I have been sewing for over 50 years ( yes 50 !!!) and have always found my own way of doing things. Then one day sitting with a cup of coffee I started watching this video and thought I'd give it a go. It is so much easier and more foolproof than the way I have been sewing an invisible zip. I will now always do my invisible zips on cushions by this method. Thank you so much.
Great instructions! A really great video-sound quality was great, visual was great. Although a lifetime sewer, for some reason I was intimidated about doing an invisible zipper, which I knew was silly. Your instructions are so clear and easily understood-I’m ready to go! Many thanks! Your finished pillows looked beautiful!
You are Perfection! From a lifetime sewer here, too - but invisible zippers had me puzzled. I watched several videos but yours was 'superior' - because your instructional visuals were simple and so easy to follow - your voice/sound was also perfect, clear and not too fast to understand - and no background music while you were speaking. One time - and I had it. Thanks - I'll continue to follow you!
I want to thank you so much. Whenever I have a question you always find the time to answer.. That means so much to your views. After my pillows are finished I'm going to make curtains with linnigs I did it years ago but need some refreshing my notes are a little fuzzy. Thank you again
@@elainemcnamee3953 My pleasure! So, there are a ton of videos on making basic lined drapery panels and I’ve been trying to decide if it’s worth making one since so much is out there already. Thoughts?
Thank you for your tutorial! I’m a beginner and manage to make a perfect hidden zipper on my throw pillow case. Thanks to you! ❤ Hope you have a nice day
This is going to sound pathetic, and it might well be. I had seven dresses in my closet all sewn to perfect form, except for one thing, you guessed it, I didn’t know how to put in the zipper! Because I thought it was going to be difficult, I just didn’t put them in, hence, I had seven unfinished dresses. You made it look so easy to put the zipper on the pillow that I used your technique on my dresses. In a matter of 2 to 3 hours, I had seven brand new dresses in my collection! Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with me. Your very professional, well lit and well paced videos (NOT sewn rapid-fire paced)are informative and easy to understand, the directions are clear; a boon to sewers like myself! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It really gives a perfect finish not putting the zip to the very ends. And the marking up tip is great for quickly lining everything up, which is great if you've got a lot to do.
Can't wait to try this method! Notice the white reinforcement at the end of the zipper when you start sewing. Didn't see you do that -- how and what and why? Thanks!
Just a tab/stop I'll make if my zipper is a little too short and doesn't give me the extra length I need to make sure the zipper slide doesn't come of during installation. I often use "left overs" for tutorials, and this one was just a little shorter than I'd like. When done with 1.5-2" extra on each end of the zipper strip, you don't need it :)
THIS VIDEO! is far superior to the ones (plural) of all and any I've watched on subscription crafting websites! THANK YOU for making and doing wonderful production of visuals and explanations.
Yes, and yes :) The zipper will actually follow the taper line, but by stopping and starting the zipper 2-2.5” from the corners you’re mostly on a straight line with it.
I usually use a zipper about 4" shorter than the cut fabric and I use zipper tape and zipper pulls, which I stock in a few basic colors that work with pretty much any fabric.
Thank you for your helpful tutorial! I am making a cover for a large rectangular bean bag, and think I would like a flange with a zipper - do you have a tutorial with flange / zipper combo?
Soon! If it's a flange made by just making the front and back bigger and topstitching the flange line, then an overlap zipper on the back near the bottom is the best method, and that is on my short list of upcoming videos. If it's a separate flange you can use this video and install an invisible zipper. Just apply the flange to one side like you would apply welt, and install the zip as shown here. (There is also a separate video on installing an invisible zipper on a pillow with welt - same idea.)
Great video; at what point did you shorten the zipper and put on the tab end? Is there a guideline to follow when choosing a zipper length to buy/shortening to fit and length of pillow?
@@noracain7654 I cut my zipper from a roll, usually 2-3” shorter than the cut fabric, and usually don’t even put a tab on the end - just a pull. I only use a tab if I’m using a zipper I already have cut and it’s on the short side.
Many years ago, when I was in Home Ec class and dinosaurs were roaming the earth, I gave up learning how to sew in an invisible zipper; because it was too SCARY!! This video, so many years later, has taken away that fear.
I'm new to sewing and your videos are very helpful, thank you! I would like to make a large gusseted throw cushion but without any piping, just a strip of fabric all the way round to form the gusset. Do you have any tips for me please?
