How to Sew a Cover for a Pillow Form: 7 Easy Steps (DIY Guide 2024)

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You’ll master how to sew a cover for a pillow form in no time with these simple steps.

Start by gathering your supplies: fabric (pre-washed and ironed), matching thread, pins, and scissors.

For a 16-inch pillow, cut one 16×16-inch front panel and two 16×11-inch back panels, adding ½-inch seam allowance.

Create an envelope closure by hemming the back panels’ short edges, then layer them with a 5-inch overlap. Pin everything together, right sides facing in, and sew around the edges with a ¼-inch seam.

Turn it right side out, and you’ve got a professional-looking cover that’ll have your friends wondering where you bought it. professional-looking cover.

Pillow Cover Sewing Essentials

You’ll need a few basic tools and materials to start your pillow cover project, including fabric, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine.

Before you begin, make sure you’ve picked the right fabric type and measured your pillow form correctly to avoid any sizing mishaps later.

Essential Materials and Tools

Let’s gather your sewing supplies before diving into this pillow cover project. Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.

Now that we’ve got our tools ready, we can start creating your custom pillow cover with confidence.

Choosing The Right Fabric

Three key factors make or break your pillow cover: fabric weight, pattern, and durability.

You’ll want medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or canvas that hold their shape without being too stiff.

For everyday use, pick machine-washable materials with tight weaves.

If you’re matching existing decor, bring a photo or swatch – it’s amazing how many shades of "blue" exist!

Measuring and Calculating Fabric Dimensions

Now that you’ve picked your perfect fabric, getting the measurements right is like setting yourself up for a winning game.

For a 16-inch pillow form, you’ll need one 16×16-inch front panel and two 16×11-inch back panels.

Remember to add a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides. Always measure twice and cut once – this old sewing wisdom will save you from fabric mishaps.

Preparing Fabric for Pillow Cover Sewing

Proper fabric preparation can make or break your pillow cover project. Start by pre-washing your fabric to prevent future shrinkage and guarantee color fastness. Before cutting, iron out all wrinkles on medium heat, working from the wrong side.

• Check fabric grain by aligning selvages and adjusting if needed
• Test pattern matching on printed fabrics to avoid misalignment
• Press interfacing onto delicate fabrics for added structure

Remember, take your time with prep – it’s the foundation of a professional-looking finish.

How to Sew a Pillow Cover

You’ll be surprised how quickly you can transform your plain pillow forms into custom accent pieces with just a few simple sewing steps.

Whether you’re making a single cover or updating your entire living room set, this guide will show you the essential techniques for creating perfectly fitted pillow covers.

This guide will show you how to create perfectly fitted pillow covers that’ll look store-bought.

Marking Seam Allowances and Hem Edges

Ready to mark those seam allowances?

Start by laying your fabric on a flat surface and grab your marking tools.

Measure and mark ¼-inch seam allowances along all edges using chalk or disappearing ink.

For hem edges, fold and press a ½-inch allowance, then another ½-inch for a clean finish.

Remember to mark both front and back pieces – these marks will be your roadmap to perfect seams.

Creating a Customized Pillow Cover Pattern

Once you’ve marked your seam allowances, let’s create your unique pillow cover pattern.

Start by sketching your design on paper – think of it as your pillow’s blueprint.

You can mix things up with envelope closures, zippers, or even decorative buttons.

Consider adding personal touches like piping or contrasting panels.

Remember, the best patterns often come from experimenting with different design elements until you find what works for you.

Calculating Fabric Dimensions for Different Pillow Sizes

After mastering your custom pattern, measuring fabric becomes second nature.

Remember: Fabric shrinks, so when in doubt, add an extra half-inch all around.

Constructing Your Pillow Cover

You’ll bring your pillow cover to life in this section as you follow clear steps for hemming edges, joining panels, and creating crisp corners.

Now that you’ve got your fabric cut and measured, it’s time to transform those pieces into a professional-looking cover that’ll fit your pillow form perfectly.

Creating Hemmed Edges and Seams

Now that you’ve got your measurements down, let’s create those clean, professional-looking edges, considering the proper seam allowances, typically ½ inch, as outlined in the standard pillowcase seam allowance guidelines.

Start by folding each edge over 1/4 inch and press with your iron.

