How To Sew A Throw Pillow Cover In 10 Easy Steps
I admit, I tend to change my mind frequently. My husband would call it fickle. I just call it "ever evolving design tastes." Whatever you call it, it means that I really love decor that has built in flexibility such as pillow covers that can be removed, washed, or changed. The best thing about pillow covers is that they are so easy to make. Here's how I make a cottage-style throw pillow cover in 10 easy steps.
Supplies
You will need:
- A yard and a quarter (1 1/4) of 45" fabric, or a yard (1) of 55" fabric
- Two and a half (2 1/2) yards of trim
- A drinking glass and pencil
- A sewing machine, iron, ironing surface, pins, scissors and thread
- Optionally, you may want a rotary cutter and mat for cutting your fabric.
Step 1
Cut your fabric into three pieces. For the front of the pillow, you will need one square 21" x 21". For the back, you will need two rectangles, 13" x 21" each. Note: Measurements given are for a 20" square pillow. The formula for other sizes is at the end of the article.
Step 2
To ease sewing and turning, we will round the corners of our pillow cover slightly. Trace a glass with a pencil on the wrong side of your fabric. Mark all four corners of the square piece of fabric and two corners on one long edge for each rectangle (see the picture at Step 4).
Step 3
Cut along the pencil lines. To save time, I often double-up corners and cut two at once.
Step 4
To prevent fraying but also avoid bulk at the seams, we will finish our raw edges using a zig-zag stitch or an overlong stitch if you have one. Finish all edges except the straight edge on each rectangle.
Step 5
Since the straight edges of the rectangles will be exposed, we'll use a more polished hem. Fold about 1/4" - 3/8" of the edge over twice to completely encase the raw edge and stitch it down with a straight stitch.
Step 6
Next we will pin in our trim. On the right side of the square piece of fabric, start at the bottom of the pillow and carefully pin your trim, making sure the sewing band is to the outside and the trim to show is toward the inside of the square. Pin frequently, making sure not to stretch the trim. It should not have any tightness to it, or the pillow will pucker on the edges. Butt the ends together so the trim appears continuous, adjusting the length as necessary.
Step 7
Next, we'll pin the entire pillow cover together in preparation for sewing. Place one of the rectangular pieces face down, rounded corners to the outside as shown. Line the corners up and pin carefully, again, making sure not to stretch the fabric or trim.
Step 8
When the first rectangle is completely pinned, place the second rectangle, face down, on the other half of the project. The hemmed straight edges will overlap. Again, beginning with the corners, pin the rectangle down carefully, making sure to remove any pins that might hide under the overlapping fabric and cause problems when sewing.
Step 9
Sew all around the pillow, using a seam allowance that matches the sewing band on the trim. For example, the sewing strip on my pom-pom trim was 5/8" wide, so I used a 5/8" seam allowance. For very bulky trims or piping that are close to the seam, you may need to use a zipper foot, but for flat trims such as fringe, or trims that hang away from the edge, your regular presser foot might work fine. If in doubt, sew a test using scraps of trim and fabric until you are comfortable with how the material will run through your machine. Finally, make sure to remove pins before you sew any given section of fabric! Sewing over pins can break your needle or even damage your machine. I usually pull the pins out of the 1"-2" right before the presser foot and sew in small sections.
Step 10
You're almost done! Your project should now look like this. Next, turn the project inside out and press. Then, all you have to do is stuff the new cover with your pillow form.
Stuffing the pillow form into the cover is easy, just like you would put a pillow sham on a bed pillow. Smoosh it around and shake the corners until it looks right, and then, you're done!
Voila! One cute cottage style pillow cover. Now that you know this simple trick, you can change all the pillows in your house whenever the mood strikes. If you're like me, that will be often!
My very best,
P.S. If you want to make a pillow cover for a pillow form other than the 20" pillow I made here, you can figure your fabric sizes as follows:
- Your square piece is the size of the pillow form plus 1" square. So if your pillow form is 14", your square piece of fabric should be 15" square.
- Your rectangle pieces are the same length as your square piece on the long edge. For the short edge, they are half your square piece plus 2.5". So, if your square piece is 15" square, half of that is 7.5" and plus 2.5" is 10", so your rectangles should be 10" x 15" each.