The easiest way to do it is make a strip the finished length you need plus a seam allowance to sew the ends together, making a big loop. So if your cushion is 20 x 20 you’d have a 80” loop, the thickness you need. Clip the top and bottom of the boxing strip every 20” and just sew it on, each clip at a corner. You can put a zipper in one of the seams or just hand sew the opening closed. I should really do a video in this! Hope that helps :)
I can't remember!! I think it was a little shorter than I'd normally use and it was to help make sure the slide didn't come off while installing it. Or maybe it was one used previously and was already like that? Who knows 😂Once the zipper is in it's pretty much impossible for it to pull apart during normal use (as long as you leave at least an 1.5-2" on each end).
What is the small piece of fabric attached to the bottom of the zipper, why is it there, and how did you attach it to the zipper? What size zipper do you use for a pillow cover? Would it be shorter than the cover or the same size?
The "zipper tab" is just a scrap of fabric that encloses the end of the tape. Sometimes if my zipper is a little shorter than I would like (I often use leftover pieces of zipper tape for tutorials) I'll add the tab to ensure the pull doesn't come off while I'm making the pillow. When I cut (or buy) my zipper, I normally make it about 3" longer than the actual zipper opening, and then I don't really need a tab. That equates to maybe an inch shorter than the cut pillow. You often see zipper tabs on upholstered cushions, just to add strength to the end of the zip. Cushion covers take a lot more stress than pillows when you put the foam in or out. Thank you for the idea to add this to my list of videos to make :)
Thank you so much for this tutorial. You are a great tutor, I could understand the concept and execution (normally I just follow instructions and see what happens) but you are very clear, which is not easy when showing this ⭐️
I want to sew in the zipper and have the tapered corners like you show in the no pointy corners video, I have al 18 inch form. Any advice would be appreciatedl
You can apply the zipper along the taper - it’s no problem at all to follow the line you want to create. Sometimes because the arc line is a little shorter than a straight line your marks end up not quite lining up at the end. Just pin on the other side to match the first side you sewed.
My pilow zipper is a little bigger than the pillow. Can you tell me why you had fabric at the end of the pillow ? Did you stitch the zipper cut it and cover the end to keep it from unhooking ?
@@elainemcnamee3953 No, I always cut my zipper a couple of inches shorter so it doesn’t get caught in the side seams of the pillow. If you install it as shown it will never unhook because it can’t open enough to do so. You can cut the end off of your long zipper and it will work just fine :)
Great demonstration! Could you show how to put a zipper into a piped cushion sometime? I really like a piped cushion but always struggle inserting a zipper. Thank you :)
There is one on how to put a zipper in a pillow with welt (piping) that I put up about a year ago. There’s also a video on making a shaped boxed cushion with a zipper strip. Hope those help!
Hi, I'm trying to work out my dimensions but I'm out of practice! What seam allowance are you sewing with? And do I need to add extra on top of that on one length to cover sewing the zip in or is it within the seam allowance? I want my finished cushion cover dimensions to be 21"×21" Thanks in advance ☺️
I found that the zipper pull doesn’t allow me to stitch closely at the end when zipper is open. Should I just be using longer zippers so that it pulls down below my mark?
@@patmcfadden5805 Yes, I always use zippers that are a couple of inches longer on both ends to allow a little cushion for size adjustment and to avoid the issue you’re having :)
Hi! Do you mind sharing where you purchase the zipper tape? The end piece looks much nicer than the ones I’m seeing online. Can you cut it with regular scissors? Thanks!
Hi there, I'm finding that the fabric is shifting when I'm sewing the two layers or the zipper onto the fabric, do you know if there's anything I can do to stop this from happening. One piece of fabric ends up being slightly longer once sewn, that the other piece. Thank you, Katie
I've been waiting for this question!! Yes, this happens to me too. No matter how I prepare it, the zipper tape seems to stretch a little. So I let it do its thing, then when I go to attach the second side I use the reference marks as a guide. For example if they line up perfectly when I start, but by the middle they're off 1/16", I pin the second tape on 1/16" fro,m it's center mark. If it's off by 1/8" at the end, I just pin on the tape 1/8" from the mark. I tend to apply the first half without pins, and make the second side match it with several pins. Does that make sense?
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Hi, thank you for your reply! I've been meaning to get back to this reply! I went back and had a look at what I had made and noticed that the sewing seemed to pull the fabric at each stitching by a small amount. I think it's a combination that I was using a silky fabric and also that maybe my tension setting was slightly too tight. It's a tricky one! I'm kind of a beginner, so I've got lots to learn and tips and tricks!
Thank you very much for this easy to follow tutorial! I wanted a zipper in my granddaughter's new Book pillow, just in case. ;) Thank you for saying it is easy, you are right
A Square Pillow Isn't Square! Thanks so much for responding! That is good to know I didn’t know they were sized that way. What about how do you know what length zipper to buy?
@@lesliewiggins_staff-powell6286 I buy or make them myself from rolls of zipper tape , usually 2”shorter than the size you cut your fabric. On big pillows and shams you can go 3-4” shorter.
