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How to Sew a Cover for a Pillow Form – Easy DIY Tutorial for Beginners Full Guide of 2024

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how to sew a cover for a pillow formCut two fabric pieces for the back panels, folding and stitching one long end of each. Lay the front panel face up, then place one back panel face down, aligning the hemmed edge with the center. Add the second back panel the same way. Pin and sew around the perimeter with a 1/4 seam allowance.

Snip the corners, then turn the cover right side out. To sew a cover for a pillow form, insert the form through the envelope opening. For a professional touch, serge or zig-zag the edges to prevent fraying. Proper construction ensures your pillows look plump and polished—continue for step-by-step guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • Select a durable yet soft fabric like cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend for your pillow cover to ensure it holds its shape while providing a cozy feel.
  • Measure and cut the fabric accurately, adding an extra inch on all sides of the pillow form for ease, and remember to hem the edges of the back panels for a neat finish.
  • Use a serger to finish the edges of your pillow cover if possible, as it prevents fraying and gives the cover a professional look, especially important if you plan to wash it.
  • Insert the pillow form carefully by rolling it up tightly, slipping it into the cover, and then shaping it evenly inside to achieve a plump and beautifully covered pillow.

How to Sew a Cover for a Pillow Form?

To sew a cover for a pillow form, follow these steps:

  1. Measure the pillow form to determine the size of the fabric you need. For a 16 by 16 pillow, cut a piece of fabric 17 by 39.
  2. Hem the two short edges of the fabric by turning under the edge by the finished hem amount (e.g., 1) and pressing. Then open the pressed seam allowance and tuck the raw edge underneath into that fold.
  3. Press and topstitch using a â…ś (1 cm) seam allowance to catch the fold underneath.
  4. Sew all the way around the fabric using a ½ inch seam allowance and the stitch length at 2.5.
  5. Finish the seam by using a zigzag stitch, serger, or pinking shears, so the seam allowance will not fray.
  6. Clip corners and turn the pillow cover right side out.
  7. Insert the pillow form into the cover.

Remember to prewash your fabric before sewing to prevent shrinkage.

Prepare the Fabric

Prepare the Fabric
Begin by cutting two fabric pieces, each 16 by 11 inches, for the back envelope section of the pillow cover. Next, fold over about a quarter of an inch on one long end of each back panel, iron the crease, and stitch the folds down with an eighth-inch seam allowance.

Cut Two Pieces of Fabric, Each 16 Inches by 11 Inches for the Back Envelope Section of the Pillow Cover

To create a custom pillow form, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the Fabric: Select a fabric that matches your pillow form size and shape. For a standard 16 x 16 pillow, you’ll need a 16 x 16 fabric panel.
  2. Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric panel to the same size as the pillow form (16 x 16). For a 19 x 19 pillow, cut two 19.5 x 19.5 squares.
  3. Hem the Fabric: Fold over 1/4 on the long end of each back panel, iron the crease, and stitch down with a 1/8 seam allowance.
  4. Assemble the Pillow Cover: Lay the front panel face up, place one of the back panels face down on top, aligning the hemmed edge with the center of the pillow cover. Place the second back panel face down on top of the first, aligning the hemmed edges. Pin around the perimeter.
  5. Sew the Pillow Cover: Sew around the entire perimeter with a 1/4 seam allowance, stopping and starting at the corners to avoid breaking the thread. Backstitch to secure the stitch.
  6. Finish the Edges: Snip off the corners to create blunt corners, turn the pillow cover right side out, and insert the pillow form.

Fold Over an Approximate Quarter of an Inch on One Long End of Each Back Panel, Iron the Crease, and Stitch the Little Folds Down With About an Eighth of an Inch Seam Allowance

To prepare the fabric for your pillow cover, you’ll need to fold over an approximate quarter of an inch on one long end of each back panel.

Iron the crease and stitch the little folds down with about an eighth of an inch seam allowance.

This process is crucial for creating a neat and professional-looking hem.

Remember to measure and pin the edges to ensure they lie flat and are the correct width.

Assemble the Pillow Cover

Assemble the Pillow Cover
Place the large front panel face up and place one of the smaller back panels face down on top, aligning the hemmed edge with the center of the pillow cover. Lay the second back panel face down on top of the first two panels, aligning the hemmed edges.

Lay the Large Front Panel Face Up on Your Table

Spread your large front panel on the table, face up; it’s the canvas for your pillow cover masterpiece.

