How to Sew a Pillow Cover by Hand: Easy Steps for a Custom Look (2024)

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Suppose pillow cover stitching is instead for creating a warm little hug for your spaces; this is the guide to take you through the initiation process into the art of sewing a pillow cover by hand.

If you are one of those who does not own a sewing machine, follow our straightforward process right from preparing fabric to stitching your last piece.

With just a few supplies and tools, you can create custom pillow covers that effortlessly spruce up your decor. Let’s get started and master this satisfying skill.

How to Sew a Pillow Cover by Hand?

Sewing a pillow cover by hand allows you to personalize your decor.

First, gather your supplies: medium-weight upholstery fabric, pillow stuffing, measuring tape, straight pins, fabric marker, sharp scissors, and a needle with double thread.

Pre-wash and iron the fabric, then measure and cut your pieces, adding a 1/2" seam allowance.

For the back, measure and cut two pieces to overlap.

Pin the pieces together with the front face down, and sew around the edges, leaving an opening to turn it right side out.

Stuff the pillow, close the opening with a hidden stitch, and you’re done!

There’s more to discover about crafting the perfect pillow cover.

Overview of Hand Sewn Pillow Cover

Hand sewing a pillow cover offers a personal touch, bringing your creativity to life. Whether you’re looking to update your decor or create a unique gift, mastering hand sewing techniques is both rewarding and practical.

Start by choosing suitable fabric. Mid-weight upholstery fabric is ideal, but you can also explore cotton for variety. Consider pattern variations and decorative embellishments to match your style, from stenciled designs to iron-on transfers.

Use a quality pillow stuffing, like a down insert, for a luxurious feel. This project is perfect for beginners, offering an easy, satisfying way to enhance any space. By hand sewing, you gain control over every stitch, ensuring a custom look for your pillow cover.

Necessary Supplies

If you want to start hand-sewing your pillow cover, first gather your supplies. Your fabric is critical. Medium-weight upholstery fabric will work best for both class and durability. Supply a good-quality pillow insert, preferably down-filled, so it has the ultimate feel. Use a measuring tape for excellent dimensions and have some straight pins right there with you to hold things in place.

You will also need a pen or fabric marker to trace your measurements onto the fabric. Sharp scissors or pinking shears make all the difference, along with a sharp needle suitable for the size of your fabric. You’ll need some strong thread to sew with; double thread provides extra strength. And finally, seam allowances and pillow shapes so that when you do, your creations turn out right every time.

Essential Tools

Now that you have all the supplies, let’s discuss the important tools that shall be required for sewing your pillow cover by hand. First of all, sharp scissors or a rotary cutter will be vital for cutting your fabric properly. A fabric marker—or maybe chalk—will help plot out your measurements and seam lines. Also, you’ll need a hand sewing needle or a sewing machine if you’d like to go that route. Having prepared these basic tools, you’re off to the intricacies of your pillow cover project. Be it lush, hand-woven fabrics or refining a pattern all your own—your experience will be seamless. Now, gather up your essentials and let’s dive in to prepare the fabric for your one-of-a-kind pillow cover!

Preparing the Fabric

Preparing the fabric is arguably the most crucial step in making pillow coverage. Begin by pre-washing your fabric to avoid any shrinkage later. You’ll want to use mid-weight upholstery or 100% cotton fabric for this project. Wash according to the settings on the fabric care instructions.

First, launder your fabric; then iron it to get rid of wrinkles for easy handling. Finish your edges using a zigzag or pinking shears as a precaution from fraying. These steps are very fundamental but quite significant in the integrity of the fabric in the long term.

Lay the fabric flat, and using your measuring tape and fabric marker, measure and mark your pieces. Secure the fabric using straight pins; this will keep it steady. These steps shall have your fabric prepped and ready for precise sewing.

Measuring Your Pillow Front

To measure your pillow front, first determine the pillow size. Use a tape measure to measure the pillow insert. For an exact fit, add a 1/2" seam allowance on each side.

So, for a 20" square pillow insert, you’d cut a square of fabric that’s 21". This allowance will give you a snug fit on your pillow.

Choose an appropriate fabric; medium-weight upholstery fabric assures durability. Using an acrylic ruler and cutting mat, cut straight lines, marking the dimensions with a fabric marker, then cut with sharp scissors or rotary cutter.

This step will ensure that your pillow front is ready for the following stages of sewing.

Measuring Your Pillow Backs

For pillow backs, you want to measure 14 inches long by 20 1/2 inches wide. This gives you the perfect, corresponding fit with the front of your pillow, a 20-inch square.

To do this, take your finished pillow size—here, that’s 20 inches—divide it in half, and add 2 1/2 inches of overlap to each flap. Don’t forget to add an extra inch for the seam allowance on top and bottom. This overlapping will provide an excellent, snug, secure fit when sewing the pillow cover together.

Now, with measurements in hand for the back of the pillow, you’re ready to prepare your fabric and start sewing your custom handmade pillow cover.

Just don’t forget to keep that seam ripper handy if you need adjustments along the way.

Prepping Pillow Front and Backs

To prepare your pillow fronts and backs, first, ready your fabric. Wash and iron it so it won’t shrink later on. Measurement is critical; measure out pillow fronts and backs according to instructions, adding a seam allowance for fitting. Cut with pinking shears for clean cuts. Pin the fabric pieces on the right sides together.

For the backs, make an envelope pillow cover by measuring correctly and adding inches for overlap and seams. Hem the edges of the backs with a zigzag or fusible tape; this will keep them from fraying. Place one of the back pieces on top of the front, aligning the hemmed edge, then do the same with the other piece. This is prep work, so when it’s all sewn together, it’s hearty and professional.

Sewing Your Hand Sewn Pillow Cover

Now that your pieces are prepped, it’s time to start sewing your hand-sewn pillow cover. Place the pillow front fabric face up on your workspace.

Lay the back pieces on top, aligning the edges and the zigzag-stitched hems. Use pins to secure them in place.

Choose a durable thread for hand sewing and double it to strengthen your stitches. Thread your needle, making sure it’s suitable for your fabric.

Start stitching a 1/4" seam along one side of the pillow, using a backstitch for durability. Continue stitching along the remaining sides, but leave a small gap.

Reinforce your seams by stitching over them twice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)