Your video is terrific! I have a new machine and don’t have a special invisible zipper foot. I’m going to try out your methods. I’m actually in the middle of making throw pillows for my grandchildren and invisible zippers will be a good way to go. I’m wondering, why did you only put the fabric tab on one end of the zipper? Would you suggest a fabric tab or just sewing over the zipper on the other end just in case the zipper got that far?
In fact I normally do neither! If an invisible zipper is installed this way you don’t actually need a stop, or tab, or do you need to sew over it! The way the bottom of the pillow cover is sewn, there is no way to zip or unzip beyond the opening :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare So this would be a good solution when an invisible zipper the length that you need is not available? Makes no difference if excess length is tucked inside the pillow?
@@lhardin4771 Exactly! I just cut lengths of zipper strip 4” or so longer than my opening is going to be. So you can tuck in the excess or just cut it off at the bottom end.
It won’t work as well but there are ways to use a standard zipper by making a zipper flap near the back bottom. That’s a great idea for a video! I’ll add it to my list :)
@@deniece.anastassia Google "lapped zipper". Most people put them in the middle of the back which looks bad, so I do mine at the very bottom. Keep an eye out...I'll make a video :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare awesome!! I’m in the middle of attempting to make a cover for a 24” pillow. I will definitely wait to see your video first! No rush! Thank you so much!
This worked beautifully, thank you! My only problem was that I didn’t notice that you pulled the tails of the zipper out away from the pillow. I had to re-do them ends. Yet it came out very nicely!
You know, I’ve never tried it with a regular zipper because I think the teeth would show. I did a video showing a regular zipper on a pillow with brush fringe, and that’s the method I usually use if I’m not using an invisible zip.
In the video you didn’t place the zipper to the edge of the fabric. It looks like maybe a quarter inch from edge. What happens if you put the zipper to the edge? 7:22
I set it in so that the teeth end up at what would be the sewing line for my 1/2" seam allowance.. The strength and stability of the fabric weakens the closer you get to the cut edge, so I give it at least 1/2". If you have a zipper with a wider tape, the zipper edge would end up closer to the cut edge. It's all about the seam allowance you are working with :)
Nancy, I missed a step or two--I think you must have another more elementary zipper tutorial. How to shorten a long zipper; why/how you put the binding on the end of the zipper. Really basic stuff. Can you tell me the link to the more basic tutorial or the name of it?
Good questions :) So actually, I almost never put a tab on the end of an invisible zipper, and I can't even remember the reason I did it that time! You often see that cloth tab in cushion upholstery, where the zippers are larger, the stress on the fabric is greater as you insert the foam, and the purpose is to create a strong zipper stop when using zipper by the roll. In my experience, if you leave enough of a tail, the zipper pull can't come off once the pillow is finished, so it''s really not necessary at all. For pillows anyway, you just have to cut your zipper to the length you need, and add 3-4" for your tails on either end. But this is a great topic suggestion. There are actually 3 ways to make a zipper stop, and I will add it to my list of video ideas right now! Thanks for watching and for your comment :)
It’s a fabric “tab” I made from a scrap to keep the zipper pull from accidentally coming off the end of the zipper. Zipper tape sold in rolls the way I buy it doesn’t have any stops, so sometimes I’ll make one!
Perfect timing for your video … I just finished a log cabin pillow as a housewarming gift and I wanted a nice professional finish. So much good advice on your website. Your industrial machine seems so quiet compared to my household machine. What kind of machine do you use? I was thinking about getting a Juki DDL 8700.
Thank you for sharing. I always struggle with the corners and now I see why. I always stitched the corners first. Second, I began installing the zippers from the corner and the ending result was puckering corners.
Super helpful tutorial! Im having to put a lining in a pillowcase for a customer so I'm trying to figure out how to do this except with a lining and have it still look good and professional. Any suggestions would be super helpful as I have yet to find a tutorial for that situation. I know it isn't typical to line a pillowcase. Thanks again!!
Hi there, without knowing the specifics of the fabrics, when I have to line a pillow cover I choose the lightest weight stable fabric that’s suitable, cut the fabric and lining out to the same size, sew the 2 layers together with a 1/4”-3/8” seam allowance on all four sides, or serge them together, then just treat the two layers as one and proceed as normal :)
In all the years that I've sewn, I've never bothered putting in an invisible zipper. Thanks for the easy steps, I'll probably be making a lot of pillows from now on.
