DIY Pillow Sham: How to Make Your Own

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your bedroom decor, a pillow sham can be just what you need. Pillow shams are decorative covers that you put over your pillows. They look great and give your room a more polished appearance. The good news is that it’s easy to make pillow shams yourself. With a bit of fabric and some basic sewing skills, you can create customized pillow shams that match your bedding and add to the overall look of your bedroom. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a pillow sham step-by-step.

To get started, you’ll need to choose your fabric. Look for a material that complements your bedding and fits the style of your room. You will also need to take measurements of your pillow to ensure a perfect fit. Once you have your fabric and measurements, you can start cutting and sewing. This project is perfect for beginners, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create beautiful pillow shams that will make your bedroom more stylish and inviting.

Section: How to Make a Pillow Sham

A pillow sham is a decorative cover that slips over a pillow, adding a touch of style to your bedroom decor. Making a pillow sham is not only a great way to save money, but it also allows you to customize the look of your pillows. Here are 10 easy steps to make your own pillow sham:

Gathering Supplies

Before you start making your pillow sham, you’ll need to gather all the materials you need. This includes fabric of your choice, scissors, thread, and a sewing machine if you have one.

Measuring Pillow Dimensions

To make a pillow sham that fits your pillow perfectly, you’ll need to measure its dimensions. Measure the length and width of your pillow and add an extra inch to each measurement for seam allowance.

Cutting the Fabric

Using your measurements, cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of your pillow sham. You can use the same fabric for both pieces, or mix and match different patterns for a unique look.

Ironing and Pinning

To ensure a professional-looking finish, iron your fabric before you start sewing. Pin the front and back pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other.

Sewing the Sides

With a sewing machine or by hand, sew the sides of the fabric together, leaving a seam allowance of half an inch.

Sewing the Top and Bottom

Turn your sham right side out and sew the top and bottom of the fabric together, leaving a half-inch seam allowance.

Adding a Flap

To make it easy to insert and remove your pillow, add a flap on the back of your sham. Cut a piece of fabric and sew it onto the back of your sham, leaving one side open.

Finishing Touches

Trim any loose threads, and iron your pillow sham for a polished look. You can also add decorative embellishments like buttons or bows for an extra touch of personality.

Alternative Options

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can make a pillow sham by hand. Simply stitch the fabric together by hand, using a whip stitch or running stitch.

Customizability

You can customize your pillow sham by using different fabrics, patterns, and colors. You can also add trim or fringe to the edges to make your sham unique.

In conclusion, making a pillow sham is a simple and straightforward DIY project that anyone can tackle. With a little bit of fabric, thread, and creativity, you can make a beautiful pillow sham that adds a decorative touch to your bedding.

Section 2: Materials Needed to Make a Pillow Sham

Materials List

To make a pillow sham, you will need a few basic materials to get started. Here’s a list of items you will need:

1. Fabric: The first and foremost thing you will need to make a pillow sham is a fabric. You can choose any type of fabric that suits your needs. However, it is recommended to use a durable, washable, and easy to sew fabric such as cotton, linen, or a blend of these fabrics. You will also need to decide on the color, pattern, and texture of the fabric to match your room decor.

2. Sewing machines or needles and thread: You will need a sewing machine to make your pillow sham. Alternatively, you can use needles and thread if you prefer hand sewing. Make sure you have the right needles and thread that match the fabric you chose.

3. Scissors: Invest in a good pair of scissors. You will be using them quite often while cutting fabric to shape and size.

4. Measuring tape: A measuring tape is important to measure the size of your pillow insert and the fabric pieces.

5. Ruler: Use a ruler to mark and measure the fabric pieces accurately.

6. Pins: Pins are needed to hold the fabric in place while sewing.

7. Iron: You will need an iron to press the seams and fabric edges to give a finished look to your pillow sham.

8. Pillow insert: Finally, you will need a pillow insert which will fit your pillow sham.

Fabric Selection

When selecting the fabric for your pillow sham, bear in mind the color, pattern, and texture that will complement your room decor and furniture. You can go bold with bright colors and patterns, or if you want a more subtle look, choose a neutral color or tone-on-tone pattern.

Consider the fabric’s durability, washability, and ease of sewing. It’s highly recommended to use fabrics such as cotton or linen blends that are easier to handle and sew.

