DIY Pillow Cover: How to Make Your Own in Just a Few Steps

Making a pillow cover is a fun and easy way to update your home decor without breaking the bank. With a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can create a stylish and functional pillow cover that will add a touch of beauty to any room. Whether you’re new to sewing or an experienced seamstress, this guide will show you how to make a pillow cover using relaxed English language that is easy to understand and follow.

First, you’ll need to gather some materials. You’ll need fabric, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), scissors, a measuring tape, and a pillow to use as a template. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to measure your pillow and cut your fabric to size. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of experience with measuring and cutting – we’ll walk you through it step by step. So, put on some relaxing music, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started on making a beautiful new pillow cover!

How to Make a Pillow Cover: Simple Steps to Creating a Beautiful Accent Piece for Your Home

Now that you’ve decided to make your own pillow cover, we’re here to guide you through the process. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you can create a beautiful accent piece for your home that is personalized and unique. Here, we break down the steps into 10 simple subheadings to make it easy for you to follow along.

Gathering Materials

First and foremost, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials before getting started. This includes your fabric of choice, scissors, a measuring tape, a ruler, a pen or pencil, pins, an iron, and a sewing machine. Make sure you have everything you need before starting the project to avoid any delays.

Measuring the Fabric

Before you start cutting your fabric, you’ll need to measure the size of your pillow insert to ensure a perfect fit. Measure the length and width of the pillow insert and add 1 inch to each measurement for seam allowances. Use a ruler and a pen or pencil to mark the fabric according to your measurements.

Cutting the Fabric

Once you have your fabric marked, it’s time to cut it out. Use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut along the marked lines. Make sure to cut the front and back pieces of the pillow cover to the same size.

Pinning the Fabric

After cutting the fabric, it’s time to pin it together. Place the front and back pieces of the pillow cover together, right sides facing each other. Align the edges and pin them in place, making sure to leave a gap in the middle of one side for turning the cover right side out.

Sewing the Fabric

Now it’s time to sew the pillow cover together. Using a sewing machine, sew along the sides of the pillow cover, leaving a 0.5-inch seam allowance. When you get to the corner, lift the sewing machine foot and pivot the fabric before sewing the next side. Remember to leave the gap for turning the pillow cover right side out.

Clipping the Corners

To avoid any bulkiness at the corners, you’ll need to clip them. Use sharp scissors to cut the corners of the pillow cover, making sure not to cut through the stitches.

Ironing the Cover

Once the sewing is done, it’s time to iron the pillow cover. Use a hot iron to press the seams and the corners, which will make them look neater and flatter.

Turning the Pillow Cover Right Side Out

Now it’s time to turn the cover right side out. Carefully reach through the gap left in the pillow cover and take hold of the opposite end. Pull the cover through the gap and gently push the corners out to make them sharper.

Stuffing the Pillow

After turning the cover right side out, it’s time to stuff the pillow insert inside. Make sure the corners of the insert are aligned with the corners of the cover.

Sewing the Gap Closed

Lastly, you’ll need to close the gap left in the pillow cover. To do so, use a needle and thread to sew the gap together using a slip stitch.

And voila! Your pillow cover is complete. You can now enjoy your newly crafted accent piece that is bound to add a touch of elegance to your home décor.

2. Materials Needed to Make a Pillow Cover

Gathering the Materials

Before starting your pillow cover project, it is essential to gather all of the necessary materials. Not having the right tools or fabrics can lead to frustration and ultimately result in an incomplete or poorly fashioned pillow cover. Here are some of the materials that you will need:

Fabric

The first step in preparing to make a pillow cover is to choose the fabric. This is the material that will determine the overall look and feel of your finished product. You can choose from cotton, linen, silk, or a combination of these materials.

Thread

Thread is a crucial component when creating a pillow cover. It is essential to pick a color that complements the fabric you have chosen. Choose a heavyweight thread that can hold the fabric together securely.

Pillow Form

Your pillow cover project will require a pillow form that will fit into the finished cover. You can choose from round, square, rectangular, or any other shape that you desire. The size of the pillow form will determine the measurements for your project.

Scissors

Scissors are necessary to cut the fabric to the correct size and shape. Sharp scissors that can cut through multiple layers of fabric will make the task more manageable.

Sewing Machine

While it is possible to sew the cover by hand, using a sewing machine will make the task much faster and more efficient. Ensure that the machine is in good working condition before you start.

Straight Pins

Pins will be needed to hold the fabric in place while sewing. These pins are called straight pins, and they come in different lengths and sizes. Choose the ones that are long enough to hold the layers of fabric together.

Measuring Tape

Measuring tape is an essential tool when sewing, as it will help you ensure that your pillow cover is the correct size. It will also help you measure and cut the fabric accurately.

Ruler or Yardstick

A ruler or yardstick will help you create straight lines when cutting the fabric. Make sure that the ruler or yardstick is long enough for your project.

Fabric Marker

A fabric marker is useful when measuring and marking the fabric. Choose a marker that can be easily seen on the fabric, yet won’t bleed through.

Iron and Ironing Board

Pressing the fabric is a crucial step in creating a professional-looking pillow cover. Ensure that the fabric is ironed before starting the project. An iron and ironing board will help you press the fabric smoothly and evenly.

By gathering these materials, you will ensure that you have everything that you need to complete the project efficiently and successfully. With your materials in hand, you are now ready to move on to the next step in creating a perfect pillow cover.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Pillow Cover

One of the most important decisions you need to make when making your own pillow cover is choosing the right fabric. The fabric you choose can greatly impact the overall look and functionality of your pillow cover. Here are some points you should consider when selecting a fabric:

1. Size and Shape of the Pillow
The size and shape of your pillow should dictate the type of fabric you choose. Solid, heavyweight fabrics like twill and canvas work best for larger pillows or those with unique shapes, as they provide more stability and support. However, for smaller and standard-sized pillows, lighter fabrics like cotton or linen may be more appropriate.

2. Design and Decorations
The design of your pillow cover is another factor to consider when choosing your fabric. If you plan to add any decorations or embellishments to your cover, such as embroidery or applique, you’ll want to choose a fabric that’s easy to work with and won’t fray easily.

3. Durability
If you’re making a pillow cover for frequent use, you’ll want to select a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. Polyester blends or sturdy cotton duck fabrics can work great for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.

4. Texture and Color
The texture and color of the fabric can greatly affect the overall look and feel of your pillow. If you’re going for a casual, cozy look, consider a soft knit or chenille fabric. If you want to add some shine and glam to your room, go for a silk or velvet material.

5. Care and Maintenance
Lastly, consider the care and maintenance required for the fabric you choose. Some fabrics, such as silks and delicate cottons, may require special cleaning instructions. Be sure to read the care label before purchasing your fabric and make sure you’re comfortable with the cleaning recommendations.

Now that you know what to consider when selecting your fabric, it’s time to move onto the next step: measuring and cutting your fabric.

Time to snuggle up!

That’s it, folks! You now have all the knowledge you need to make your own pillow cover. Isn’t it a fantastic feeling to know that you can add a personal touch to your home decor? We hope this article has inspired you to get creative and start sewing your own cushion covers. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and we can’t wait to have you join us again soon for more exciting projects! Happy sewing!