Thanks for the instructional video. PS don’t take offence to this, but Tug might need his nails clipped, if you can her the doggos nails when they walk, then they are too long (it can impact their biomechanics and cause extra load on their joints buy changing their gait due to unable to toe off as normal due to the longer nails - can end up giving knee and hip dramas down the track) 👍🏼
I appreciate your concern Troy. Don’t worry, Master Chuggin’ Tugboat (he’s a Portuguese Water Dog) is professionally groomed every 10 weeks and no matter where I’ve taken him his nails always click a little even right after a nail trim. I think the quick is closer to the end of his nails than typical 😊
I am so confused! I thought this was using a regular zipper, but just making it invisible, but I guess I am figuring out that you are using an invisible zipper! I wish I hadn't cut my fabric out yet. I guess I have to use one of those awful lapped zippers!
I actually have used this method for a regular zipper!! After you sew it in you just have to top stitch one side, rolling the fabric down to cover the teeth.
Good question! It’s more important that the zipper really matches when sewing clothes. With home dec, it just needs to coordinate. I keep 4 rolls of zipper tape on hand: white, ivory, tan, and gray, and I use the one that looks the best with the fabric.
I have been sewing for over 50 years ( yes 50 !!!) and have always found my own way of doing things. Then one day sitting with a cup of coffee I started watching this video and thought I'd give it a go. It is so much easier and more foolproof than the way I have been sewing an invisible zip. I will now always do my invisible zips on cushions by this method.
Thank you so much.
This makes me so happy 😁
Love your videos. This is the best method I’ve seen for invisible zippers. Thanks for sharing.
This is the 5th invisible zip video I’ve watched and is easily the best, you have demystified the process. Many thanks.
I love this! Thanks for the kind words 😊
Great instructions! A really great video-sound quality was great, visual was great. Although a lifetime sewer, for some reason I was intimidated about doing an invisible zipper, which I knew was silly. Your instructions are so clear and easily understood-I’m ready to go! Many thanks! Your finished pillows looked beautiful!
Thank you so much 😊
You are Perfection! From a lifetime sewer here, too - but invisible zippers had me puzzled. I watched several videos but yours was 'superior' - because your instructional visuals were simple and so easy to follow - your voice/sound was also perfect, clear and not too fast to understand - and no background music while you were speaking. One time - and I had it. Thanks - I'll continue to follow you!
What a nice compliment!! Thank you :) Lots more videos coming soon!
I want to thank you so much. Whenever I have a question you always find the time to answer.. That means so much to your views. After my pillows are finished I'm going to make curtains with linnigs I did it years ago but need some refreshing my notes are a little fuzzy. Thank you again
@@elainemcnamee3953 My pleasure! So, there are a ton of videos on making basic lined drapery panels and I’ve been trying to decide if it’s worth making one since so much is out there already. Thoughts?
I think you should you explaine the process so clealy. I think measuring is so important and the bottom hem with lining can become confusing.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! So easy to understand and follow. I love all your videos since I'm a pretty much self-taught sewer.
Thank you so much 😊 this is literally helpful
Sewing a zipper was always a nightmare for me 👍
Zippers intimidate the heck out of me and it’s ridiculous since I've been sewing basic stuff for decades. This is a great tutorial, thanks so much!
Thank you for your tutorial! I’m a beginner and manage to make a perfect hidden zipper on my throw pillow case. Thanks to you! ❤ Hope you have a nice day
That’s awesome!
Thanks for sharing and showing us how to sew an invisible zipper on a pillow. This video will come in handy as the steps are clearly explained.
The BEST invisible tutorial EVER! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thank you for explaining how to put invisible zippers in so easy to understand.
This is going to sound pathetic, and it might well be. I had seven dresses in my closet all sewn to perfect form, except for one thing, you guessed it, I didn’t know how to put in the zipper! Because I thought it was going to be difficult, I just didn’t put them in, hence, I had seven unfinished dresses. You made it look so easy to put the zipper on the pillow that I used your technique on my dresses. In a matter of 2 to 3 hours, I had seven brand new dresses in my collection!
Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with me. Your very professional, well lit and well paced videos (NOT sewn rapid-fire paced)are informative and easy to understand, the directions are clear; a boon to sewers like myself! Thank you!
That is sooooo awesome!! I’m so glad my video helped you finish your dresses! I ❤️ reading comments like this. Makes it all worthwhile 😊
This is fantastic! I always get turned around on invisible zippers. You made it so easy. Thank you!
Thank you!!!! I watched several other videos before yours. Yours is the only one that makes sense and is so clear and easy to follow!
Thank you!!! Comments like this keep me motivated to keep making videos :)
Hello Paula, how are you doing?
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It really gives a perfect finish not putting the zip to the very ends. And the marking up tip is great for quickly lining everything up, which is great if you've got a lot to do.
Im ready to give sewing pillows a try now!