Comments (37)
Thank you for this tutorial! I've been wanting to do pillowcovers for a splash of new decor but have no idea how. I am ready now! Great job!
Posted by Anonymous | February 2, 2008 5:26 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 05:26
Thank you for this tutorial! I have been wanting to mix things up a bit and make pillow covers but had no clue how. I'm going to get started this weekend!
Posted by Emily | February 2, 2008 5:27 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 05:27
Angela
Yeah! Now I can make a pillow. So glad that you are feeling better. You were missed!
Andrea
Posted by Andrea | February 2, 2008 6:23 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 06:23
Great directions, simple and straight forward and the photos really help. Thanks.
Posted by Crafty Gardener | February 2, 2008 6:32 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 06:32
I've always wondered how to add trim to a pillow...thank you for sharing.
Posted by lucinda | February 2, 2008 6:33 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 06:33
I'm so glad you're feeling better! Thank you for the tutorial - using the glass for the corners is such a great tip - love it!
Manuela
P.S. Did the mags arrive yet?
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | February 2, 2008 6:41 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 06:41
Thanks for the tutorial!
Glad you are feeling better.
Posted by TinaTx | February 2, 2008 7:11 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 07:11
This was a good demonstration! I certainly could have used this when I decided to try making pillow covers. I ended up getting out some library books.
Posted by kate | February 2, 2008 8:00 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 08:00
Thanks for the easy directions. Can you tell me who makes that fabric and if it has a pattern name? I love it and it would go soooo well in my guest room.
Posted by estatez | February 2, 2008 9:00 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 09:00
That will save me some money vs. buying covers from Pottery Barn. Love the ball fringe!
Glad you're feeling better!!!
Posted by Jennifer P. | February 2, 2008 9:29 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 09:29
Hi Angela!
I´m so glad you are feeling better and are back! Great directions and photos...I use to make pillowcovers in the same way.
~ Annie
Posted by Annie | February 2, 2008 9:36 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 09:36
That is a great tutorial!
Plus a pretty pillow cover.
Posted by Angelina | February 2, 2008 10:38 AM
Posted on February 2, 2008 10:38
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I just love your blog. I have 3 favorite blogs, and you are one of them! The other ones are "One Woman's Cottage Life" and "Jenny's Home and Harmony" (Swedish). I so enjoy what all three of you do--decorating and creating such warm homes with hard work, frugality, and ingenuity. I'm looking forward to seeing how you transform your little ranch into a pretty cottage. Keep the ideas coming!
Posted by midwestgal | February 2, 2008 12:19 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 12:19
Angela,
So happy you are back and feeling better. And wow, I'm so excited you posted this. Ok, so I asked for a sewing maching for my birthday coming up really soon, and oooo I can't wait to make my first pillow. I think I can do it! Thank you for the post. I will have to follow it word..for...word :)
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose@Classic Charm | February 2, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 13:08
Glad you are feeling better, awesome tutorial, very clear. I know how long it can take, very generous of you to share it-thanks.
Posted by Jodie | February 2, 2008 2:06 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 14:06
Well, for heaven's sake! You have made it so clear that even I can finally make a pillow cover. Thank you so much!!!!! Glad you are feeling well.
Posted by Miss Jean | February 2, 2008 2:23 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 14:23
Pretty pillow and nice tutorial!
I just love too many fabrics to be restricted to only one!
I think I have several different covers for every pillow in my house. LOL
Kimberly :)
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | February 2, 2008 5:06 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 17:06
What a wonderfully detailed tutorial! Thank you for all the hard work.
~Elaine~
Posted by Elaine | February 2, 2008 6:00 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 18:00
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I am glad you ar feeling better. I've said it before and I'll say it again...love your blog. Your style is so pretty and practical.
Posted by Jill | February 2, 2008 6:34 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 18:34
Angela-So glad to see you are up and about! I love the tutorial--I know I'll keep coming back to read it--your ideas are super! Thanks!
:0)
Tara
Posted by Anonymous | February 3, 2008 7:36 AM
Posted on February 3, 2008 07:36
What a wonderful tutorial ,thank you!
The idea of using a glass to round the corners is a great one indeed. I am sewing slipcovers for my dining room chairs and I have had some problems so this tip is quite timely. :-)
Hopefully if I can the chairs to turn out okay I will tackle the living room furniture.I (impulsively) bought 20 meters of white fabric the other day. I wish I had read your post about the arbor before going shopping!
