How to make cushion covers with zip
Creating your own cushion covers with zip can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Whether you want to update the look of your old cushions or want to personalize your space with custom covers, making cushion covers with zip allows you to showcase your creativity and sewing skills. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making cushion covers with zip, ensuring that you have stylish and functional cushions for your home.
Step 1: Measure and cut
Start by measuring your cushion. Take the length, width, and height of your cushion and add a couple of centimeters to each measurement to allow room for seam allowances. Once you have your measurements, cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of the cushion cover.
Step 2: Sewing the zip
Lay your fabric pieces right side up and align one edge of the zipper tape with the edge of the fabric piece. Pin the zipper in place and use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to sew along the edge of the zipper tape. Repeat this process on the other fabric piece, making sure to align the zipper tape correctly. Once both sides are sewn, unzip the zipper halfway.
Step 3: Stitching the sides
With the zipper partially open, place the front and back fabric pieces right sides together and pin the remaining three sides. Using a regular foot on your sewing machine, stitch around the pinned sides, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. Trim any excess fabric and corners, being careful not to cut too close to the stitching. Turn the cover right-side out through the unzipped opening.
Step 4: Finishing touches
Press the cushion cover with an iron to remove any wrinkles and give it a polished look. Insert your cushion pad through the unzipped opening and zip it up. And there you have it! Your very own handmade cushion cover with a zip. You can make multiple covers in different fabrics and designs to easily change the look of your space whenever you want.
By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful cushion covers with zips that will add style and comfort to your home. So grab your sewing machine and materials, and let’s get started on this fun and rewarding DIY project!
Step-by-step guide
Follow these simple steps to make cushion covers with a zip:
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Measure your cushions
Start by measuring your cushions to determine the size of fabric you will need. Measure both the width and length of the cushion using a tape measure. Add an extra inch to each measurement to account for seam allowances.
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Cut the fabric
Using the measurements you took in the previous step, cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size for your cushion cover. Make sure to cut the fabric pieces with right sides facing each other.
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Prepare the zipper
Take the zipper and place it face-down on one edge of the fabric pieces. Align the zipper teeth with the raw edges of the fabric and pin in place.
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Sew the zipper
Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew the zipper in place. Start at one end of the zipper and sew along the edge until you reach the other end. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitches.
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Sew the cushion cover
After attaching the zipper, fold the fabric pieces with right sides together, aligning the remaining three edges. Pin these edges together, leaving the zipper partially open for turning later. Sew along the three edges using a straight stitch, making sure to remove the pins as you go. Trim any excess fabric.
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Turn the cover inside out
Gently turn the cushion cover inside out by pushing it through the partially open zipper. Use a pencil or a dowel to carefully push out the corners and achieve a nice, crisp finish.
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Insert the cushion
Once the cover is turned inside out, insert your cushion through the partially open zipper. Adjust the cushion to ensure it fits properly within the cover.
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Zip it up
Finally, close the zipper completely, ensuring it is securely fastened. Smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric and give the cushion cover a final adjustment, if needed.<>
Choosing the fabric
When it comes to making cushion covers with zip, choosing the right fabric is crucial for a successful project. The fabric you choose should not only complement the overall design but should also be durable and easy to work with. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting fabric for your cushion covers:
1. Durability and strength
Since cushion covers are subject to a lot of use, it’s important to choose a fabric that is durable and can withstand frequent washing and handling. Look for fabrics that are made from natural or synthetic fibers that are known for their strength, such as cotton, linen, polyester, or a blend of these materials.
2. Color and pattern
The fabric you choose for your cushion covers should complement the decor of the room where they will be used. Consider the existing color scheme and patterns in the room and choose a fabric that will enhance the overall aesthetic. Solid colors and subtle patterns can be versatile and easy to incorporate into different styles of decor.
Tip: If you have patterned furniture or other bold elements in the room, a solid-colored fabric for the cushion covers can help balance out the visual elements.
Remember: It’s always a good idea to test the fabric by holding it against your existing furniture or decor to see how it will look before making a final decision.
By considering these factors and taking the time to choose the right fabric, you can ensure that your cushion covers not only look great but also stand the test of time.
Taking measurements
Before you start making your cushion covers with a zip, it is important to take accurate measurements of your cushions. This will ensure that the covers fit properly and provide a neat and professional finish.
What you will need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
Step by step guide:
Follow these steps to take measurements for your cushion covers:
- Place your cushion on a flat surface.
