Zippered Pillow Cover with Optional Appliqué
A practical tutorial that will help you refresh your living room and bedrooms. We’ll make an easy zippered pillow cover that’s perfect for beginners.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Create a made-to-measure pillow cover with a neatly concealed zipper and an optional layered cactus appliqué.
The removable cover is drafted from your pillow insert, so the method works for square or rectangular cushions in different sizes.
The zipper sits within one seam and is barely visible when closed. The appliqué combines a cactus, flowers, a pot, and optional lace trim.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Measure an insert and calculate the cover panels.
- Prepare fusible-backed appliqué shapes.
- Position appliqués within the finished area.
- Zigzag around curved and layered motifs.
- Center a zipper and mark its opening.
- Install the zipper behind a basted seam.
- Assemble and finish the removable cover.
Fabric and materials
Choose a suitable woven fabric for the cover panels. The sample uses contrasting scraps for the appliqué, HeatnBond, a zipper, and lace trim.
The demonstrated HeatnBond is not permanent, so its appliqué edges are stitched. Permanent fusible can be used without stitching, while temporary textile glue can hold pieces before sewing.
Finish the cover’s raw edges with a zigzag or serger if the fabric frays.
Make it your own
Resize or rearrange the cactus, flower, and pot templates, omit the flowers, or replace the motifs with your own drawing.
Add letters or a short message for a personalized cover. Trace directional letters or motifs in mirror image when required by the fusible method.
More motif ideas appear in the full-coverage bib and panda growth chart classes.
Made-to-measure formula
Measure the insert’s width and height, then add 2 cm to each measurement. Cut two cover panels at those final dimensions.
The PDF recommends a zipper approximately 10 cm shorter than the pillow’s width.
The class includes one video lesson and a PDF with the measurement formula and cactus appliqué templates.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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