How to Sew a Pillow Cover

Sewing a pillow cover can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters. Not only does it allow you to customize your home décor, but it also offers an opportunity to express your creativity with fabrics, colors, and patterns.

This guide on How to sew a pillow cover will walk you through the basic steps to create a beautiful pillow cover, whether you’re updating an old pillow or making one from scratch. With a few simple tools and a bit of effort, you’ll have a finished product that adds a unique, personal touch to any room.

Why Sew a Pillow Cover?

Sewing your own pillow cover allows you to have complete control over the design and materials used. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, linen, velvet, or even repurposed fabrics from old clothes or linens. This not only gives you more customization options but also allows you to be more environmentally friendly by upcycling materials.

Additionally, sewing your own pillow cover can save you money in the long run. Instead of purchasing new pillows whenever you want to change up your home décor, simply switch out the covers for a fresh look. Plus, handmade items often have a higher quality and durability compared to store-bought products.

Materials Needed

Fabric:

As mentioned earlier, there are many fabric options to choose from for your pillow cover. Make sure to select a durable and washable fabric that complements your home décor. You can also mix and match fabrics for a unique look, such as using a patterned fabric for the front and a solid color for the back.

Measuring Tape:

Measuring accurately is crucial in sewing any project, including pillow covers. A measuring tape will help you determine the size of your pillow insert and how much fabric you’ll need to cut.

Scissors:

Invest in a good pair of fabric scissors to ensure clean and precise cuts. This will make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your finished pillow cover.

Sewing Machine:

While it is possible to hand-sew a pillow cover, using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and easier. If you don’t own one, consider borrowing or renting from a friend or local fabric store.

Thread:

Choose a thread color that matches your fabric or contrasts for a bold statement. You’ll also need enough thread to sew around the entire perimeter of your pillow cover.

9 Steps on How to Sew a Pillow Cover

Step 1: Measure Your Pillow 

Start by measuring the dimensions of your pillow insert using your measuring tape. Measure both the width and height from edge to edge, ensuring you take note of the exact measurements. For a snug fit, your fabric should match the pillow’s dimensions exactly, or you can add an extra half-inch to each side if you prefer a looser fit or need to account for seam allowances.

Accurate measurements will ensure your pillow cover fits perfectly and looks professionally made. If you’re making multiple pillow covers, be sure to measure each one individually as they may vary slightly in size.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric 

Using your measurements from Step 1, it’s time to cut your fabric. Lay your fabric out on a flat surface, ensuring it is smooth and free of wrinkles. With a ruler or straightedge, mark the dimensions of your pillow cover directly onto the fabric using fabric chalk or a washable marker. Make sure to include an additional half-inch on all sides for the seam allowance if you did not already account for it during measuring. 

Carefully cut along your marked lines using fabric scissors, ensuring steady and precise cuts for a polished result. If you’re using a patterned fabric, pay extra attention to aligning the patterns as desired, particularly if you’re working with stripes, florals, or geometric designs. Repeat this process to cut a second piece of fabric for the back of your pillow cover, ensuring both pieces match perfectly in size and shape.

Step 3: Pin Fabric Pieces Together 

Once you have your two fabric pieces cut, place them together with the right sides facing inward. This means the patterned or “good” sides of the fabric should be facing each other on the inside while the wrong sides are on the outside. Line up the edges as accurately as possible. 

Using sewing pins, secure the fabric pieces together along the perimeter. Space the pins evenly, leaving about a few inches between each one to keep the fabric from shifting as you sew. If you’re sewing a zipper or envelope-style closure, leave the appropriate edges unpinned as needed for your design. Pinning the fabric correctly ensures your pillow cover will stay aligned and maintain its shape during stitching.

Step 4: Sew Around the Edges 

Using your sewing machine, begin stitching around the edges of your pinned fabric pieces. Use a straight stitch, and start at one corner, sewing about half an inch from the edge. Make sure to backstitch at both the beginning and end of your seam for added strength.

