Simple zip pillow cover

This simple zip pillow is so easy to make. Using your choice of fabric, you can customise it to fit pillows in any size!

Work out your fabric dimensions

Measure the width and height of your pillow. Write down these dimensions. Then add 1/2 inch (1.25cm) to each side of the pillow (each dimension should now be 1 inch (2.5cm) larger.

Example: If your pillow is 50cm width x 30cm height adding half an inch to all sides will make it 52.5cm x 32.5cm as the final fabric measurments.

You're going to cut your fabric in these new dimensions, as shown below.

Cut fabric

Cut 2 pieces from your fabric in the dimensions you worked out above. 1 piece will be the front of your pillow, and the other will be the back.

Overlock edges

Overlock the edges of your fabric. This will stop them fraying if you wash the pillow.

This is what your fabric will look like when overlocked.

Pin the zipper

You will now need a zip the size of the full height of your fabric. Pin the front of the zip to the right side of your fabric (as shown below - grey is the right side of our fabric).

Now sew along where you have pinned your zip to your fabric. If you are not using a zipper foot you may need to adjust the needle to sew as close to the zipper centre as possible.

Now pin the other size of the zip edge to the front of the second piece of fabric (as shown below). 

Now sew along the pinned line as you did for the first side of the fabric. Once you have sewn that side your fabric should look like the below photo when you turn it to the correct side.

Now fold the two fabric pieces so they are on top of each other. (Wrong side on the outside).

Pin along where the red lines are shown below (the zipper will be on the inside of the fabric).

Now sew a straight stitch along where you have pinned. You will sew over the edge of the top and the bottom of the zip. Go slowly when you get to the zip to ensure you don't accidentally go over the metal part and snap your needle. 

As shown above in red above you will need to make sure you sew just inside the edge of the zip. 

Once you have sewn around the outside of the pillow case cut the corners of your fabric to ensure they don't bulk when turning the pillow inside out.

Iron the corners so they lay nice and crisp. Now place the pillow inside your pillowcase.