My Grams has been teaching me to sew for about a year now and I'm loving it❤
I love that! I hope my grandkids want to learn when they're old enough :)
You’re so lucky to have such a grandmother! I learned by myself as no one in my family sews :)
@@luciatat4084 I was indeed very lucky. But I’m also self taught in most of what I know!
Thank you from a german viewer. I‘m a beginner and my pillow cover looks with this Tutorial perfect 😊❤
Such a great tutorial of this! Nice close shots leaves no question at all. Sending this to a friend who is scared of them. Thanks!
Thank you so much. Yes, please share!
Thank you so much I haven’t sewn in awhile I needed a refresh course
I have been sewing for over forty years and still learn more efficient ways to construct things.
This was awesome timely. Thank you.
We veterans never stop learning, do we?! So glad I was able to show you a new tip!
Can't wait to try this method! Notice the white reinforcement at the end of the zipper when you start sewing. Didn't see you do that -- how and what and why? Thanks!
Just a tab/stop I'll make if my zipper is a little too short and doesn't give me the extra length I need to make sure the zipper slide doesn't come of during installation. I often use "left overs" for tutorials, and this one was just a little shorter than I'd like. When done with 1.5-2" extra on each end of the zipper strip, you don't need it :)
THIS VIDEO! is far superior to the ones (plural) of all and any I've watched on subscription crafting websites! THANK YOU for making and doing wonderful production of visuals and explanations.
Great video. Are you also using your tapered corner method here and do you apply this on every corner?
Yes, and yes :) The zipper will actually follow the taper line, but by stopping and starting the zipper 2-2.5” from the corners you’re mostly on a straight line with it.
Thank you, I was also wondering about the tapered corners. And also thanks for this amazing video.
Just tried the basting method...came out perfect ! Thank you
@@nyaraimandondo8151 Good job! 👏
Fantastic tutorial. Just a couple ofquestion. How do you decide on the zipper size? Do you use an open ended zipper?
I usually use a zipper about 4" shorter than the cut fabric and I use zipper tape and zipper pulls, which I stock in a few basic colors that work with pretty much any fabric.
Thank you for your helpful tutorial! I am making a cover for a large rectangular bean bag, and think I would like a flange with a zipper - do you have a tutorial with flange / zipper combo?
Soon! If it's a flange made by just making the front and back bigger and topstitching the flange line, then an overlap zipper on the back near the bottom is the best method, and that is on my short list of upcoming videos. If it's a separate flange you can use this video and install an invisible zipper. Just apply the flange to one side like you would apply welt, and install the zip as shown here. (There is also a separate video on installing an invisible zipper on a pillow with welt - same idea.)
I love your videos! You are an excellent teacher! Thank you!
Thank you 🙂
Great video; at what point did you shorten the zipper and put on the tab end? Is there a guideline to follow when choosing a zipper length to buy/shortening to fit and length of pillow?
@@noracain7654 I cut my zipper from a roll, usually 2-3” shorter than the cut fabric, and usually don’t even put a tab on the end - just a pull. I only use a tab if I’m using a zipper I already have cut and it’s on the short side.
Many years ago, when I was in Home Ec class and dinosaurs were roaming the earth, I gave up learning how to sew in an invisible zipper; because it was too SCARY!! This video, so many years later, has taken away that fear.
Best comment ever! Thank you ❤️
Thats hilarious… me too
I'm new to sewing and your videos are very helpful, thank you! I would like to make a large gusseted throw cushion but without any piping, just a strip of fabric all the way round to form the gusset. Do you have any tips for me please?
The easiest way to do it is make a strip the finished length you need plus a seam allowance to sew the ends together, making a big loop. So if your cushion is 20 x 20 you’d have a 80” loop, the thickness you need. Clip the top and bottom of the boxing strip every 20” and just sew it on, each clip at a corner. You can put a zipper in one of the seams or just hand sew the opening closed. I should really do a video in this! Hope that helps :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare That's fabulous, thank you for taking the time to help and for responding so very quickly!
love that. Tried it already and it works.
Thank you.
Soooo lovely you have a quiet machine. Very many chatter noisily, and or Beep (BabyLock), which is frustrating. Yours is very subtle ❤️
Also wondering why you already have added a tab to the end of that zipper. Is to help keep it together and from pulling apart once installed?
I can't remember!! I think it was a little shorter than I'd normally use and it was to help make sure the slide didn't come off while installing it. Or maybe it was one used previously and was already like that? Who knows 😂Once the zipper is in it's pretty much impossible for it to pull apart during normal use (as long as you leave at least an 1.5-2" on each end).
Thank you for the tutorial. What type sewing machine are you using and are you using a zipper foot? Thank you!
It's an industrial Mitsubishi LS2-2210. An oldie but a goodie. I am indeed using a zipper foot (not an invisible zipper foot, just a regular one).