In addition to the fabric’s aesthetic appeal, you also need to determine the amount of fabric you’ll need. This will be determined by the size of the sham and the pillow insert you’ll be using.

Preparing the Fabric

Once you’ve determined the type of fabric and the amount you need, it’s now time to prepare it for the construction phase. Remove any wrinkles by pressing it with an iron on low heat. Place the fabric on a flat surface, and with the help of your measuring tape, cut it to the size needed for your sham.

Remember to cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of your sham. If you want to create a flange, cut two strips of fabric and hem them. Use the same fabric as the back of your pillowcase.

Laying Out the Fabric Pieces

Lay out the fabric on a flat surface, and double-check that it’s cut to the correct size. If you’re adding any embellishments such as ruffles or trims, now is the time to place them on the fabric.

Pin the front and back fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Make sure the edges match up perfectly.

Cutting Out Corners Seam Allowances

With the help of a ruler, mark the corners of your sham. This will prevent the fabric from bunching up. Cut off a 1-1/2 inch square from each corner. This will create a flat seam when you turn the sham right-side out. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric.

Sewing the Fabric Together

With your sewing machine or needle and thread, stitch along the edges of your pinned fabric pieces. Use a straight stitch, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Start from one corner and continue to sew around the edges, and stop sewing a half-inch short of the opposite corner, leaving an opening for your pillow insert.

Pressing the Seam Allowances

Once you’ve sewn around the pillow sham, press the seam allowances open. Use an iron to press the seams flat.

Adding Flange (Optional)

If you decided to create a flange, sew it to your pillow sham now. With the right sides of the material facing each other, position the flange around the perimeter of the fabric. Pin the flange in place and then sew it to the sham with a straight stitch.

Trim Off Excess Fabric

Take your scissors and trim any excess fabric from the corners. Be extra careful not to cut into the stitching.

Turn Pillow Sham Right-Side-Out and Insert Your Pillow

Turn your pillow sham right-side-out through the opening you left earlier. Poke out the corners with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or the end of a ruler. Insert your pillow form through the open end.

Sewing Up the Fourth Side

Finally, use your needle and thread to hand-sew the opening side of your sham closed. Make sure you use a stitch that is similar to the other seams in the sham.

With a little creativity, you can make a pillow sham that’s unique, beautiful, and affordable. It’s a simple project that doesn’t require any special tools, and you can do it all in the comfort of your own home.

Materials Needed

Making a pillow sham can be a fun and creative activity. Before starting, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials to avoid running into any issues during the process. Here are the materials you’ll need to make a pillow sham:

Cutting and Measuring the Fabric

The next step is cutting and measuring the fabric. Use the measuring tape to determine the size of the pillow you want to cover. Add an additional inch to this measurement to both the width and length, which will help in accommodating the seam allowance. Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric with these measurements, and make sure the pieces match in size.

Sewing the Pillow Sham

Place the two rectangular pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the fabric together along the perimeter, leaving a space of around 6 inches open along one of the sides. This opening will be used to turn the sham right side out and insert the pillow.

Use a ½ inch seam allowance to sew along the edges of the fabric, and use a backstitch to secure the beginning and end of each seam. After sewing, turn the sham right side out and insert the pillow through the opening. Sew the opening of the sham shut using an invisible stitch.

Adding Design Elements

Once you’ve sewn your pillow sham, you can add extra elements to personalize your pillowcases. You can add decorative elements to the front of the sham, such as embroidery, appliqué, or fabric paint. You can also use pom-pom trims, ribbon, or lace to add detail around the edges of the sham. Adding decorative elements will give your pillow sham a unique touch, and help it stand out.

Caring for Your Pillow Sham

To keep your pillow sham looking fresh and new, it’s important to care for it properly. Follow the instructions on the fabric label for washing and drying. Most fabrics can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Use a low heat setting to tumble dry, or place the sham on a flat surface to air dry. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, as this can damage the fabric and cause it to lose color or shape. With proper care, your pillow sham will look great for years to come.

Beautiful Pillow Sham: Done and Done

There you have it! Your very own handmade pillow sham to add aesthetic value to your room. Congratulations on a job well done! Thank you for reading and I hope you had fun creating this lovely piece. Don’t forget to visit us again for more DIY tips and tricks! Until then, happy crafting!