How to Sew a Pillow Cover Without a Zipper | Easy DIY Guide Step-by-Step (2024)

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Making elegance simple doesn’t require zippers or any other fancy tool to make a pillow cover beautiful.

This pillow cover sewing tutorial with no zipper will help change the most unappealing space with minimal effort.

For the beginner, you’ll flow through these precise steps using only cloth and thread.

Embrace the art of straightforward sewing; get professional results without trouble, and add that touch to your home decor.

How to Sew a Pillow Cover Without a Zipper?

To sew a pillow cover without a zipper, start by measuring your pillow form and adding an inch to each side for seam allowances. Cut a 21×21-inch piece for a 20×20 pillow front and two 21×13-inch pieces for the back.

Hem one long edge of each back piece by folding it 1/4 inch twice, then sewing it. Layer the front piece right side up and place the hemmed back pieces on top, right sides down, overlapping them to form an envelope closure.

Pin, then sew around all edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn it right side out, insert the pillow, and you’re good to go!

Want more detailed steps?

Calculating Fabric Measurements

First, measure your pillow form. For a 20×20 pillow, you’d want to have the correct measurements so it would fit properly. To get the size of fabric needed, just add an inch to the length and width for seam allowance. Hence, for a 20×20 pillow, cut your front piece to 21×21 inches. For the back pieces, calculate the fabric another way. The width is still 21 inches, and the height needs to be 26 inches, and this piece should be cut in half so that now you’ll have two pieces which are 21×13 inches each. Consider the shape of your pillow and the texture of the fabric to go according to the decor you have in mind. Pick out a matching fabric for your space by considering the color and pattern, along with any decorative features on the material. With these measurements, your pillow cover won’t only look nice, but it will increase your interior design right inside your home, right inside an easy DIY sewing trick.

Cutting and Preparing the Fabric

Now, you can cut and prepare the fabric since you have calculated all the measurements. First of all, pick your fabric. You may want to use some solid materials like recycled canvas for strength. Lay it flat and measure precisely as described above.

With the pieces prepped, you can move right into the next step.

Hemming the Fabric Edges

Now that you have cut your fabric, it’s time to control the fraying and make it fitted for a long life with hemming. Start on the two small pieces that compose the back. On each one, fold one edge 1/4 inch to the wrong side of the fabric, then iron to get a nice crisp fold. Fold the same edge over again, hence making a double hem. Press this fold carefully, then set a pin using your seam allowance.

Using your sewing machine, sew the hem in place with straight, even stitches. This prevents fraying and adds decorative stitching that can enhance your pillow’s appearance. For a professional look and feel, sew with the right side facing up. Edge finishing should be done neatly not only to enhance the fabric’s durability but also for a professional finish. Do this on both pieces before you layer and pin them together.

Layering and Pinning the Fabric

Now that you’ve hemmed the edges of your fabric, layer and pin the fabric to sew. Begin with the larger square piece, right side up. This is where your fabric choice comes into play. Consider color combinations and pattern matching so everything is cohesive. Place the two smaller, hemmed pieces on top of this, right side down. Have these two pieces overlap—this creates the envelope closure.

Also, make sure that those hems you made earlier are overlapping in the center. This will give you easy access and create a neater, no-zipper pillow cover. Make sure to adjust any pattern matching so it looks continuous. Pin all the layers together along the edge to prevent shifting. Your pins have to be perpendicular concerning the edge for smooth sewing. Feel for the texture of the fabric to guide your pinning if you’re using thicker materials.

Sewing the Pillowcase Seams

Now, with your pieces layered and pinned, it’s time to sew the pillowcase seams. Start by setting your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a medium stitch length. You’ll need to sew around all four sides with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

After sewing, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowances without cutting the stitches. Consider topstitching the edges for added durability and a polished look, but it’s optional.

The seams should now be secure and ready. Flip the pillow cover inside out through the back opening. You’ll soon have a beautifully finished and easy pillow cover!

Completing the Pillowcase Closure

You can finish the opening of the pillowcase either with the Tucking Flap Technique or with the Overlapping Flap Technique. Neither requires a zipper, yet both hold securely in place to make getting the pillow in and out accessible.