Then, fold it over again for a double-fold hem. This technique hides raw edges completely.

Pin your hems in place and stitch close to the folded edge using a straight stitch. Your seams should look crisp and neat.

Assembling Front and Back Panels

Wondering how to perfectly align your pillow cover panels?

To make your task easier, you can find various pillow cover panels at a website like this one, offering different types of pillow cover panels.

Start by placing your front panel face-up on a flat surface.

Layer your back panels face-down, making sure the hemmed edges overlap in the center to create that classic envelope closure.

Pin the layers together every three inches around the perimeter, and double-check that your corners are squared up before moving on to sewing.

Sewing Seams and Corners

Sewing perfect seams and corners makes your pillow cover look professional.

Start with a quarter-inch seam allowance and pin all layers together securely.

When you reach corners, slow down your sewing speed and pivot carefully, keeping your needle down.

For extra durability, backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam. Clip corners at a 45-degree angle, staying close to—but not cutting through—the stitching. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam for extra durability. Perfect seams and corners are key to a professional look.

Turning and Pressing The Cover

After securing your seams, let’s transform your pillow cover from inside out to reveal its final form. Turn the cover right side out through the opening, pushing out each corner with a pointed tool for crisp edges.

Then press with your iron on the appropriate heat setting for your fabric.

• Start at a low temperature and gradually increase to avoid scorching
• Use steam for stubborn wrinkles
• Press seams flat from both sides
• Work from the center outward to prevent fabric bunching

Adding Closure Options

You’ll love how a well-chosen closure keeps your pillow cover secure and makes washing a breeze.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of an envelope-style back or want something more secure like zippers or buttons,

you’ll find the perfect closure option for your pillow project.

Envelope-Style Closure Technique

Creating an envelope-style closure gives you hassle-free access to your pillow form.

Start by cutting two overlapping back panels – each should measure the pillow width plus 5 inches for overlap.

Fold and press a neat hem on the overlapping edges, then stitch them down.

Line up your front panel with the overlapping back pieces, pin everything together, and sew around the perimeter with a ½-inch seam allowance.

Installing Zippers for Removable Covers

Anyone can master installing zippers for removable pillow covers with the right technique.

Start by choosing an invisible zipper that’s 2 inches shorter than your pillow’s width.

Place the zipper face-down along the fabric’s edge, pin carefully, and stitch close to the coils, making sure to address common problems sewing zippers.

• Use a zipper foot attachment for precise stitching near the coils
• Press seams open before sewing to prevent puckering
• Test the zipper’s movement before completing the remaining seams

Button and Snap Closure Method

While zippers offer one solution, buttons and snaps bring classic charm to your pillow covers.

For best results, space your buttons 2-3 inches apart along the closure edge.

Choose buttons that complement your fabric – lighter fabrics need smaller buttons, while heavier materials can handle larger ones. Mark button placement carefully with fabric chalk, then reinforce the buttonhole area with interfacing before sewing. Choose buttons that complement your fabric. Reinforce the buttonhole area.

Velcro and Snap Fastener Options

Beyond buttons, Velcro and snap fasteners offer quick, practical solutions for your pillow covers.

For a wide selection of snap fasteners, you can check out options for pillow cover snaps.

Sew Velcro strips along the opening edges, spacing them 1/2 inch from the seam for durability.

For snaps, place them 3 inches apart, starting from corners. Pro tip: Choose plastic snaps for washable covers – they won’t rust.

Hidden closures? Stitch Velcro beneath a decorative flap for a sleek finish.

Customizing and Embellishing Your Pillow Cover

You’ll transform your basic pillow cover into a stunning statement piece with simple embellishments like decorative trims, appliqué, or textured pleats.

Whether you’re adding ribbons for a classic look or mixing different fabrics for a modern twist, these creative touches will make your pillow cover uniquely yours.

Adding Decorative Trims and Piping

Now that you’ve got your closure sorted, let’s make your pillow cover pop with decorative elements.

Start by pinning your chosen trim or piping along the seam lines before sewing.

For a professional finish, create your own piping using bias tape and cording. Sew the trim in place with a zipper foot, keeping stitches close to the cord.

You’ll love how these details transform your basic cover into something special.

Incorporating Appliqué and Embroidery

Transform your pillow cover into a work of art with appliqué and embroidery.

