How to make a bow pillow with a zipper

Make a Bow Pillow With a Zipper

114
STEPS
TOOLS

Cut the following: Main pillow fabric: Cut (2) 18"x18" squares. Sash fabric: Cut (1) 17" x 20" rectangle. Bow fabric: Cut (1) 17" x 25" rectangle. Tie for bow: Cut (1) 8" x 3-1/2" rectangle

Take the 18 inch squares of fabric and serge or zigzag all the edges.  This is optional, but will keep the edges for fraying.

Take the 18 inch squares of fabric and serge or zigzag all the edges. This is optional, but will keep the edges for fraying.

Placed the 2 squares of fabric right sides together. Measure in 1-1/2" from each side of the bottom edge of the pillow and mark.

Placed the 2 squares of fabric right sides together. Measure in 1-1/2" from each side of the bottom edge of the pillow and mark.

Using 1/2" seam allowance, stitch in the 1-1/2" from each side of the bottom edge, making sure to back-tack the stitching to reinforce the stitching.

Using 1/2" seam allowance, stitch in the 1-1/2" from each side of the bottom edge, making sure to back-tack the stitching to reinforce the stitching.

Press the seam  open and form (2) 1/2" folds along the entire bottom age of the pillow. This will be the opening where the zipper will go.

Press the seam open and form (2) 1/2" folds along the entire bottom age of the pillow. This will be the opening where the zipper will go.

For the next step you will need our 1/4" Steam-a-Seam. (www.patemeadows.com)

For the next step you will need our 1/4" Steam-a-Seam. (www.patemeadows.com)

With the right side of the zipper facing up, iron on the Steam-a-Seam to the outer edge of each side of the zipper as shown.  Steam thoroughly.

With the right side of the zipper facing up, iron on the Steam-a-Seam to the outer edge of each side of the zipper as shown. Steam thoroughly.

Peel the backing off the Steam-a-Seam. With the right side of the fabric facing up, slide the zipper in place in the opening with the steam-seam facing  toward the fabric.

Peel the backing off the Steam-a-Seam. With the right side of the fabric facing up, slide the zipper in place in the opening with the steam-seam facing toward the fabric.

Align one edge of the fabric right next to the zipper  teeth. .

Align one edge of the fabric right next to the zipper teeth. .

Let the other edge of the fabric overlap the teeth of the zipper to meet the edge of the fabric on the opposite side of the zipper. Steam thoroughly with an iron.

Let the other edge of the fabric overlap the teeth of the zipper to meet the edge of the fabric on the opposite side of the zipper. Steam thoroughly with an iron.

It will look like this from the wrong side of he pillow.

It will look like this from the wrong side of he pillow.

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine,  start at one end of the zipper opening and stitch right up against the teeth the entire length of the zipper as shown.

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, start at one end of the zipper opening and stitch right up against the teeth the entire length of the zipper as shown.

Take the sash fabric and fold in half lengthwise, right sides together. Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, stitch along one long edge.

Take the sash fabric and fold in half lengthwise, right sides together. Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, stitch along one long edge.

Press seam open and turn right side out.

Press seam open and turn right side out.

.Position the seam in the center of the sash and press

.Position the seam in the center of the sash and press

Zigzag or serge the raw edges at each end.

Zigzag or serge the raw edges at each end.

Repeat the above steps for the bow fabric

Repeat the above steps for the bow fabric

At this point, take the bow fabric and fold in half widthwise, right sides together. Stitch along short edge using 1/4" seam allowance.

At this point, take the bow fabric and fold in half widthwise, right sides together. Stitch along short edge using 1/4" seam allowance.

Take the tie fabric, wrong side up and fold 1/2" from each 8" edge.

Take the tie fabric, wrong side up and fold 1/2" from each 8" edge.

Press steam-a-seam along one of the folded edges as shown.

Press steam-a-seam along one of the folded edges as shown.

Peel off paper backing. Fold in half, wrong sides together and press.

Peel off paper backing. Fold in half, wrong sides together and press.

Zigzag or serge raw edges.

Zigzag or serge raw edges.

Accordion fold  the bow as shown.

Accordion fold the bow as shown.

Accordion fold the sash as shown.

Accordion fold the sash as shown.

Place the folded bow over the folded sash.

Place the folded bow over the folded sash.

Wrap the tied around the bow and sash. Using our tack gun and tacks (www.patemeadows.com), tack the tie in place as shown.

Wrap the tied around the bow and sash. Using our tack gun and tacks (www.patemeadows.com), tack the tie in place as shown.

Cut (2) 8" pieces of steam-a-seam. On the right side of the pillow front, center the steam-a-seam along each side of the pillow front. Press into place with iron.

Cut (2) 8" pieces of steam-a-seam. On the right side of the pillow front, center the steam-a-seam along each side of the pillow front. Press into place with iron.

Peel the backing off the steam-a-seam and match up the outer edge of the sash to steam -a-seam. Finger press in place.

Peel the backing off the steam-a-seam and match up the outer edge of the sash to steam -a-seam. Finger press in place.

Steam thoroughly

Steam thoroughly

Now you are ready to stitch up the pillow. Place right sides together and pin. Stitch along 3 sides as shown.

Now you are ready to stitch up the pillow. Place right sides together and pin. Stitch along 3 sides as shown.

Open up the zipper and turn the pillow right side out. Insert the pillow form and close the zipper. Dress the bow making sure the tie is lined up in the middle. Beautiful!'

Be sure to check our website at www.patemeadows.com for lots more ideas for decorating your home.

  • All of these supplies are available at
  • www.patemeadows.com
  • 1/2yd Decorative fabric for main pillow
  • 1/2yd Decorative fabric for sash
  • 1/2yd Decorative fabric for bow
  • 1.0 16" polyester zipper
  • Steam-a-Seam
  • Tack gun/tacks
  • 1.0 18" square feather form