What is the small piece of fabric attached to the bottom of the zipper, why is it there, and how did you attach it to the zipper? What size zipper do you use for a pillow cover? Would it be shorter than the cover or the same size?
The "zipper tab" is just a scrap of fabric that encloses the end of the tape. Sometimes if my zipper is a little shorter than I would like (I often use leftover pieces of zipper tape for tutorials) I'll add the tab to ensure the pull doesn't come off while I'm making the pillow. When I cut (or buy) my zipper, I normally make it about 3" longer than the actual zipper opening, and then I don't really need a tab. That equates to maybe an inch shorter than the cut pillow. You often see zipper tabs on upholstered cushions, just to add strength to the end of the zip. Cushion covers take a lot more stress than pillows when you put the foam in or out. Thank you for the idea to add this to my list of videos to make :)
One more quick question.....what brand and weight thread do you typically use for your pillows and needle? Thank you in advance!
I use Sew-It-All by 3A Thread Spun Polyester in 6,000 yd cones.
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Wow!!! That a lot of thread :)....Needle size?
@@marshatwiford4230 I use it on my serger too, but yeah, it's a lot! Needles depend on what I'm sewing. Industrial 12-18 usually
Thank you so much for this tutorial. You are a great tutor, I could understand the concept and execution (normally I just follow instructions and see what happens) but you are very clear, which is not easy when showing this ⭐️
I want to sew in the zipper and have the tapered corners like you show in the no pointy corners video, I have al 18 inch form. Any advice would be appreciatedl
You can apply the zipper along the taper - it’s no problem at all to follow the line you want to create. Sometimes because the arc line is a little shorter than a straight line your marks end up not quite lining up at the end. Just pin on the other side to match the first side you sewed.
Your tutorials are the best
Thank you so much :)
Any suggestions how you clean up the hanging thread ? Do you cut it really close or burn it ?
I’m not really sure what you mean. What hanging thread are you referring to?
My pilow zipper is a little bigger than the pillow. Can you tell me why you had fabric at the end of the pillow ? Did you stitch the zipper cut it and cover the end to keep it from unhooking ?
@@elainemcnamee3953 No, I always cut my zipper a couple of inches shorter so it doesn’t get caught in the side seams of the pillow. If you install it as shown it will never unhook because it can’t open enough to do so. You can cut the end off of your long zipper and it will work just fine :)
Great demonstration! Could you show how to put a zipper into a piped cushion sometime? I really like a piped cushion but always struggle inserting a zipper. Thank you :)
There is one on how to put a zipper in a pillow with welt (piping) that I put up about a year ago. There’s also a video on making a shaped boxed cushion with a zipper strip. Hope those help!
Hi, I'm trying to work out my dimensions but I'm out of practice! What seam allowance are you sewing with? And do I need to add extra on top of that on one length to cover sewing the zip in or is it within the seam allowance? I want my finished cushion cover dimensions to be 21"×21"
Thanks in advance ☺️
I use a 1/2" seam allowance, and you don't need any extra for the invisible zip unless you want more :)
I found that the zipper pull doesn’t allow me to stitch closely at the end when zipper is open. Should I just be using longer zippers so that it pulls down below my mark?
@@patmcfadden5805 Yes, I always use zippers that are a couple of inches longer on both ends to allow a little cushion for size adjustment and to avoid the issue you’re having :)
GREAT, easy-tp-follow tutorial! Thank you SO MUCH!
You made it look so easy, Here I go
Thank you so much for your videos. They are all excellent and help us sewers so much!
I’m so glad they’re helpful!!
Hi! Do you mind sharing where you purchase the zipper tape? The end piece looks much nicer than the ones I’m seeing online. Can you cut it with regular scissors? Thanks!
I get my tape and most of my workroom supplies from Rowley Company. I use regular scissors but always craft/paper scissors.. never my good ones!
Hi there, I'm finding that the fabric is shifting when I'm sewing the two layers or the zipper onto the fabric, do you know if there's anything I can do to stop this from happening. One piece of fabric ends up being slightly longer once sewn, that the other piece. Thank you, Katie
I've been waiting for this question!! Yes, this happens to me too. No matter how I prepare it, the zipper tape seems to stretch a little. So I let it do its thing, then when I go to attach the second side I use the reference marks as a guide. For example if they line up perfectly when I start, but by the middle they're off 1/16", I pin the second tape on 1/16" fro,m it's center mark. If it's off by 1/8" at the end, I just pin on the tape 1/8" from the mark. I tend to apply the first half without pins, and make the second side match it with several pins. Does that make sense?
