Making a body pillow cover is a rewarding and straightforward sewing project that allows you to customize the look and feel of your pillow to match your personal style and comfort needs.
Whether you want to refresh an old body pillow or create a new cover from scratch, this guide will walk you through how to make a body pillow cover. Start by choosing a fabric that suits your preferences, such as soft cotton, luxurious satin, or cozy flannel. Measure your body pillow carefully to ensure the cover fits snugly, adding a bit of extra fabric for seams and closures.
You’ll learn how to cut the fabric accurately, sew the pieces together, and add a zipper or envelope closure for easy removal and washing. With a few basic sewing supplies and some creativity, you can craft a durable and stylish body pillow cover that enhances your bedroom decor and provides ultimate comfort for restful nights.
The Benefits of Body Pillows
Body pillows offer numerous benefits that contribute to a better night’s sleep and overall well-being. These long, supportive pillows are particularly beneficial for side sleepers, providing alignment for the spine, hips, and neck, which helps to alleviate pressure points and reduce discomfort. Pregnant women also find body pillows invaluable for supporting the growing baby bump and relieving back pain.
Additionally, body pillows can help to improve circulation by encouraging a more consistent sleeping posture. Beyond physical advantages, hugging a body pillow can offer a sense of comfort and security, which can be especially comforting for those experiencing anxiety or stress. Furthermore, body pillows can serve as versatile companions for reading, lounging, or simply relaxing, making them a practical and cozy addition to any bed.
Importance of a Custom Body Pillow Cover
A custom body pillow cover plays a significant role in maximizing the comfort and functionality of your body pillow. One of the primary advantages is the ability to choose a fabric that perfectly suits your personal preferences and any specific needs, such as hypoallergenic materials for those with allergies.
Custom covers also allow for precise sizing, ensuring that your body pillow cover fits snugly without excess fabric, which can bunch up and cause discomfort. Furthermore, custom covers offer the opportunity to match your bedroom’s aesthetic, enabling you to select colors, patterns, and textures that complement your decor.
10 Methods How to Make a Body Pillow Cover
1. Choosing the Fabric
Selecting the right fabric is the first crucial step in making a body pillow cover. The fabric should be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, as body pillows are often used for extended periods. Cotton and cotton blends are popular choices due to their softness, breathability, and ease of care. For a luxurious feel, consider using fabrics like satin or silk, while flannel and fleece are excellent for colder climates due to their warmth. Measure your body pillow to determine the amount of fabric needed, typically about two yards for a standard body pillow. Ensure the fabric is pre-washed to prevent shrinkage after the cover is made.
2. Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Accurate measurements are essential for a well-fitting body pillow cover. Measure the length and circumference of your body pillow, adding an extra inch to the length for seam allowances and a few inches to the width for ease of inserting and removing the pillow. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, ensuring the right sides are facing each other, and cut it according to your measurements. Use a ruler and fabric chalk to mark the cutting lines, ensuring they are straight and even. Precise cutting will make the sewing process smoother and result in a professional-looking finish.
3. Sewing the Side Seams
With the fabric cut to size, the next step is to sew the side seams. Pin the fabric along the long edges, keeping the right sides together. Use a sewing machine to stitch the side seams with a half-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. If you prefer, you can use a serger for a more durable finish. After sewing, press the seams open with an iron to reduce bulk and create a neat appearance. Properly sewn side seams ensure the cover holds up to regular use and washing.
4. Creating an Envelope Closure
An envelope closure is a simple and effective way to close a body pillow cover without the need for zippers or buttons. To create an envelope closure, cut an additional piece of fabric that is the same width as the body pillow and about 12 inches long. Hem one of the long edges by folding it over twice and stitching it down. Pin this piece to one end of the pillow cover, right sides together, with the hemmed edge facing the center. Stitch the sides and bottom edge, then turn the cover right side out. The envelope closure allows you to easily insert and remove the pillow while keeping it securely in place.
5. Adding a Zipper Closure
For a more secure closure, you can add a zipper to your body pillow cover. Choose a zipper that is slightly shorter than the width of the pillow cover. Pin the zipper to one of the short ends of the cover, right sides together, and sew it in place using a zipper foot. Then, sew the side seams as usual, but leave a small gap at the end of one seam to finish sewing the zipper. Turn the cover right side out and test the zipper to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. A zipper closure provides a sleek, finished look and keeps the pillow securely enclosed.
6. Creating a French Seam
For a polished and durable finish, consider using French seams on your body pillow cover. To create a French seam, begin by sewing the fabric with the wrong sides together, using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching, then turn the fabric so the right sides are together and press the seam flat. Sew another seam with a half-inch seam allowance, encasing the raw edges within the seam. This technique results in a clean, professional finish with no exposed raw edges, making the cover more durable and resistant to fraying.
7. Adding Decorative Trim
To personalize your body pillow cover, add decorative trim such as piping, lace, or ruffles. Piping can be sewn into the seams for a tailored look, while lace or ruffles can be added to the edges for a more feminine touch. To add piping, pin it along the edges of the fabric with the raw edges aligned, then sew it in place using a zipper foot. For lace or ruffles, sew them to the right side of the fabric before sewing the side seams, ensuring they are evenly spaced and securely attached. Decorative trim enhances the visual appeal of the pillow cover and reflects your personal style.
8. Quilting the Fabric
Quilting the fabric can add texture and extra durability to your body pillow cover. To quilt the fabric, sandwich a layer of batting between two layers of fabric, with the right sides facing out. Pin the layers together and mark your desired quilting pattern with fabric chalk. Sew along the marked lines using a walking foot to prevent the layers from shifting. Trim any excess batting from the edges, then proceed with cutting and sewing the cover as usual. Quilting adds a cozy, luxurious feel to the pillow cover and makes it more resilient to wear and tear.
9. Using Recycled Materials
For an eco-friendly option, consider using recycled materials to make your body pillow cover. Old bed sheets, tablecloths, or even large garments can be repurposed into a unique and sustainable pillow cover. Ensure the recycled fabric is clean and in good condition before starting the project. Follow the same steps for measuring, cutting, and sewing the cover, adjusting the pattern as needed to accommodate the size and shape of the recycled materials. This method not only reduces waste but also allows you to create a one-of-a-kind cover with sentimental value.
10. Personalizing with Appliqué or Embroidery
Adding appliqué or embroidery to your body pillow cover can make it truly special and unique. Choose a design that complements the fabric and your personal style, such as initials, floral patterns, or geometric shapes. For appliqué, cut the design from contrasting fabric and sew it onto the cover using a tight zigzag stitch.
For embroidery, use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut and follow your chosen pattern with embroidery floss. Personalizing your pillow cover with appliqué or embroidery adds a custom touch and showcases your creativity and skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a body pillow cover involves several detailed steps, each offering opportunities for customization and creativity. By choosing the right fabric, accurately measuring and cutting, sewing the side seams, and selecting a closure method, you can create a functional and attractive pillow cover.
Adding techniques like French seams, decorative trim, quilting, using recycled materials, and personalizing with appliqué or embroidery further enhance the project, allowing you to create a unique and durable cover that reflects your personal style. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to make a body pillow cover!
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.