How to make pillow covers for throw pillows
Making pillow covers for throw pillows involves measuring your insert, cutting fabric to size with seam allowance, sewing three sides, and finishing the fourth with a closure like a zipper or envelope fold. This DIY project is straightforward for beginners.
Creating your own pillow covers is a rewarding DIY project that allows you to customize your decor exactly to your taste. Whether you want to refresh existing throw pillows or create new ones from scratch, the process is surprisingly simple. You’ll need basic sewing skills and a few essential tools.
The first step is to determine the finished size of your pillow cover. Standard throw pillow inserts come in common sizes like 18×18 inches, 20×20 inches, or 12×20 inches (lumbar). For a snug fit, you want your pillow cover to be about 1 inch smaller in both dimensions than your insert. So, for an 18×18 inch insert, aim for a finished cover size of 17×17 inches.
Measuring and cutting your fabric
To calculate your fabric cuts, add 1 inch for seam allowance to your desired finished dimensions. For a 17×17 inch finished cover, you’ll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are 18×18 inches each. If you’re working with a pattern or a directional print, ensure you orient your fabric pieces correctly before cutting. Always use a rotary cutter and mat or sharp fabric scissors for precise cuts. A quilting ruler is invaluable for accurate measuring.
Sewing the pillow cover
Place your two fabric pieces right sides together. Pin them securely around all four edges. Using your sewing machine, stitch around the perimeter with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving one side completely open for now. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the seams.
For a clean finish, trim the corners diagonally, being careful not to cut through your stitching. This helps to reduce bulk and allows the corners to turn out nicely. Turn the fabric right side out through the open edge. Gently push out the corners with a point turner or a chopstick.
Adding a closure for easy removal
While you can sew the final side shut, most pillow covers are designed with a closure to allow for easy removal and washing of the cover. The most common closures are zippers and envelope folds.
**Envelope Closure:** This is the simplest method. For a standard pillow cover, you’ll cut one piece of fabric to your desired finished size (e.g., 17×17 inches). Then, cut two additional pieces for the back. Each back piece should be the same width as your front piece (17 inches) but longer. For example, if your front piece is 17 inches tall, cut two back pieces that are 17 inches wide by 11 inches tall. Hem one long edge of each back piece (this will be the opening). Overlap the two hemmed back pieces by about 4 inches and pin them to the front piece, right sides together, ensuring the raw edges align. Stitch around all four sides with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. This method creates an overlapping opening on the back, like an envelope.
**Zipper Closure:** This method is slightly more involved but provides a very neat finish. You’ll need an invisible zipper that’s slightly shorter than the width of your pillow cover (e.g., a 14-inch zipper for a 17-inch wide cover). First, sew the bottom seam of your pillow cover as usual, but only stitch up to where the zipper will be placed. Then, use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to attach the zipper along the seam allowance, ensuring it’s centered and hidden when closed. Most sewing machines come with instructions or tutorials for installing invisible zippers. Once the zipper is installed, you can close it and then sew the remaining side seam.
Finishing touches and care
Once your closure is complete and the cover is turned right side out, give it a good press with an iron. This will create crisp seams and a professional look. Insert your pillow form, and your new custom pillow cover is ready to go!
When washing your pillow covers, follow the care instructions for the fabric you used. Most cottons and linens can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dried on low heat or air-dried.
Common Mistakes When Making Pillow Covers
| Step or Tool | Typical Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring Fabric | Forgetting seam allowance | Always add 1 inch (1/2 inch per side) to your desired finished dimensions for seam allowance. |
| Cutting Fabric | Cutting pieces unevenly | Use a sharp rotary cutter and a quilting ruler for straight, accurate cuts. Double-check measurements before cutting. |
| Sewing Seams | Not backstitching | Always backstitch at the beginning and end of your seams to prevent them from unraveling. |
| Turning Corners | Leaving corners bulky | Trim the fabric diagonally at the corners after sewing to reduce bulk and allow them to turn out sharply. |
FAQ
What kind of fabric is best for pillow covers?
Durable, washable fabrics like cotton, linen, canvas, or even upholstery fabric work well. Consider the wear and tear the pillow will experience. For outdoor pillows, use weather-resistant outdoor fabric.
Can I make a pillow cover without a sewing machine?
Yes, you can hand-sew a pillow cover, but it will be more time-consuming. Ensure you use a strong stitch, like a backstitch, and a double strand of thread for durability.
How do I make a pillow cover for a pillow insert that’s not a standard square or rectangle?
For non-standard shapes like round pillows, you’ll need to adapt the pattern. For round pillows, you’ll typically cut two circles and a rectangular strip for the side. For custom shapes, you might need to create a paper pattern first.
What’s the difference between a pillow cover and a pillow sham?
A pillow sham is typically a decorative cover that often matches the bedding and usually has a flap closure. A pillow cover is a more general term for any removable fabric casing for a pillow insert, often made for decorative throw pillows and designed for easy removal and washing.