Continue sewing along each side, being careful not to pull or stretch the fabric as you sew. When you reach a corner, leave the needle in the down position, lift up the presser foot, and pivot the fabric to continue stitching along the next edge. Remember to remove any pins as you approach them to avoid breaking your needle.

Step 5: Trim Excess Fabric and Corners 

After you’ve sewn along all four sides, trim any excess fabric from the edges, leaving about a quarter-inch seam allowance. Be careful not to cut into your stitches.

Next, trim the corners at an angle close to the stitching line, ensuring not to cut through the seam itself. This will help create sharper, cleaner corners once you turn the pillow cover right-side-out.

Step 6: Turn the Pillow Cover Right-Side-Out 

Carefully turn your pillow cover right-side-out by reaching in through one of the open ends and pulling out the entire fabric piece. Use a pencil or chopstick to gently push out and smooth any corners or edges that may be sticking out.

It should now look like a pillowcase, with the right side of your fabric on the outside and the wrong side on the inside.

Step 7: Iron Out Wrinkles 

Before proceeding, take a moment to iron your pillow cover to remove any wrinkles or creases. Lay the cover flat on an ironing board with the right side facing up. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting for your fabric type—low for delicate materials and higher for sturdier ones like cotton or linen. 

Carefully press the iron over the fabric, moving in smooth, even strokes to ensure a polished and professional appearance. Pay special attention to the seams and corners, as they can sometimes appear bulky or uneven after turning the fabric right-side-out. Properly ironing your pillow cover at this stage will make sewing any final finishing details much easier.

Step 8: Add Closure (Optional) 

If you’re making a pillow cover with a zipper or envelope closure, now is the time to add these details. There are many tutorials available online for different types of closures, so choose one that best suits your design and skill level.

For a basic zipper closure, mark the placement of your zipper on one edge of your fabric pieces before sewing the two together in Step 4. Then, follow the tutorial instructions for sewing in a zipper using an invisible or regular zipper foot.

For an envelope-style closure, simply fold over one edge of the back piece of fabric by about half an inch and sew along the folded edge to create a clean hem. Repeat on the other edge, then overlap the two hemmed edges to create an envelope opening for your pillow insert.

Step 9: Insert Pillow and Enjoy! 

Once you’ve added your closure and are satisfied with the overall look of your pillow cover, it’s time to insert your pillow form or stuffing. Carefully open up your closure and insert the pillow, making sure to properly fluff and arrange it inside the cover. Finish by closing the closure securely, whether it be zipping up a zipper or tucking in an envelope flap.

And there you have it – your very own DIY pillow cover! Customize it with different fabrics, closures, and details to match your home decor style. With these simple steps on How to sew a pillow cover, you can easily make multiple covers for various seasons or occasions without breaking the bank. Happy sewing!

Additional Tips and Tricks 

• To prevent fraying fabric edges, consider using a serger machine to finish raw seams before sewing the piece together.
• For a more finished look, add piping or trim along the edges of your pillow cover before sewing the pieces together.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different closure methods or embellishments to create unique and personalized pillow covers. The possibilities are endless!  So go forth and sew to your heart’s content!
• To save time and effort, consider pre-washing and ironing your fabric before cutting and sewing for a smoother stitching experience.
• If you’re new to sewing, practice on scrap fabric first to get comfortable with your machine and technique before tackling a larger project like a pillow cover.  With patience and practice, anyone can learn how to create beautiful handmade items that add a personal touch to their home decor.
• Don’t be discouraged by imperfections – embrace the handmade look and know that each piece you make is one-of-a-kind.
• Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something with your own two hands. It can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience! Happy sewing! 

Conclusion 

Sewing your own pillow covers is a rewarding and enjoyable project that allows you to add a personal touch to your home decor. With just a few tools, materials, and some patience, you can create custom designs that perfectly match your style and preferences.

Whether you’re upgrading your living space with handmade charm or experimenting with new sewing techniques, this step-by-step guide on How to sew a pillow cover provides a solid foundation to build on. Remember, the creative process is just as important as the final product, so take your time, have fun, and celebrate your accomplishments. Happy sewing!