How to Put a Zipper into a Cushion

This step by step tutorial series will show you how to put a zipper into a cushion. You will learn how to put a zipper in a cushion for an antique French chair. Learning how to put a zipper in a cushion is a handy skill to have for box cushions or pillows.

This tutorial on how to put a zipper in a cushion is part of a 6 part series on how to reupholster a French Chair. If you missed the previous posts you can check out the original post on reupholstering a French Chair.

Today I will show you how I put the zipper in the cushion for this chair. But let me start by saying if you feel intimidated by adding a zipper to a cushion you are not alone. This was actually the first time I did it. And the good news I have to share with you today is that it is very easy.

So let’s get to it!

Here’s the supplies needed to add a zipper to a cushion:

• Seam ripper
• Zipper (the length of your cushion)
• Old fabric from cushion as a pattern
• Pull for your zipper
• Fabric (the size of the pillow you are upholstering)
• Sewing machine and thread

Step 1: Cut the fabric & zipper to size

The first step of adding your zipper is to determine the size of your fabric. I measured the original cushion and created the two fabric pieces that would attach on either side of your zipper using the previous cushion as a pattern.

Step 2: Sew your fabric to your zipper

Using the zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew the fabric to the sides of the zipper. Making sure that the right side of the zipper will face up.

Now you will have your zipper sewn to the fabric.

Step 3: Attach the fabric strip with zipper to the cushion

Now pin the zipper piece on the inside of the opening on the cushion. Sew the zipper piece right side together with the side you left open when you sewed the cushion with piping. Then turn your cushion inside out.

And unfortunately I did not take very many pictures of this process but you will use the old cushion as a guide for how to re-assemble to new cushion.

I will try to add more pictures of the zipper in the cushion really soon!

But for now take care and God bless,