How to Sew a Zipper in a Pillow with Piping - Part 2

[@JessicaDarling-rg3me]

Peg, thank you for these videos - I'm getting back into upholstery following many years not touching the sewing machine. Your instruction is straight forward and super helpful!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hello, Jessica, Thank you for writing! I wish you the best in your return to the wonderful world of sewing! I retired from home decor sewing four years ago after almost 30 years in the craft. I still sew, but now I'm quilting and loving it! Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year! Peg

[@davinabaker4774]

Brilliant, clear and honest tutorial. I always felt like a failure when my corners left stitching seen on the outside, or the corners didn't match up. Great to realise it may be the fabric and not my incompetence! I was about to give up so please keep the tips, tricks and reasons for possible temporary failure coming, it's such a relief to have this explained, not many tutorials highlight this or show errors, as I guess it makes the host look less impressive? So nice to be able to relate to the hassles involved. Well done, so glad I found your tutorials.Amazing zoom in camera too!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Thank you, dear Davina, for your kind comment on this tutorial. I'm happy to hear my methods helped your own sewing experience. I retired from full time sewing three years ago which is the reason there is nothing more current on my feed. Showing how mistakes can happen and how to repair them is the result of many years of teaching in sewing classes. Sewing is often challenging and frustrating; hang in there! Feel free to write to me whenever you have a question. You can send questions and photos to [e-mail]. Happy Sewing! Peg

[@susanbowman9839]

Another great tutorial. This is the first tutorial on pillows with zippers and cording that has been clear thorough and simple. Have had multiple fails and was very discouraged till seeing this so will be trying again in the morning with renewed optimism. Thank you! Please do more!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Susan, Your two comments are so kind; thank you very much! You may have noticed that I haven't uploaded any new tutorials in a long time. I retired a couple of years ago and have been teaching small classes for friends and acquaintances here in Portland. I will resume hopefully one day, but in the meantime, I am here to answer any questions you may have about a project. I hope you'll stay in touch and share photos of your creations. You can write to me and share photos at [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing more! Sincerely, Peg

[@daniellecj3093]

Hi, just followed you excellent demonstration 'How to Sew a Zipper in a Pillow with Piping'. Absolutely amazing. At last my zippers will look good and work well. Many thanks for sharing your technique.

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hi, Danielle, thank you for writing! I'm happy to hear that my little tutorial has been helpful. There are many ways to accomplish the same goal; this method has just worked well for me over the years. If you have any questions or if you'd like to share photos of your beautiful pillows, please write to me at [e-mail]. I'd love to hear from you. Best wishes, Peg

[@ekay881]

Dear Peg Thank you so much for showing a beautifully easy way to sew in a zipper. I cannot tell you how much I have struggled with piped cushions with a zip. This gives such a professional finish and has filled me with so much confidence. I can tackle any style of cushion now. I also love the fact that just by pressing the piped side of the cushion can make such a difference. I am so happy I found you channel. Thank you. Ellie

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Ellie, Thank you so much for writing. I am glad my little video has inspired you to try this process on your own piping project. Please stay in touch and share your experiences. You can write to my email address with details and photos: [e-mail]. I'd love to hear from you! Sincerely, Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@aliw2160]

Thank you for making this wonderful video...your lighting, camera angles and instruction made it so easy for me to understand! I made my first piped and zippered pillow with your help...thanks again!!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hello, Alison, Thank you so much for writing! I'm glad my little tutorial was helpful. I'd love to hear more about your new pillow. If you'd like to share photos, please write to me at [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@jeanhalstad7844]

First rate tutorial showing all the steps to making a zipped, piped cushion. The best I found.

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Jean, Thank you so much for your kind comment. I'm happy to hear my little tutorial has been helpful. If you have further questions, or would like to share details and photos of your pillow project, please write to my email address: [e-mail]. I'd love to hear from you! Sincerely, Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@ms.meneelysmathchannel134]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!!! I bought my sewing machine last week. Haven't sewn since childhood. Watched your videos and just sewed my first pillow with piping and a zipper!!! It turned out beautifully! If I could post a picture, I would. Thanks!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

+Ms. Meneely's Math Channel Hello, Ms. Meneely, Thank you for writing! Yes, you can post a photo: please write to me at [e-mail] with photos and details. I'd love to hear from you and share in your joy. Sincerely, Peg

[@kimchiasson5640]

Hi Peg, I want to let you know that I followed your videos to make new throw pillow covers and they came out beautiful. Your videos are very informative and helped me greatly. I was a little intimidated when I started, but your techniques were really easy to follow. I love my new pillow covers. Thanks again for your videos!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hi, Kim, I am happy to hear that my little tutorial has inspired you to try your own pillow project! Now that you've made it through the process I'd love to hear about your new pillows. You can share details and photos at my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Sewing, Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@meryltovey3708]

Your video is just the best. So clear and helpful !!!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hello, Meryl, Thank you for your kind comment. I'm happy to hear that my little tutorial was helpful! If you have any questions, please email me at [e-mail]; I'm here for you! Peg

[@kathystroup1745]

