Is January 12th considered too late into the new year to wish you a Happy New Year? If not, Happy New Year!!
I wanted to share a quick tutorial on how I put together the hidden zipper on my pillow cases. I realize there are many tutorials out there this is what works for me.
I tend to use scraps to piece the backs so as a result the width and height measurements vary depending on the scraps, just keep in mind when you construct yours the top should be a third of the overall finished backing. The hidden part of the zipper is always the same measurements and the same construction.
For this tutorial we’re going to be making a hidden zipper backing for the front of a quilted pillow that’s 18inx18in
Materials Needed:
Two (2) fabrics that are at least 1in more then the width and more then half the height of your pillow front.
One (1) zipper at least 18” (I prefer to use a longer zipper like 20” since it makes installing much easier)
Cut:
From your fabric’s cut (These measurements are larger then the actual pillow, I prefer to cut it larger and then trim it down to size towards the end)
One rectangle measuring 10in x 18 1/2in this will be the top
One rectangle measuring 14in x 18 1/2in this will be the bottom
Take your top rectangle (10in x 18 1/2in) place your fabric right side down on your ironing board and fold the bottom 1in up and iron in place.
Fold the fabric again and iron again. Your rectangle should now measure 8in by 18 1/2in. 
Take your bottom rectangle (14in x 18 1/2in) place your bottom fabric right side down on your ironing board, fold the top 1/2in down and iron in place. Fold the fabric again and iron again. Your rectangle should now measure 13in 18 1/2in.
Once the top and bottom are ironed it will look something like this
Take your zipper and your bottom rectangle align the top edge of the folded edge with the zipper teeth, pin in place and top stitch.
Take your top rectangle unfold the 1in edge side, lay it on top of the zipper and pin in place, (be sure to align the raw edges) stitch in place using a scant seam allowance
It will look something like this when you sew the scant seam allowance.
Flip up the top part of the backing, this is where you’ll see the flap hide the zipper.
There are two different approaches you can do for this next step. Carefully pin the top of the backing to the zipper and stitch it down.
My preferred method is to sew this step from the back. I flip the entire backing over, carefully pin in place being sure to keep the fold in place, and stitch in place.
I prefer this method because the fabric doesn’t seem to shift as much as you sew it.
Either method you choose it will look something like this once it’s sewn! You’re now ready to assemble your pillow front and back
Open your zipper and lay your backing wrong side up and your pillow front on top notice how the backing extends past the pillow front?!
This is intentional, this allows for the opportunity to align the front to the back without any problems.
Once aligned trim and clip in place.
Using a scant seam allowance sew the perimeter of the pillowcase, take your time as you sew.
Once you’ve sewn around the entire perimeter, your pillow case is now ready for binding!
Install your binding just like you would for a quilt!
I hope this tutorial helps, let me know if you have questions!
Happy Sewing!!
Felie