DIY Pillow Cover | Fabricly.site

 Introduction

 One of the most satisfying and simple sewing projects for beginners is making pillow covers. They are surprisingly simple to make, allow you to express your personal style, and instantly update your home decor. The absence of complicated closures like zippers, buttons, or envelope-style pillow covers makes them ideal for beginners. The back overlap keeps the pillow insert secure while being easy to remove for washing.  This step-by-step guide will teach you how to sew a beautiful, professional-looking pillow cover

 1.  Gather Your Materials

 To make an envelope pillow cover, you'll need fabric (cotton, linen, or a cotton blend is ideal), a pillow insert or pillow form, matching thread, scissors or a rotary cutter, pins, a measuring tape, and an iron.  Choose a fabric that complements your decor and is easy to work with.  Wash your fabric first to stop it from shrinking. 

2.  Take a Look at Your Pillow 

Insert Take precise measurements of your pillow insert. 18x18 inches, 20x20 inches, or 22x22 inches are the most common standard sizes. Your fabric pieces will be based on these measurements.  It's better to make the cover slightly snug than too loose, as the cover will stretch slightly with use.  Always measure the actual pillow insert, not the old cover.

 3.  Cut your pieces of fabric. 

Cut one front piece the exact size of your pillow insert.  Cut two overlapping pieces for the back. The length of each back piece should be the same as the width of the pillow, plus 1 inch for seam allowances. The length should be four inches longer than the height of the pillow minus the overlap. Cut two 19x14 back pieces and one 19x19 front piece into an 18x18 pillow. 

4.  Sew the Back Strips

 One of the long edges of each back piece should be hemmed. Fold the edge under by 1/4 inch and press.  Fold it under again by 1/2 inch and press.  Sew close to the folded edge with a straight stitch.  This creates a clean, finished edge where the back pieces will overlap.  This step is essential for a professional-looking cover.

 5.  Position the Back Pieces

 Place the front piece facing upward. Position the two back pieces on top, right side down, overlapping in the center.  The pillow cover's hemmed edges ought to meet in the middle. Pin the back pieces in place.  The overlapping back pieces create the envelope opening where you'll insert the pillow.

 6.  Sew Around the Edge

 Sew around the entire perimeter of the pillow cover with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.  Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end.  This step joins the front and back pieces together.  Be careful not to catch the overlapping edges in the seam.  Sew around the corners slowly and carefully. 

7.  Trim the Edges 

The seam allowance's corners should be trimmed. Clip diagonally across each corner, being careful not to cut through the stitching.  When the cover is turned right side out, this makes the corners sharper and less bulky. This small step makes a big difference in the final appearance of your pillow cover.

 8.  Turn Right Side Out and Press

 Turn the pillow cover right side out through the envelope opening.  Use a point turner or chopstick to push out the corners.  Press the entire cover thoroughly with a hot iron.  Pressing sets the seams and gives the cover a crisp, professional finish.

 9.  Insert the Pillow Insert

 Fold the pillow insert in half and slide it through the envelope opening.  Gently work the pillow into the corners of the cover.  The overlap in the back will keep the pillow securely inside.  Smooth out any wrinkles and fluff the pillow to ensure it's evenly distributed.

 FAQs

 Q1: What is the easiest pillow cover to sew?

 A: The envelope-style pillow cover is the easiest.  It requires no zippers, buttons, or complex closures.  The back overlap design is simple and secure.

 Q2: Can I use a regular pillow as an insert?

 A: Yes!  You can use a standard bed pillow, though it may be larger than a typical throw pillow.  Adjust your measurements accordingly.

 Q3: What fabric is best for pillow covers?

 A: Excellent options include cotton, linen, and cotton blends. They are durable, breathable, and easy to sew.  Choose a fabric that matches your decor and is comfortable to touch.