I use these videos every time I make my pillows to help me remember, Thank you so much for these instructions

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Kathy, Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm happy to hear my little videos have been helpful! If you'd like to share photos of your favorites, you can write to me at [e-mail]. I'd love to hear from you. Sincerely, Peg www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@natashahicks1056]

Love your instructions easy to follow and great results. Can't wait for another video!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Thank you so much, Natasha! I don't upload frequently these days: some of it's due to my work load, but most often it's the logistics of putting the taping and the editing together. However, if you have specific questions, please write to my email address: [e-mail]. I always try to respond as soon as possible. Please stay in touch! Sincerely, Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@20807]

Thank you so much for posting the tutorial! It was super helpful and very well explained :) I just made my first two cushion covers with piping and thanks to you they look great :D

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

20807 Thanks so much for your kind comments! I'm happy my little tutorial proved helpful for you. I'd love to see your beautiful cushions. If you'd like to share photos and sewing details, please write to me at [e-mail]. Sincerely, Peg

[@missread5932]

Love the ditch stitch

[@archiepuffin6843]

I love this Peg thank you! Just making my first pillow out of an antique tapestry… yes I’m diving in at the deep end! I sewed on the piping with a normal foot so I just have to get a zipper foot to tighten it up. (I have a 1930’s Singer so I’ve had to get a salvaged one). It doesn’t look bad for a first effort although I think I will have to cut the tapestry as it’s not in a perfect rectangle. I wanted to leave it as is just in case but it’s very bulky. I will let you know how I get on! Jo (from UK)

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Jo, Thanks so much for your sweet message. I'm always happy to hear that my little tutorials are playing a role in someone's success. You have my admiration for using a vintage machine. However, I won't be surprised to hear that your pillows turn out beautifully! If you'd like to share photos and details please write to me at [e-mail]. If you have any questions please know that I am here for you. Happy sewing! Peg

[@shaunalittle8424]

My pillows now have the professional look that I wanted. Awesome tutorial!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Shauna, I'm so glad my little tutorial was helpful to you! Your pillows sounds lovely. If you'd like to share details and photos, please write to me at [e-mail]. I'd love to hear more! Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@tracyparnham8694]

Thanks for the tutorial Peg....You made it look a lot easier than it was though, however I'm really pleased with my result.

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Tracy, Thank you so much for writing. Your kind and thoughtful words are deeply appreciated. I'd love to hear more about your pillow project. You can write to me and send photos to my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@margaretjenkins5077]

Thank you so much for this instructive tutorial, such helpful tips. I'm trying to sew a cover for a foam box seat cushion of a fireside armchair, which has piping around both top and bottom edges. I've put the zipper in the middle of the side at the back and concealed it, brought the ends of the zipper on a roll around both sides of the box and hidden them under folds of the ends of the strip going around the other three sides. However, I'm having real problems with trying to sew the sides of the box to the piped edge of the top piece of fabric, both lining it up and pinning it (I doubt I'd be brave enough to do it freehand like your demonstration, plus the piping is already made and stitched), and with the number of layers of fabric which I am trying to make lie flat without bunching. Goodness knows how I will manage when trying to attach the bottom piece of fabric. It's a woollen plaid fabric, and quite thick. ( I've just been out to borrow a semi-industrial heavy sewing machine as my little 35-year-old Elna portable, like Elaine's, was really struggling with the thickness). Do you have any tips, please?

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

+margaret jenkins Dear Margaret, Thank you for writing! Your frustration and concern are palpable! It sounds like you are doing everything right, but are limited by your equipment. Also, you mention that your fabric is "woolen". Sewing heavy home decor fabrics does require a machine capable of sewing through up to six layers of that fabric. It's a good move to borrow a machine with more muscle. Also, it's helpful when you are sewing fabrics that "give" like a woolen woven to, whenever possible, keep the more stable layer on top. For instance, the piece with the piping sewn onto it is more stable than the piece without it. Therefore, you'll see in my tutorials that the piped piece is the layer you see on top. The other thing to remember is that natural fiber materials have a "life" of their own. As knitters are advised to knit a swatch to determine the true gauge, it is helpful to work up a sample with the desired fabric before cutting the final pieces. You could even make up a pillow first to determine if four to six layers of that fabric would be too thick for your machine. You'll get an idea how the fabric will handle and feed and you can address construction challenges on the smaller project. Let me know if this is helpful. Feel free to write to me at [e-mail] to continue the conversation. Sincerely, Peg

[@barbaralies]

Very nice, thanks!

[@connienatale7886]

Great instructions!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Thank you, Connie!

[@Sewlady718]

Just discovered your videos by accident and love them. Compared to some instructors you know how to teach and make it look easy. I notice you use a Juki. Can you tell me which model. My 20 year old Elna is struggling with all my decorative sewing. Thanks.

