Adding a zipper to a crochet bag or pillow is easier than you think! Sometimes a zip is needed to give your project a professional looking finish. In this tutorial I’ll show you how to add a zipper to a crochet project.
Do you want to give your crocheted bags and pillows a professional look? When you add a zipper to a crochet project it can make all the difference!
Imagine having a crochet pillow cover that you can remove to wash, or simply to change the look of your home decor with ease. Or how about being able to make your belongings more secure by having a zipped closure on your handbag or purse?
Adding a zipper can seem quite daunting but it’s not as difficult as you might think. In this tutorial I’ll show you how.
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The first thing to decide is whether you want your zip to blend in with your crocheted item; or whether you want it to contrast and be seen!
Make a Statement
A contrasting zipper is ideal if you want to make a statement bag that stands out! Choose bold colours and metal teeth if you can find them.
Opt for Neutral
For home decor you might want something that blends in. After all, it’s the cushion that you want people to notice, not the zip! In this case you might want to choose colours that match your project so that the zip blends in and is less visible.
Materials
Here’s what you need to add a zip to your crochet project:
- Zip – measure the length of the opening on your project and choose a zip that is the same length;
- Tapestry needle – if you intend to use yarn to attach the zip to your project you’ll need a tapestry needle. If you’re using sewing thread you’ll find it easier to use an ordinary sewing needle;
- Yarn or Sewing Thread – try to use a colour that matches your project so that the stitches are less visible on the outside of your work.
- Scissors – if you need to trim the zip (see below) opt for the most robust scissors you have. Those big kitchen scissors are usually the best for trimming zips as they will take a bit of rough treatment.
What if the zip is too long?
If you already have a zip in your stash or you buy a zip that’s too long then don’t worry. Most zips can be trimmed to the right length.
Make sure you measure carefully before you cut. Mark on the zip where you intend to cut and leave at least 2.5cm (1 inch) of material at each end.
Alternatively, if the zip is to be hidden, eg inside a cushion cover, then you don’t need to cut the zip. Carefully measure the hole and mark on your zip where the
DO – Take care to cut ABOVE the actual zip itself! If you accidentally cut the zip off it can be quick tricky to thread it back on.
DO – Cut between the teeth to save your scissors! Trying to cut the teeth will ruin your scissors!
DON’T use your best sewing scissors to cut a zip, they will be ruined!
What if the zip is too short?
If you’ve bought a zip that is too short don’t panic. If replacing it with a longer zip is not an option then it isn’t the end of the world. As long as the zip is only a few centimetres short then you can still make it work.
Bags
Some bags have shorter zips, it becomes a feature of the bag. Be careful to centre the zip in the opening with equal gaps at either end. Ideally you don’t want more than 2.5cm / 1 inch gaps at either end or the bag will start to look silly. But a shorter zip on a shoulder bag can work in a similar way to having a snap closure. It’s there to stop your bag from gaping open but doesn’t mean items can’t fall out if you turn the bag upside down. Alternatively, after attaching your zip you can close the gaps using an invisible joining method, eg the mattress stitch.
Pillows
Have you noticed that some store bought pillows don’t have zips that run the length of the cover? At least 2.5cm / 1 inch at either end is sewn shut. This helps to stabilise the corners of the cushion. It also makes it easier to hide the zip if you want it to be invisible. Carefully position the zip in the middle of the opening and sew into place before using a joining method, eg the mattress stitch, to close the gaps at either end.
Looking for free crochet patterns?
Here are some patterns you might like:
Add a Zipper to a Crochet Project
For this tutorial I have used my Ho Ho Ho Pillow crochet pattern as the example, but the instructions are the same for bags or any project where you want to be able to close one end.
I would suggest using a zip the same length as the opening. If it’s longer, use a pencil to mark the beginning and end points so you don’t stretch the cover beyond those points.
1) Turn the cover inside out, and pin one side of the zip to the wrong side of the cover (see image A).
2) Cut a piece of yarn the same colour as your last round to approx 1m in length or at least 2.5 times the length of your project. Thread it onto a tapestry needle and tie a knot in one end.
3) Using a basting stitch (tacking stitch) to sew the zip to one side of the cover (see image B). Make sure you work along the last crochet round so your stitches are invisible.
4) Undo the zip and pin it to the other side of the cover (see image C). Repeat steps 1 and 2 to attach the zip to the other side.
Finishing: weave in all ends, turn the cover right side out and insert your cushion pad.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. Add a comment with your top tips for adding a zipper to a crochet project as I’d love to hear them.
Until next time, happy crocheting!
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