Tucking Flap Technique

Want to learn how to close a pillow cover using the tucking flap technique? Follow these steps:

1. Fold back flap over cushion.
2. Allow a 4-inch overlap in the fabric.
3. Pin the edges securely.
4. Focus on even flap placement.
5. Edges should be sewn with hidden stitching.

Step	Description
Placement	Place flap over cushion
Overlap	Ensure Overlap of 4 inches
Pinning	Secure edges carefully

This will give a smooth, finished appearance to your pillow cover.

Overlapping Flap Technique

For an overlapping flap closure, simply cut the back pieces with one side 8 inches longer than the pillow. Fold this longer edge over the shorter side, creating a 4-inch overlap.

Pin the overlapping edges in place, then sew along the folded edge to secure it. This easy technique gives your pillow cover a polished, professional look without the hassle of a zipper.

Experiment with fabric selection, pattern matching, and texture contrast to make each pillow cover truly unique.

Turning the Pillowcase Right Side Out

Now that you have sewn in your seams, it’s time to turn your pillowcase right side out. It’s the step that will bring everything together and will let you see what an excellent job you’ve done in crafting your envelope pillow cover.

First, using your hand, reach into the case and work the corners through the open end. This prevents puckering, and however slightly, it helps maintain shape. You can do this using your fingers or some long tool such as a seam ripper. Then, smooth the seam by running your hand along it. Take care not to tear and stretch while working on delicate fabrics.

Ironing of the fabric at this step is important. This will give your canvas slim or Christmas-themed pillow covers a crisp, clean look. Make sure to:

• Use the right fabric setting on your iron.
• Press, don’t drag, lest you wish to distort.
• Iron on reverse for delicate fabrics.

  • Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.

Once it’s turned and ironed, admire your handiwork and prepare to complete the deal!

Inserting the Pillow Into the Cover

Now that your pillowcase is right-side out, it’s time to insert your pillow form. Here are some tips for inserting your pillow form into the case so that the process goes nice and smooth. Fold the pillow form in half, ensuring the edges align, then guide it through the envelope opening of the pillowcase—guide with gentle pressure to avoid bunching.

Insert Technique	Inserting Tips	Inserting Troubleshooting
Fold and stuff	Align edges, push softly	Fix any wonky corners
Corner first	Insert corners at an angle	Adjustment of edges if misaligned
Rolling method	Roll pillow tight, then insert	Release slow to prevent wrinkles
Zigzag	Insert form in a zigzag motion	Replace if form feels uneven

If your pillow form doesn’t cooperate, insert it at various angles or massage the edges for an even fit. For stuffed cushions, push filling into the corners so they’re nice and plump. There you have it—mastering the art of cushion stuffing!

Finishing Touches and Adjustments

With your pillow cover completed, refocus on the finishing touches and fine adjustments to bring it all together in a classy look. First, iron and press those seams so they lie nice and crisp—one of the most critical steps in finishing clean. Next, adjust the fabric tension if needed by tugging gently and ironing out wrinkles or distortion.

Measure and verify whether the cover is the right size for the pillow insert. Easy peasy, here’s a quick checklist:

1. Check overlap alignment: Flaps to overlap correctly.
2. Pillow inserts fit: It should be fitted nicely with little excess room.
3. Double-check all measurements: All measurements should be checked again to avoid tight or loose areas.

Styling and Enjoying Your New Pillow

Now that you have your pillow cover, you can integrate it into your interior design. Create different pillow arrangements to jazz up the room. You’ll be mixing and matching pillows on your couch or bed to create a dramatic effect. When decorating using pillows, try out different sizes and shapes to attain a layering effect.

Play with color combinations to help set the tone of an area. Coordinate your new pillow cover with existing decor by choosing fabrics that complement or contrast your primary colors. Combining different fabrics will bring varied textures into a space and add interest and depth to your decor.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Stripes, florals, and geometrics can all live together in harmony if a unifying color scheme binds them together. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to play around until your arrangement tells you, in your gut, that everything is correct. Personalized pillow covers will reflect taste and style while keeping homes comfortable and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)