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Elaine Flynn Hi Elaine, thanks so much for writing; I'm so glad you like my little tutorials! My machine is a Juki DDL 8700. It's an industrial model that sews forward and reverse only. I use my portable home machine for zigzag, button holes, etc. The Juki is designed for garment sewing, but I've good results sewing home decor fabrics with it. Let me know what you decide; if you prefer, you can write to my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you again! Peg

[@1954evelyn]

I love your videos you are an awesome instructor thank you so much for making this video

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Evelyn, Thank you so much for writing. Your kind and thoughtful words are deeply appreciated. I hope you will stay in touch: I'd love to hear more about your sewing projects. You can write to me and send photos to my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@Rottidad]

great video. How do you sew a zipper in a pillow using brush fringe instead of piping ?

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

3939steve Hi Steve, Thanks for writing. Putting a zipper in a pillow with fringe is problematic if we try to use the same method as with piping. I bypass that problem by putting my zipper in the pillow itself, very near to the edge on the back of the pillow. I use an invisible zipper if possible. Let me know of this answers your question. If not, please write to me at my email address: [e-mail]. Sincerely, Peg

[@WorkroomTech]

Great technique! I can't wait to try this.

[@magalilesage1116]

Thank you for this video! Just one question: is it a normal zipper or an invisible zipper?

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hello, Magali, I am using a standard nylon upholstery zipper that is purchased on a roll and cut to desired size. Thanks for writing! Peg

[@magalilesage1116]

@@PegBakerSlipcovers Can I also use a normal zipper?

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

@@magalilesage1116 Yes. I usually purchase a longer length than needed; after application, I cut off the excess.

[@sewsassystyle]

Thanks for this! I work at Furniture Factory and hate the method we use to do these, I'm going to try your method and see what management thinks. :) Also, is that a brother industrial machine you're using? I have one exactly like it at home. Where do you purchase the different feet? I haven't had much luck finding them online. Thanks!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Barthlownd, Thank you for your kind comment! I'm so happy that my little tutorial has inspired you. I must tell you that I have refined my pillow zipper technique since I made this video and I really must get a new tutorial made. I am a one-person workroom and I stay pretty busy, but I do need to make time for updating my channel. As for my machine, it is a Juki DDL8700. I purchased it and the zipper foot in the video at Montaville Sewing Center here in Portland, OR. I'd love to hear more about your work. Feel free to write to my email address: [e-mail] if you have further questions or comments. Sincerely, Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@susanbowman9839]

Peg Baker would love to hear about your refined pillow zipper technique, i have been struggling with the zipper/cord and have been very discouraged but with your video i am ready to attempt again.

[@KellyDannemann]

Great Video, Thank you for sharing!!

[@sharondharam6794]

Excellent tutorial

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Sharon Dharam Thank you, Sharon, for writing!

[@mariam.a.w.585]

So professional!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Maria, I am happy to hear that my little tutorial series was helpful for you. I would love to hear how your pillow project comes out. If you'd like to share details and photos, please write to my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@Brenda5K]

Wonderful tutorial, but I have problems with my zipper foot not being appropriate for the task - the "toe" of the zipper foot for my Pfaff machine still keeps space between the piping and the needle, so I can't get up close enough to the piping. I've gone to 2 specialty sewing stores AND Joann Fabrics, and nobody could find a zipper foot like the one in the video where I could sew right next to the piping without a part of the foot keeping me from getting so close. Does anyone know where I can purchase a zipper foot like the one Peg uses? I'd be SO GRATEFUL!!!

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Brenda, Thank you for writing! I purchase me machine accessories from Montavilla Sewing here in Portland, OR. www.montavillasewing.com The machine I used in this tutorial is an Juki industrial machine DDL 8700. I don't know if that foot is available for a home machine, but if you contact Montavilla and described the one in the video, they may be able to help you. Let me know if this works for you. Sincerely, Peg. www.littlebugslipcovers.com

[@Brenda5K]

Thank you so much for your prompt response, Peg! I'll let you know what I find out from Montavilla Sewing. Also, I want to let you know that you're an excellent instructor! I've kept my laptop next to my sewing machine and watched your videos over and over as I've made each pillow cover. I don't seem to retain all the little details, so it's nice to have you "by my side' each time I make another pillow cover.. Thanks so much for your generosity in posting these videos! Brenda

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Believe it or not, Brenda, I learn the same way: by watching and listening! I love youtube just for that reason. Being able to rewind and rewatch seems to be the only thing that sticks in my brain! Peg

[@ruthbaker8495]

very helpful, thanks

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Hello, Ruth, Thank you for writing! If you try this project yourself, I'd love to hear about it. You can send photos and details to my email address: [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you! Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@ruthbaker8495]

trying to do this on a friend's pillow project BUT have never worked with the twist cord and it is a bear....broken 7 needles but have now gotten to stitching in the ditch...more like a gully with this cord...this is my go to tutorial, thanks

[@PegBakerSlipcovers]

Dear Ruth, Congratulations on hanging in there! New techniques sometimes take practice; ask me how I know this. LOL! Please stay in touch; I'd love to hear more about your efforts. I'm here for you! Peg littlebugslipcovers.com

[@שלמהגבאי-ק1מ]

יפה מאוד.

[@rorysrandomchannel0984]

all im gonna say is bruh