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The Cutting Table · a common question

My cushion cover zipper is stuck. Is it broken?

Also asked as:The zipper was stuck on arrival.The zipper is not opening or closing.

Usually not. Hold it to good light, my friends, and most often you'll see a fold of fabric caught between the teeth, which patient fingers can free.

Answered by

The Colorist of New Orleans · · Updated

The quick answer

A stuck cushion cover zipper is usually not broken: the fabric or the tape underneath has caught in the teeth. Ease the fabric out, run the slider all the way back to the open end and forward again, and on snug covers press the cushion inward while zipping slowly. If it still fails, send the workshop photos or a short video of the slider and where it sticks.

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Key facts

  • A 'broken' zipper is often the fabric tape caught in the teeth.
  • Running the slider fully to the open end and back resets it.
  • On snug covers, line up both sides and press the cushion inward while zipping.
  • A loose slider can be squeezed gently from both sides with fingers or light pliers.
  • Floor cushion covers have two zippers, so the other one often works.
  • A local tailor can replace a broken slider in minutes.
  • If none of the fixes work, send the workshop photos or a short video with a close-up of the slider.
  • Firm foam is cut slightly larger than its cover so the cover looks full, which is why a snug zipper is normal.
  • Fitted mattress covers are made about 0.5 to 0.75 in (1 to 2 cm) under the measured thickness, because the fabric stretches slightly.
  • Standard seat cushions are 4 in (10 cm) thick, with the zipper hidden on the back edge or underside.
  • Zippered covers wash at up to 86°F (30°C), turned inside out, on a gentle cycle.
  • Vacuum-packed foam recovers within about 24 to 72 hours of opening.

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Fabric · Foam · Pipingwhat the workshop will confirm with you

Fabric
A 'broken' zipper is often the fabric tape caught in the teeth.
Foam
Firm foam is cut slightly larger than its cover so the cover looks full, which is why a…
Piping
The corded seam edge: matching, contrast or none.
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Four moves for a stuck zipper, gentlest first

  1. Free the fabric

    Look along the teeth by a window. If the cover fabric or the zipper tape has caught, ease it out with your fingers before you move the slider again.

  2. Reset the slider

    Run it all the way back to the fully open end, check that the teeth line up, then zip forward slowly. That alone fixed one zipper a buyer had written off as broken.

  3. Press the cushion in

    On a snug cover, line up both sides evenly and push the cushion inward with your free hand while you pull.

  4. Squeeze a loose slider

    If the teeth part behind the slider, pinch it gently from both sides with your fingers or light pliers, then try again.

What the zipper is telling you

What you seeLikely causeWhat to do
Won't move at allFabric caught in the teethEase the fabric out, then reset the slider
Stops partway on a full coverA snug fitLine up both sides, press the cushion in, zip slowly
Teeth part behind the sliderA loose sliderSqueeze it gently with fingers or light pliers
Slider itself is brokenA worn or faulty partA local tailor replaces it in minutes, or send the workshop photos

When the zipper really has given up

On a floor cushion cover there are two zippers, so you can often use the other one and carry on. If the slider itself is broken, a local tailor can fit a new one in minutes.

If it still won't work, send photos or a short video of where it sticks, with a close-up of the slider; in past cases a production fault was put right with a replacement cover. For your next cover, where the zipper goes is worth a thought, and the bench cushion atlas and floor cushions show both kinds of zippered cover. Which cover is giving you trouble, the bench or the floor cushion?

Floor cushion covers have two zippers, so when one slider jams you can often use the other one while the stuck zipper waits for a photo and a fix.

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Buyer questions

  1. A common question

    The zipper was stuck when the cushion arrived. Is it broken?

    The workshop's answer

    Usually not. The fabric tape underneath has caught in the teeth. Gently pull the fabric out with your fingers, slide the zipper back a little and forward again, and if it still won't move, send the workshop a close-up photo of the slider.

  2. A common question

    My cover's zipper won't open or close properly. Can it be fixed?

    The workshop's answer

    Often a bit of fabric is caught in the zipper track, which is easy to fix. Send photos of where it sticks and a close-up of the slider; in past cases a production fault was fixed with a replacement cover.

  3. A common question

    One zipper on my cover is stuck or broken. What can I do?

    The workshop's answer

    The covers have two zippers, so you can often use the other. Move the slider back to the fully open start, check the teeth line up, squeeze the slider gently from both sides with fingers or light pliers, then zip slowly. A broken slider can be replaced by a local tailor in minutes; otherwise send the workshop photos of the slider.

  4. A common question

    The zipper on my snug cover seems broken. What now?

    The workshop's answer

    Run it all the way to one end and back again, which fixed one 'broken' zipper. On snug covers, line up both sides evenly and pull slowly while pressing the cushion inward. If it still won't work, send the workshop photos or a short video of where it sticks.

Questions buyers ask next

Can I choose which edge the zipper goes on for a new cover?

Yes. Say which edge you want, such as the long back edge, a long side so the cushion can be flipped, or around the corner on a tapered cover, and the zipper is sewn there.

Can I replace just one cover from a floor sofa set?

Yes. Single covers for a base, backrest, corner, armrest or ottoman can be ordered on their own in your original color, so a broken zipper on one piece doesn't mean buying a full set.

Is there a cover that closes with elastic instead of a zipper?

Mattress covers are zipper-only. For covers you take off daily, an open-bottom skirted daybed cover can be made, and elastic sofa covers are quoted with a warning that they fit poorly on soft, rounded cushions.