:-) Barbara
Posted by Barbara Hache | February 3, 2008 10:33 AM
Posted on February 3, 2008 10:33
what a great tutorial.......you make me think that even I can do this.
Posted by kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | February 3, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted on February 3, 2008 10:42
Glad to know that you're feeling better. I love making pillow covers as well. In fact, you've inspired me to make some more! A good Sunday afternoon project while the rest of the world watches the Superbowl (in which I have NO interest.)
Lorrie
Posted by Lorrie | February 3, 2008 1:05 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 13:05
I had to laugh when I read the beginning of your post. My hubby calls me "fickle" as well... in fact, we've had more than our fair share of disagreements about my "fickle-ness"! :)
I'm glad you're feeling better! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by Erin | February 3, 2008 1:52 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 13:52
Thanks for the tutoring, but could you just mail the pillow and save me the pain? Heehehee...
Posted by Kim | February 3, 2008 3:40 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 15:40
Hi Angela. Glad you're feeling better. I've made lots of pillow covers but never rounded the corners like that. I think that is a great idea! Hope you had a good weekend.
Rhondi xo
Posted by rhondi | February 3, 2008 3:47 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 15:47
Welcome back from your little hiatus. I love this project. Great tutorial too. I love to see step-by-steps.
Posted by Lisa | February 3, 2008 6:53 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 18:53
Thanks for the tutorial. I have made throw pillows before but with one continuous rectangle of fabric and rigged it shut with a safety pin. This will be much nicer!! Love your blog...
Elise
Posted by Elise | February 3, 2008 7:36 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 19:36
So glad you are feeling better! We are STILL under the weather over here. Thanks for this post! I am still enjoying the pillow you send me- it's the most comfy that I have! :)
Posted by Kaylyn | February 4, 2008 11:24 AM
Posted on February 4, 2008 11:24
Lovely cushion Angela, I love the fabric!
Excellent tutorial too. I've made many cushion covers that way but I also made them with a zipper hidden in the seam. That way the cushion has two best sides. ;-)
Glad to see that you're feeling much better!
Posted by yolanda elizabet | February 6, 2008 12:39 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 00:39
Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing! I am going to try and sew one!
This is the first time that I visit your blog, and I think it is wonderful! I will be back daily!
Best wishes from Italy!
Monica
Posted by Monica | February 6, 2008 4:40 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:40
Just found your site...Thanks for these great instructions. I don't really know how to sew but your instructions are easy to follow so I've saved this page for when I get a sewing machine in a couple of weeks! This & curtains for my small apartment will be the first projects I'll take on!
Posted by Patricia | February 6, 2008 8:30 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 20:30
Angela:
You have completely inspired me to make some pillow covers. I have all the supplies, but I keep putting it off because it all seems much more difficult in my own head, LOL! I may even get brave and make some much needed matelasse euro shams.
Hmmm....now the hard part...which fabric to choose:
Click on the link below to see just SOME of my stash! (click on next to see even more)
My Stash
I hope the link works...I really stink at this stuff!
Posted by Sheila | February 7, 2008 1:14 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 13:14
Angela you are a blessing, fabulous tutorial even we can (maybe!) attempt! Jenn and Jacqui
Posted by Jenn and Jacqui | February 10, 2008 6:52 PM
Posted on February 10, 2008 18:52
Angela, I have been sitting for two of my grandkids, Zach and Emily, in the snow and sleet while Sam and Sheri are in Mexico. I ran out of things to do and decided to check out our blob. Im enjoying everthing!! The problem is, I have curtains and pillows enough, I'll have to start something else! Looking forward to seeing you all this summer! Aunt Carolyn (your painter!!)
Posted by Carolyn Krause | February 25, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 12:24
Thanks so much for this! I was toying around with the idea of a zipper to close my pillow cover but this is so much better! Thank you for sharing, it is a great tutorial, and I love the pics at every step!
Posted by Leslie | March 9, 2008 7:53 AM
Posted on March 9, 2008 07:53
Thank you so much for this easy pillow cover pattern. I love doing things like this.
Posted by Linda Arcaro | March 17, 2008 5:26 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 17:26