Start by selecting complementary fabrics and threads that match your room’s color scheme.

Position your appliqué design on the pillow front before sewing, using fusible webbing to secure it.

Add personality with simple embroidery stitches like stem stitch or French knots around the edges, or create your own pattern with decorative machine stitches. appliqué and embroidery. This will help transform your pillow cover.

Creating Textured Surfaces With Pleats

While embroidery adds flair to your pillow cover, pleats can take your design to new heights.

Adding box pleats, knife pleats, or pintucks creates depth and visual interest.

Start with a fabric piece 1.5 times wider than your final measurement, mark pleat lines every 2 inches, fold along these lines, press firmly, and secure with pins before sewing.

This technique works best with medium-weight fabrics that hold their shape.

Mixing Fabrics for Unique Designs

Building on those pleats, let’s explore fabric mixing – it’s like being a designer in your own home.

You’ll get stunning results by pairing contrasting textures (think velvet with linen) or complementary patterns (stripes with florals).

Keep scale in mind – match small prints with larger ones, and stick to a consistent color palette.

For best results, lay your fabric choices side by side before cutting.

Finishing Your Pillow Cover

You’re in the home stretch of creating your perfect pillow cover.

It’s time to add those finishing touches that’ll make it look store-bought.

You’ll learn how to properly insert your pillow form and troubleshoot common issues.

Ensuring your handmade cover fits just right.

Inserting The Pillow Form

Now that you’ve added those personal touches to your pillow cover, let’s get that form inside.

Start by turning your cover right side out and gently pushing out the corners with your fingers.

Take your pillow form and fold it in half, then slip it through the opening.

Once inside, gently fluff and shape the form to spread evenly within the cover.

Ensuring a Tight and Smooth Fit

Getting that perfect fit after inserting your pillow form takes a few extra steps. You’ll want the cover to hug your pillow form just right – not too loose, not too tight.

1. Press all seams flat with an iron before inserting the form
2. Work the pillow form into each corner, using your fingers to push it fully in
3. Gently "karate chop" the middle to distribute filling evenly
4. Smooth outward from the center to eliminate wrinkles

Troubleshooting Common Pillow Cover Issues

Once you’ve got your pillow snug in its cover, you might spot some common issues. Uneven seams? Double-check your measurements and re-stitch problem areas.

If you’re seeing fabric shrinkage, pre-wash your materials next time.

For zipper problems, confirm proper installation with stabilizing strips.

Pattern fitting troubles? Scale your design proportionally to your pillow size.

Color bleeding? Always test-wash fabrics separately before combining them.

Creative Ideas and Variations

You’ll discover endless possibilities for customizing your pillow covers with different fabrics, patterns, and unique shapes.

Whether you’re creating cozy winter throws or bright summer accents, you can transform basic pillow forms into eye-catching decorative pieces that show off your personal style.

Using Different Fabric Patterns and Textures

Your perfectly assembled pillow cover opens up a world of creative fabric possibilities.

Mix bold prints with subtle textures – think velvet paired with linen, or geometric patterns alongside solid colors.

You’ll create depth by combining different fabric weights, like cotton duck with silk dupioni.

For striking visual impact, try pairing complementary patterns in similar color families, keeping scale in mind – larger prints work best with smaller companion designs.

Creating Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Pillow Covers

Throughout the year, transform your living space with festive pillow covers that celebrate each season.

Choose autumn plaids and rich textures for fall, sparkly metallics and deep reds for winter holidays, fresh florals for spring, and breezy cottons for summer.

For an added touch, shop for holiday pillow covers online at holiday pillow shops.

Add DIY embellishments like appliquéd pumpkins, embroidered snowflakes, or pressed flowers to create unique seasonal designs that reflect your style.

Making Rectangular and Oblong Pillow Covers

After mastering holiday designs, let’s explore rectangular and oblong pillow covers.

These shapes need a different calculation approach – add 1 inch to both length and width measurements for seam allowances.

When selecting fabrics for these pillow covers, consider the fabric’s weight and stretch and recovery properties, such as choosing the right fabric.

Cut your fabric pieces accordingly, keeping patterns aligned.

For an envelope closure, create two overlapping back panels each measuring the width plus 4 inches.

This versatile shape works beautifully for bench cushions, lumbar support, and bedroom accents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)