How to Insert a Hidden Zipper in a Pillow

Measure two squares of fabric for the pillow’s front and back. Use standard pillow measurements of 20 inches wide and 26 inches long. Add 2 inches to each measurement to allow for seams. Cut the fabric with scissors to create the pillow’s front and back panels.

Trim the zipper to match the width of the pillow panels, adding 2 inches for seams. Put a pin across the end of the zipper. This helps to avoid pulling the slide off. Open the zipper fully. Turn the zipper upside down. Pin the zipper's tape to the bottom edge of the front pillow panel. Place the pinheads toward the end of the zipper for easy removal.

Sew the zipper to the front panel, beginning at the start of the zipper’s teeth. After the first few stitches, backstitch to secure the zipper. Finish sewing the length of the zipper to the front panel. Remove the pins as you sew. Stop when the bottom of the zipper reaches the presser foot and backstitch a couple of stitches to secure.

Place the second side of the zipper’s tape right side down on the bottom edge of the back pillow panel. Pin the zipper tape to the back pillow panel; face the pinheads toward the end of the zipper. Sew a couple of stitches and then backstitch to secure. Continue to sew the length of the zipper and remove the pins as you go. When the bottom of the zipper stops the presser foot, backstitch a few stitches to secure. Close the zipper.

Align the corners on each side of the zipper and pin. Move the unsewn portions of the zipper tape to the outside edge of the pillow and pin. Unzip the zipper half way down. Pin together the front and back pillow panels along the fabric’s edges. Sew the pillow panels together with a 1/2-inch seam. Start near the bottom of the zipper and backstitch to secure. Finish the perimeter of the pillow with the ending stitch close to the zipper. Backstitch to secure. Open the zipper fully and turn the pillow right side out.