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Hi, thank you for your reply! I've been meaning to get back to this reply! I went back and had a look at what I had made and noticed that the sewing seemed to pull the fabric at each stitching by a small amount. I think it's a combination that I was using a silky fabric and also that maybe my tension setting was slightly too tight. It's a tricky one! I'm kind of a beginner, so I've got lots to learn and tips and tricks!
Like all things, it just takes practice and you’ll get a feel for what you need to do :)
Thank you very much for this easy to follow tutorial! I wanted a zipper in my granddaughter's new Book pillow, just in case. ;)
Thank you for saying it is easy, you are right
Hello Sheila, how are you doing?
Best tutorial I found thank you!
This was very helpful and thorough, I was having trouble with the zippers but I’m going to try this out
I’m sure you will do a great job!
Great job I'm a visual person so it makes sense. Thanks again 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this idea. Now, I found the best way to do it, hopefully it won’t be hard for me. 😍
Great video, thanks so much! By the way, what machine do you use? It looks like an old beauty! Love that heavy construction
It's an oldie but a goodie. A Mitsubishi LS2-2210
This is a great video! How do you know what size zipper you should use for a pillow?
Glad you liked the video! For most home dec fabrics I use #3 invisible zippers. For heavy duty fabrics #5 works better.
A Square Pillow Isn't Square! Thanks so much for responding! That is good to know I didn’t know they were sized that way. What about how do you know what length zipper to buy?
@@lesliewiggins_staff-powell6286 I buy or make them myself from rolls of zipper tape , usually 2”shorter than the size you cut your fabric. On big pillows and shams you can go 3-4” shorter.
Hello Leslie, how are you doing?
Your video is terrific! I have a new machine and don’t have a special invisible zipper foot. I’m going to try out your methods. I’m actually in the middle of making throw pillows for my grandchildren and invisible zippers will be a good way to go.
I’m wondering, why did you only put the fabric tab on one end of the zipper? Would you suggest a fabric tab or just sewing over the zipper on the other end just in case the zipper got that far?
In fact I normally do neither! If an invisible zipper is installed this way you don’t actually need a stop, or tab, or do you need to sew over it! The way the bottom of the pillow cover is sewn, there is no way to zip or unzip beyond the opening :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare So this would be a good solution when an invisible zipper the length that you need is not available? Makes no difference if excess length is tucked inside the pillow?
@@lhardin4771 Exactly! I just cut lengths of zipper strip 4” or so longer than my opening is going to be. So you can tuck in the excess or just cut it off at the bottom end.
Thank-you 😊 for this video so good for doing my zips easy to follow instructions xx
Can you use an “all-purpose zipper” for this method?
It won’t work as well but there are ways to use a standard zipper by making a zipper flap near the back bottom. That’s a great idea for a video! I’ll add it to my list :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare thank you so much for your response! I look forward to your video on this! Have a blessed week :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I am not quite sure what a zipper flap is..
@@deniece.anastassia Google "lapped zipper". Most people put them in the middle of the back which looks bad, so I do mine at the very bottom. Keep an eye out...I'll make a video :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare awesome!! I’m in the middle of attempting to make a cover for a 24” pillow. I will definitely wait to see your video first! No rush! Thank you so much!
Great and detailed video!! I appreciate your close ups.
Wonderful video and love all the little tips. Thank you!! I've subscribed!!
This worked beautifully, thank you! My only problem was that I didn’t notice that you pulled the tails of the zipper out away from the pillow. I had to re-do them ends. Yet it came out very nicely!
Very good tutorial!
Thank you so much! I have learned so much from your videos.
Does this work with a normal zip or only invisible zips?
You know, I’ve never tried it with a regular zipper because I think the teeth would show. I did a video showing a regular zipper on a pillow with brush fringe, and that’s the method I usually use if I’m not using an invisible zip.
Thank you, I will have a look at your other video 😊
In the video you didn’t place the zipper to the edge of the fabric. It looks like maybe a quarter inch from edge. What happens if you put the zipper to the edge? 7:22
I set it in so that the teeth end up at what would be the sewing line for my 1/2" seam allowance.. The strength and stability of the fabric weakens the closer you get to the cut edge, so I give it at least 1/2". If you have a zipper with a wider tape, the zipper edge would end up closer to the cut edge. It's all about the seam allowance you are working with :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare thank you!
Thank you...now just to try it. Fingers crossed 🤞
How did you do?
Do you still taper the corners the same way when using an invisible zipper ?
I do!
How old is that machine? I love it, my mom had one like that
I have no idea! I bought it used but it’s been a good machine :)
You don’t mention the little white tab sewn on the top part of the open zipper.
Sometimes I sew a fabric tab onto the end but more often than not I don’t. It’s not important and doesn’t change the method in any way.
I've always had problems with sewing zippers, you've just made it virtually impossible for me to not get it right. Thank you!!!