- Measure the width of the cushion from one side seam to the other. Write down this measurement as the width of your cushion.
- Measure the height of the cushion from the top seam to the bottom seam. Write down this measurement as the height of your cushion.
- Determine the depth of the cushion by measuring from the front seam to the back seam. Write down this measurement as the depth of your cushion.
- Measure the size of the zip you will be using. This will give you an idea of how much fabric will be needed for the zip opening.
Once you have taken all the necessary measurements, you can calculate the fabric requirements and proceed to the next steps of making your cushion covers with a zip. Remember to measure each cushion individually, as they may vary slightly in size.
Sewing the zipper
Once you have cut out the fabric pieces for your cushion cover, it’s time to sew in the zipper. Follow these steps to ensure a professional-looking finish:
1. Prepare the fabric:
- Iron the fabric and trim any stray threads.
- Lay out the front piece of the fabric with the right side facing up.
- Place the zipper face-down along one edge of the fabric and mark its position with pins.
- Repeat this step with the back piece of fabric.
2. Sew the first side of the zipper:
- With the front piece of fabric still facing up, align the edge with the zipper tape and pin it in place.
- Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew the fabric and the zipper tape together, removing the pins as you go.
- Repeat this step with the back piece of fabric.
3. Sew the second side of the zipper:
- Snap the slide of the zipper on the first side to prevent it from moving.
- Pin the second side of the zipper tape to the other edge of the fabric, making sure it matches up with the first side of the zipper.
- Using a zipper foot, sew the fabric and the zipper tape together.
- Remove any remaining pins and snap the slide back to its original position.
4. Check for smooth movement:
- Before moving forward, test the zipper to ensure it moves smoothly along the fabric.
- If necessary, trim any excess fabric or adjust the stitching to improve the zipper’s functionality.
Once you have successfully sewn in the zipper, you can continue with the remaining steps to complete your cushion cover.
Assembling the cover
Once you have cut out your fabric pieces and sewn the zip into the backing fabric, it is time to assemble the cushion cover.
Step 1: Place the front and back pieces together
Start by placing the front piece of the cushion cover fabric right side up on a flat surface. Then, place the backing fabric piece with the attached zip right side down on top of the front piece. Align the edges of the fabric pieces.
Step 2: Pin the fabric pieces together
Use sewing pins to secure the front and back fabric pieces together. Place the pins along the edges, making sure to catch both layers of fabric. This will keep the fabric in place while you sew.
Step 3: Sew along the edges
Using a sewing machine, sew along the edges of the fabric, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Start sewing at one corner and continue sewing around the perimeter of the cover, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitches.
When you reach the corner with the zip, carefully sew around it, being careful not to catch the zip in the seam. Sew as close as possible to the zip without touching it with the needle.
Step 4: Trim the excess fabric and corners
After sewing the seams, trim the excess fabric and corners. Cut diagonally across each corner of the cover, being careful not to cut into the stitching. This will help reduce bulk and create crisp corners when the cover is turned right side out.
Step 5: Turn the cover right side out
Gently turn the cover right side out through the zip opening. Use your fingers to push out the corners and smooth the fabric. Take care not to let the fabric get caught in the zip.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place front and back pieces together |
| 2 | Pin the fabric pieces together |
| 3 | Sew along the edges |
| 4 | Trim the excess fabric and corners |
| 5 | Turn the cover right side out |
Finishing touches
Once you have completed sewing the cushion cover and attaching the zip, it’s time to add some finishing touches to make it look professional and polished.
- Trim the excess fabric: Use fabric scissors to trim any excess fabric and threads from the edges of the cover. This will give your cushion cover a cleaner and neater finish.
- Press the seams: To make the seams look more professional, use an iron to press them flat. Ironing the seams will also help the cover lay flat and look smoother.
- Turn the cover right-side out: Carefully turn the cover right-side out through the opening you left un-sewn. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your hands.
- Insert the cushion: Once the cover is right-side out, insert your cushion or pillow form through the opening. Ensure that it fits properly and looks nice and plump.
- Zip up the cover: If you have used a zip, carefully zip it up to close the cover. Ensure that the zip is aligned properly and slides smoothly.
- Check for any loose threads: Inspect the cushion cover for any loose threads and trim them with fabric scissors.
With these finishing touches, your cushion cover is complete! You can now enjoy your new, stylish cushion cover that you made yourself.
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