DIY: How to Make Your Own Pillow Covers

Do you want to change the look of your space without spending a ton of money? Why not try making some DIY pillow covers? It’s a fun and easy project that can be done in just a few hours, and it doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. Plus, you get to choose your own fabrics and patterns, so you can create something that truly reflects your personal style.

To get started, you’ll need some basic supplies like fabric, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (although you can also sew by hand if you don’t have a machine). There are a few different methods for making pillow covers, but in this article, we’ll be focusing on the envelope style. This is a simple and classic way to cover your pillows, and it doesn’t require any zippers or buttons. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a new set of pillow covers in no time!

Section: How to Make Pillow Covers

Introduction:

Pillow covers can be a great way to beautify your home décor. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and fabric patterns. Instead of buying new ones, it’s easy to make your own pillow covers using a few materials. In this article, we’ll show you how to make pillow covers step by step. Let’s get started!

1. Measure the Pillow:

Before starting to make a pillow cover, it’s important to know the size of your pillow. Measure the length and width of the pillow and add half an inch to each measurement for seam allowances.

2. Choose Fabric:

Select a fabric that appeals to you visually and fits your preferred texture. Materials like Cotton, velvet, linen, silk, or organic cotton are suitable for pillow covers.

3. Cut the Fabric:

Using your measurements, cut the fabric according to the size of the pillow plus the seam allowances added on each side.

4. Pin the Fabric:

Pin together the two pieces of fabric, right sides facing each other. To avoid any puckers or wrinkles from your sewing machine, make sure you match the edges correctly and pin carefully.

5. Sew the Pillow Cover:

Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew around the pinned fabric, leaving an opening on one side. Make sure that you backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch, as this helps to prevent the seams from tearing apart.

6. Trim Corners and Edges:

Trim the edges of your fabric seams as well as the corners with scissors as well as remove the excess fabric from stitched corners.

7. Turn Right Side Out:

Gently turn the pillowcase right-side-out through the unsewn opening. Make sure to poke out the corners and edges for a smooth finish.

8. Press and Iron:

To lay the fabric flat and remove any wrinkles, use a hot steam iron on the pillow cover surface, and iron it inside out, since the fabric surface might mark from ironing.

9. Sew the Opening:

Use a slip stitch to sew up the opening on one side of the pillow cover. A slip stitch is a nearly invisible stitch that can be sewn with hand.

10. Insert the Pillow:

Gently insert the pillow into the cover and fluff until the pillow is in place.

Conclusion:

Making your very own pillow cover is a fun and easy DIY project that adds sophistication to your living space. Following these simple guidelines, you can create a unique pillow cover that enhances your home’s décor. So, why not try them out and get your creative juices flowing, and wake up to an entirely new aesthetic in your living space.

10 Easy Steps to Make Your Own Pillow Covers

Once you’ve decided to take on the challenge of making your own pillow covers, the process should be fun and enjoyable. Whether you’re using a sewing machine or sewing by hand, with our guide, you’ll have your very own pillow covers in no time! Below are ten steps to follow to create great-looking pillow covers.

Gather Materials

Before you get started, gather everything you’ll need. You should have fabric, thread, pillow forms, a scissors, fabric pins, a ruler, a pen or marker, and a sewing machine or a needle and thread. You may also want to consider adding extra details to your covers, like zippers or buttons (if not going for an envelop style).

Measure the Pillow

Measure the length and width of your pillow, ensuring you have the right dimensions for your fabric. Add at least an inch to your measurements for seam allowances, depending on how much overlap you prefer.

Cut Your Fabric

Next, using your measurements for the pillow, cut the fabric to the size you need. Cut two pieces of fabric for each pillow cover, (one for the front, one for the back). Make sure the fabric is aligned correctly and that the patterns/prints are facing the right way up.

Pinning the Fabric

After cutting the fabric to your desired size, use pins to keep the two pieces together and in place for sewing. You’ll want to make sure the edges are aligned nicely.

Sewing

Now it’s time to sew the pieces of fabric together. Use a sewing machine if you have one or, if not, sew by hand, doubling up your thread for added strength. It’s up to you how to stitch it together, whether it’s a simple double stitch or a zig-zag pattern. Make sure the side you want to display is facing inward as you stitch.

Turn Your Pillow Cover Right Side Out

After sewing the pillow covers, turn it right side out so that the seams are hidden. Use a chopstick or other slim object to make sure the seams are pushed out all around.

Avoid Puckering

To avoid puckering, be sure to iron your pillow covers before filling them. You can set your iron to the temperature best suited for your fabric type.

Prepare Your Filling

Insert your pillow form into the cover and place it evenly. If you prefer to stuff your own pillow covers, this is when you would add your filling.

Closing Your Pillow Cover

You’re almost done! Once you’ve added your filling, you will need to stitch up the opening. If you prefer a simple closure, use a hand stitch to close the opening. If you’re going for an enclosed cover, use a zipper.

Enjoy Your Brand-New Pillows

Finally, your new pillow covers are ready to use! Place your pillows covers wherever you need some extra color or comfort, and that’s it- you’re done! You can consider making covers in different patterns for the same pillows, mix and match, and have fun creating your personalized, stylish home décor.

Section 3: Measurement and Cutting

1. Measure your pillow insert

Before starting to cut your fabric, it is important to measure the pillow insert you plan on using for your cover. You want your cover to fit snugly around the pillow without being too tight or too loose. If it is too tight, the cover may rip or the pillow may lose its shape. On the other hand, if it is too loose, the pillow will appear floppy and unkempt.

To measure your pillow insert, lay it flat on a table and take a measuring tape. Measure from one seam to the other across the middle of the pillow. This should give you the width of your cover. Next, measure from the top of the pillow to the bottom along the middle. This should give you the length of your cover.

2. Add seam allowance

Once you have measured your pillow insert, add an inch to both the width and length measurements to allow for seam allowance. This means that your final measurements for your fabric should be one inch larger than your pillow insert in both width and length.

For example, if your pillow insert measures 16 inches by 16 inches, your final fabric measurements should be 17 inches by 17 inches. This will allow for half an inch seam allowance on each side of your cover.

3. Cut your fabric

Take the fabric you have chosen for your cover and lay it flat on a table. Using a fabric cutter or scissors, cut the fabric to the measurements you have just calculated. Make sure to cut straight lines to ensure the fabric lines up correctly when it is sewn together.

4. Cut your second piece of fabric

If you are making an envelope-style pillow cover, as most beginners do, you will need to cut a second piece of fabric. This piece should be the same width as the first piece but ¾ the length. This will allow for the envelope flap to overlap.

For example, if your first piece of fabric measures 17 inches by 17 inches, your second piece of fabric should measure 17 inches by 12.75 inches.

5. Cut your seam binding or bias tape

Seam binding or bias tape can make a neat and professional-looking finish for your pillow cover. To cut your seam binding, measure the perimeter of your cover by adding up the length and width measurements of your fabric pieces. Cut a piece of seam binding or bias tape to this measurement. You can now use it to finish off the edges of your cover.

Now that you have measured and cut your fabric, it’s time to start assembling your pillow cover. The next section will guide you through the steps of sewing your cover together in an envelope style.

Happy Pillow-Cover Making!

We hope this article has given you the inspiration and know-how you need to start making gorgeous pillow covers in no time. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process. It’s so rewarding to have a finished product that you’ve made yourself. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and please come back soon for more crafty inspiration!