Glad that you found the video helpful! :)
Nancy, I missed a step or two--I think you must have another more elementary zipper tutorial. How to shorten a long zipper; why/how you put the binding on the end of the zipper. Really basic stuff. Can you tell me the link to the more basic tutorial or the name of it?
Good questions :) So actually, I almost never put a tab on the end of an invisible zipper, and I can't even remember the reason I did it that time! You often see that cloth tab in cushion upholstery, where the zippers are larger, the stress on the fabric is greater as you insert the foam, and the purpose is to create a strong zipper stop when using zipper by the roll. In my experience, if you leave enough of a tail, the zipper pull can't come off once the pillow is finished, so it''s really not necessary at all.
For pillows anyway, you just have to cut your zipper to the length you need, and add 3-4" for your tails on either end. But this is a great topic suggestion. There are actually 3 ways to make a zipper stop, and I will add it to my list of video ideas right now! Thanks for watching and for your comment :)
@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare and thanks for the info! your videos are great.
What is that white patch at one end of zipper?
It’s a fabric “tab” I made from a scrap to keep the zipper pull from accidentally coming off the end of the zipper. Zipper tape sold in rolls the way I buy it doesn’t have any stops, so sometimes I’ll make one!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It was a new technique for me. Very beautiful outcome. 😊🥰💯
What about adding an invisible zipper to an already made pillowcase?
@@AllisonMcKinley You have to take it apart but then you certainly can!
Great tutorial
Perfect timing for your video … I just finished a log cabin pillow as a housewarming gift and I wanted a nice professional finish. So much good advice on your website. Your industrial machine seems so quiet compared to my household machine. What kind of machine do you use? I was thinking about getting a Juki DDL 8700.
Thank you! I so appreciate the comment 😊 I’m using a Mitsubishi LS2-2210 Juki makes a great industrial machine as well.
Thank you for sharing. I always struggle with the corners and now I see why. I always stitched the corners first. Second, I began installing the zippers from the corner and the ending result was puckering corners.
So glad the video helped you!
Hello Sophia, how are you doing?
Super helpful tutorial! Im having to put a lining in a pillowcase for a customer so I'm trying to figure out how to do this except with a lining and have it still look good and professional. Any suggestions would be super helpful as I have yet to find a tutorial for that situation. I know it isn't typical to line a pillowcase. Thanks again!!
Hi there, without knowing the specifics of the fabrics, when I have to line a pillow cover I choose the lightest weight stable fabric that’s suitable, cut the fabric and lining out to the same size, sew the 2 layers together with a 1/4”-3/8” seam allowance on all four sides, or serge them together, then just treat the two layers as one and proceed as normal :)
Thank you Wonderful.
Beautiful thank you❤
Thanks for sharing, was helpful to me ☺️☺️☺️☺️
In all the years that I've sewn, I've never bothered putting in an invisible zipper. Thanks for the easy steps, I'll probably be making a lot of pillows from now on.
Like me, once you realize how easy it is you’ll never go back! Thanks for watching :)
Hello Renee, how are you doing?
Thank you so much for teaching 😊❤️🙏
Thank you
Very easy to follow and the end result was beautiful
So helpful thank you......
Impressive!!!!!
Thanks for the instructional video. PS don’t take offence to this, but Tug might need his nails clipped, if you can her the doggos nails when they walk, then they are too long (it can impact their biomechanics and cause extra load on their joints buy changing their gait due to unable to toe off as normal due to the longer nails - can end up giving knee and hip dramas down the track) 👍🏼
I appreciate your concern Troy. Don’t worry, Master Chuggin’ Tugboat (he’s a Portuguese Water Dog) is professionally groomed every 10 weeks and no matter where I’ve taken him his nails always click a little even right after a nail trim. I think the quick is closer to the end of his nails than typical 😊
I’ve always used an invisible zipper foot.
They don’t make them for industrial machines
I am so confused! I thought this was using a regular zipper, but just making it invisible, but I guess I am figuring out that you are using an invisible zipper! I wish I hadn't cut my fabric out yet. I guess I have to use one of those awful lapped zippers!
I actually have used this method for a regular zipper!! After you sew it in you just have to top stitch one side, rolling the fabric down to cover the teeth.
For professional sewing, do you worry about your zipper color matching the fabric?
Good question! It’s more important that the zipper really matches when sewing clothes. With home dec, it just needs to coordinate. I keep 4 rolls of zipper tape on hand: white, ivory, tan, and gray, and I use the one that looks the best with the fabric.
Great tutorial! Something needs some lubricant. That squeaking! 😱
Glad you liked the video! That relentless background noise is just the motor on my industrial machine. It’s really loud 😬
ok
🤗🌿🍀🌱⚘️