Sewing your own pillow cover is an easy and fun project that can instantly update the look of your home. Whether you’re looking to create a matching set for your living room, add a pop of color to your bedroom, or repurpose fabric from old clothes, making a custom pillow cover allows you to choose your preferred fabric, pattern, and size. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sewing a simple pillow cover that fits most standard throw pillows.
Materials You’ll Need:
Fabric: The fabric you choose will depend on the look and feel you want for your pillow. Cotton, linen, or upholstery fabric are great options. You’ll need two pieces of fabric—one for the front and one for the back of the cover. The size of the fabric will depend on the size of the pillow, plus a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides.
Thread: Choose a color that matches or complements the fabric.
Scissors: To cut the fabric to size.
Pins or fabric clips: To hold the fabric pieces together while sewing.
Sewing machine: Although you can hand-sew a pillow cover, a sewing machine will make the process faster and more efficient.
Iron: To press the fabric for clean, crisp seams.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Start by measuring the pillow you want to cover. A standard throw pillow typically measures 18 inches by 18 inches, but you may have a different size, so make sure to measure your pillow first. For the fabric pieces:
Front piece: Cut a piece of fabric that is the size of your pillow plus a 1-inch seam allowance on all four sides. For example, if your pillow is 18 inches by 18 inches, cut the fabric for the front of the pillow 19 inches by 19 inches.
Back piece: The back of the pillow cover can either be a single piece of fabric or two overlapping pieces for an envelope-style cover. For a simple back, cut a single piece of fabric that is the same width as the front piece but about 4 inches shorter in height (e.g., for an 18-inch pillow, cut the back fabric 19 inches by 15 inches). If you prefer an envelope-style cover, you’ll cut two pieces of fabric for the back, each measuring half the width of the pillow (e.g., 9.5 inches by 19 inches for an 18-inch pillow).
Step 2: Prepare the Back Fabric
If you’re making an envelope-style pillow cover, take each of the back fabric pieces and fold the raw edges in by about 1/4 inch. Press the folds with an iron to create neat edges, then fold them again by about 1 inch to enclose the raw edges best mini sewing machine and prevent fraying. Pin or clip the folds in place, and sew along the folded edges to secure them.
For a simple pillow cover with one back piece, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Pin the Fabric Together
Now that your fabric pieces are ready, lay the front fabric face-up on a flat surface. Place the back piece (or pieces for an envelope-style cover) face-down on top of the front piece, aligning the edges.
Make sure to pin or clip the fabric together to hold the pieces in place as you sew. If you’re making an envelope-style pillow, overlap the back pieces by a few inches so they can be tucked into each other.
Step 4: Sew the Pillow Cover
Using a sewing machine, sew around the edges of the pillow cover, leaving about a 1-inch seam allowance. Be sure to sew all the way around, pivoting at the corners to create sharp, neat corners. For an envelope-style pillow cover, sew along the sides and bottom, but leave the top edge open.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to reinforce the stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
Step 5: Turn the Pillow Cover Right-Side Out
Once the seams are sewn, turn the pillow cover right-side out through the open edge. Use a blunt object, like a pencil or chopstick, to gently push out the corners so they’re crisp and sharp.
Step 6: Insert the Pillow
Insert your pillow form into the cover. If you used an envelope-style closure, simply tuck the overlapping fabric pieces together to close the pillow cover. If you used a single piece for the back, the pillow cover will have an open seam at the back that you’ll need to close by hand.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the pillow is inside, give the cover a good press with an iron to remove any wrinkles and ensure the seams are crisp. If you used an envelope closure, adjust the fabric so it sits neatly.
For a more polished look, you can topstitch around the edges of the pillow cover to reinforce the seams and give it a more professional finish. You can also add decorative elements like piping or fabric appliqués to customize the cover further.
Conclusion
Sewing a pillow cover is a simple and rewarding project that can be completed in a few hours. Whether you’re refreshing your home décor, making a personalized gift, or experimenting with different fabrics and patterns, a handmade pillow cover adds a unique touch to any space. With basic sewing skills and the right materials, you can create stylish, custom pillow covers that are both functional and decorative. Plus, making your own covers allows you to refresh your space whenever you like without breaking the bank.