Follow this straightforward guide to learn crafting faux leather pillow covers featuring zipper fastenings.
Creating faux leather pillow covers with zipper closures is quite manageable!
This turned out as a delightful finding while completing the Modern Farmhouse Boho Bedroom refresh. I needed the ideal final detail—throw pillows.
My specific search focused on throw pillow covers.
Limited storage in our smaller home presents pillow covers as an excellent space saver.
However, locating exactly what I desired proved challenging.
Even though I've done simple sewing tasks before, this was my initial foray into sewing zippers. It was a success, and you certainly can achieve it! Here is the method.
Simple Method for Faux Leather Pillow Covers with Zipper Closures
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Materials required:
- 18 inch pillow insert
- 1/2 meters of faux leather (sufficient for 2 pillow cover fronts)
- 1/2 meter of contrasting material for the pillow backs (I utilized existing materials; one is striped canvas and the other linen.)
- 2 – 14 inch zippers
- Leather needle for the sewing machine
- Sewing machine
- Seam ripper
- Sewing pins
- Fabric Scissors
- Cutting Mat (optional, yet greatly assists in cutting!)
- Rotary Cutter (also optional)
Initial step: Shape the decorative pillow fronts and backs.
Ensure these cuts are as accurate as possible to maintain clean, straight edges. During our bedroom makeover, I uncovered a quilter’s cutting mat beneath our bed that I had forgotten! I used it with the rotary cutter for this project and was impressed by its utility…
To achieve a slightly relaxed look on the bed, instead of a tight fit, I cut the material generously—a 19 1/2 inches square. This measurement allows for some movement in the final cover while accounting for the 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Align the right sides and stitch the base of the pillow cover using a 1/2 inch seam.
After sewing, press the seam open as much as possible; remember that faux leather does not tolerate ironing! The backing fabric should press well, but avoid ironing the faux leather itself.
Next, incorporate the zipper closure.
I must admit my initial fear of inserting a zipper was quite high; I imagined it would be extremely difficult. However, rest assured—it is quite straightforward and achievable for anyone.
Inserting a Zipper into a Pillow Cover Guide
First, position the zipper face down directly over the pressed seam, then secure it with pins and tack the top edge with a seam.
Consult your sewing machine manual to locate the instructions for using the zipper foot; this feature is simple and lets you sew very close to the zipper without snagging it.
Employing the zipper foot, sew along both sides of the zipper and tack down the bottom just as you did the top.
Flip the fabric over.
Subsequently, use a seam ripper to undo the initial seam now covering the zipper. Continue unpicking until the seam is fully opened from one end of the tacked zipper to the other.
Voilà! – you have successfully created a zipper closure!
Next, stitch the remaining three edges of the pillow.
With the right sides facing inward, join the other three sides of the pillow utilizing a 1/2 inch seam.
**A helpful suggestion: Open the zipper at least partially before sewing the final three seams. I learned the hard way that turning the pillow right side out is tricky when the zipper is fully closed!**
Insert the pillow insert.
Congratulations, your project is complete!
For additional pillow projects (that bypass zipper installation), explore:
- 7 DIY throw pillows you can craft for your residence
- Crafting throw pillows using free printables & iron on transfers
- How to create a striped pillow with paint
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How to Sew Zippered (Faux) Leather Pillow Covers
Learn how to construct faux leather pillow covers that include zipper closures by following this easy, step-by-step guide.
Supplies
Tools
Steps
- Begin by placing the zipper face-down onto the pressed seam, aligning it precisely on top. Secure it with pins and stitch the upper edge to fasten the zipper in position.
- Consult your sewing machine guide to locate the instructions for attaching the zipper foot. This attachment is straightforward and enables you to stitch near the zipper teeth without making contact.
- With the zipper foot attached, stitch along both lateral edges of the zipper and secure the lower end, mirroring the method used for the upper section.
- Flip the fabric section to its reverse side.
- Step 4: Using a seam ripper, undo the initial seam you made that is now on top of the zipper. Continue ripping out the seam until you’ve opened it up from one end of the tacked zipper to the other.Step 4: Sew the remaining 3 sides of the pillow
- Join the remaining three pillow sides with right sides facing, utilizing a half-inch seam allowance.
- Helpful Hint: Ensure the zipper is opened partially before completing the final three seams. I discovered this the hard way, as it becomes difficult to invert the pillow to the right side if the zipper remains closed!
