; you are sewing an inch either side of where the zip is going to go. Stitch with a seam allowance of 5/8″ (or 1.5 cm)
If you are using pins, be mindful of where they are and don’t sew over them!
5
Press the hem
Now press back the hem of the whole of the zip side to the seam allowance of 5/8″ (1.5cm).
Use your iron on a suitable setting for the fabric you’ve chosen, and press the seam flat on the reverse. This is so that your zip will lie flat.
6
Pin the zip
Lay fabric pieces right side down, and place zip in place, also right side down where you have pressed down the fabric. The zip will be lying on the right side of the hem.
Pin or tack the zip in place. This is not essential, but if you are new to making cushions or fitting zips, pinning or tacking will help to keep everything in place.
7
Stitch one side of the zip
Now stitch one side of the zip in place.
Sew with a nice even line, keeping as close to the teeth of the zip as possible. If you have used pins to hold the zip in place, remember to take them out as you go.
8
Stitch the zip
Pin or tack the other side of the zip for your zipped cushion in place on the pressed-down hem on the other cushion panel.
Stitch the other side of the zip, again working as close as possible to the teeth, and remembering to remove the pins as you go, if you have used them.
9
Pin the cushion panels together
Line up your cushion panels, right sides together.
If you prefer, you can mark the seam allowance on the panels before you start sewing, like we have done here.
10
Stitch along three sides of the cushion
Stitch along the three unzipped sides of the cushion, leaving the zip side open. Keep to the same 5/8″ or 1.5cm seam allowance, sewing nice and evenly all the way round.
11
You’ve made a zipped cushion!
Now you’ve learned how to make a cushion cover with a zip! Turn the cushion right side out, making sure to push out the corners fully.
Insert an 18″ cushion pad, sit back and admire your work.
Are you ready to get sewing? You can find fabric to order to begin your project by clicking the links below. For up-to-date news from us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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