Place One of the Smaller Back Panels Face Down on Top, Aligning the Hemmed Edge With the Center of the Pillow Cover

Once you’ve got your front panel set, grab a back panel, line up the hemmed edge smack-dab in the center.

Lay the Second Back Panel Face Down on Top of the First Two Panels, Aligning the Hemmed Edges

Place the second back panel face down on top of the first two panels, aligning the hemmed edges. This step secures the second back panel and finishes the pillow cover’s assembly.

Pin Around the Perimeter of the Pillow Cover

Secure the back panels by pinning around the perimeter of the pillow cover before sewing with a 1/4 seam allowance.

Sew Around the Entire Perimeter With a Quarter of an Inch Seam Allowance, Stopping and Starting at the Corners to Avoid Breaking the Thread

Sew your pillow cover’s edges with care, pivoting at corners to avoid snags—no seam ripper dramas here!

Backstitch to Secure the Stitch

Backstitch to secure the stitch when assembling a pillow cover. This technique is crucial for a strong and durable seam. Adjust bobbin and top thread tensions for optimal results. Choose the right needle and sewing machine for the fabric.

Finish the Edges

Finish the Edges
Snip off the corners to create blunt corners, which will result in sharper points when you flip the cover right side out.

Snip Off the Corners to Create Blunt Corners, Which Will Result in Sharper Points When You Flip the Cover Right Side Out

Snip off the corners to create blunt corners. This will result in sharper points when you flip the cover right side out.

This simple step ensures a neat finish for your pillow cover.

To do this, snip the corners of the cover, making sure not to cut through the stitching.

This will give your cover a professional look and feel.

Additionally, using tapered corners can help create fuller pillows and prevent dog ears.

Turn the Pillow Cover Right Side Out

Now that you’ve snipped off the corners to create blunt corners, it’s time to turn the pillow cover right side out.

This will reveal the finished edges and allow you to insert the pillow form.

To do this, gently push the cover from the opening you left, making sure not to tear the fabric.

Once the cover is fully turned, you can now insert your pillow form and enjoy your DIY creation.

Insert the Pillow Form

Insert the Pillow Form

  1. Gently coax your pillow form through the opening, persuading it to fill out each cozy corner.
  2. Zipper placement is key—align it just so, ensuring the invisible zipper glides smoothly, like a secret passage to comfort.
  3. Fluff and pat the pillow, letting the fabric texture sing and the design embellishments take the spotlight.

Optional: Serge the Edges

Optional: Serge the Edges
If you plan to wash the pillow cover, you may want to serge the edges to prevent fraying.

  1. Serge the Edges: Use a zig-zag stitch and run the edges through your machine so that the needle goes through the fabric on one side. This will give your edges a finished look and keep them from unraveling.
  2. Prevent Fraying: By serging the edges, you can prevent fraying, which is especially important if you plan to wash the pillow cover.
  3. Custom Look: This technique is also great for adding a custom look to your pillow cover, as it allows you to choose the color and texture of the serging thread to match your fabric and seams.

    By serging the edges, you can ensure that your pillow cover will look great and last longer, even with regular washing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of fabric should I use for my pillow cover?

You’ll want a durable yet soft fabric like cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend. These fabrics hold their shape well while providing a cozy feel – perfect for cuddling up with your new pillow.

How do I measure and cut the fabric for my pillow cover?

Hold up, have you tried dusting crops on your homestead? Measure your pillow form, then cut fabric 1 larger on all sides for ease.

Can I use a serger for finishing the edges of my pillow cover?

Absolutely! Using a serger lets you cleanly and professionally finish seam edges. The serger trims, overlocks, and neatly encloses raw fabric edges in one quick step, preventing fraying. It’s a game-changer for polished pillow covers.

How do I sew the zipper onto my pillow cover?

Zippers seem tricky, but don’t worry! Pin the zipper’s coiled edge to the pillow top’s right side. Using a zipper foot, slowly stitch as close to the teeth as possible. Take breaks if needed – you’ve got this!

What is the best way to insert the pillow form into the cover?

Fluff your pillow form, then smoothly roll it up tightly. Slip the rolled form into your pillowcase’s opening. Once inserted, use your hands to shape and unroll the form evenly inside the cover. Voila! A plump, beautifully covered pillow awaits.

Conclusion

Patience pays off when you sew a cover for a pillow form. With an eye for detail and following the steps, you’ll have a polished, professional-looking accent piece that elevates any space. Revel in your accomplishment—the custom cover showcases your sewing prowess and adds a personalized touch to your home decor.

References
  • sewingmachinebuffs.com
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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.