5 Easy Steps to Sew a Stylish Pillow Cover

A photo of a person sewing a pillow cover

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of house décor with this complete information to pillow cowl creation. Whether or not you are a seasoned seamstress or a novice with a thirst for DIY, this text will information you effortlessly by means of the intricacies of pillow cowl stitching, empowering you to remodel your dwelling area with a contact of personalised magnificence.

Dive into the basics of pillow cowl development, studying concerning the important supplies and methods that may lay the inspiration on your gorgeous creations. Uncover the secrets and techniques of choosing the right material, becoming it to your pillow insert, and including charming gildings to raise your creations. With clear, step-by-step directions and invaluable ideas, you will grasp the artwork of pillow cowl stitching, opening up a world of prospects for house décor customization.

Unleash your creativity as you discover the infinite prospects of pillow cowl designs. Embroider intricate patterns, add playful tassels, or incorporate vibrant prints that talk to your private type. Learn to create tailor-made pillow covers that complement your current décor scheme or make a daring assertion as assertion items. Whether or not you are aiming for a comfy, inviting environment or a contact of sophistication, this information will empower you to deliver your design visions to life, reworking your own home right into a haven of consolation and magnificence.

Selecting the Proper Cloth and Fashion

Decide the Good Cloth

Selecting the best material is essential for an exquisite and sturdy pillow cowl. Take into account these particulars:

  • Sturdiness: Go for materials like canvas, denim, or upholstery materials that may face up to common use.

  • Heat: For cozy winter pillows, select materials like fleece, velvet, or fake fur. Light-weight materials reminiscent of cotton or linen are perfect for summer time.

  • Texture: Experiment with completely different textures like corduroy, cable knit, or embroidery so as to add visible curiosity.

  • Sample: Patterns can improve the pillow’s aesthetic enchantment. Plaid, stripes, or floral prints can complement numerous décor kinds.

  • Coloration: Take into account the colours of your surrounding décor and select a material that enhances or contrasts with them.

Deciding on the Proper Fashion

The type of the pillow cowl will depend on your private preferences and the general look you wish to obtain. Listed below are some concerns:

  • Basic: Timeless kinds like Oxford pillow covers with a button or zipper closure at all times look elegant.

  • Trendy: Go for smooth, geometric designs with daring colours or patterns for a up to date contact.

  • Bohemian: Embellished pillow covers with tassels, pom-poms, or embroidery are good for bohemian-inspired areas.

  • Farmhouse: Checkered buffalo plaid or rustic burlap pillow covers add a captivating farmhouse vibe.

  • Coastal: Linen or cotton pillow covers with nautical-themed patterns or pastel colours evoke a seaside really feel.

Gathering the Vital Supplies

Cloth

The kind of material you select on your pillow cowl will rely upon the specified appear and feel. Take into account the next components:

Cloth Sort Traits
Cotton Sturdy, breathable, simple to look after
Linen Pure, wrinkle-prone, provides a country contact
Velvet Luxurious, tender, liable to pilling
Silk Elegant, delicate, requires particular care

Zipper

A zipper is a handy method to shut your pillow cowl. Select a zipper that’s lengthy sufficient to accommodate the width of your pillow and has a mode that enhances your material selection.

Needle and Thread

Choose a needle and thread which are appropriate for the material you might be utilizing. A common needle ought to work nicely for many materials. Select a thread shade that matches or coordinates along with your material.

Measuring Tape and Scissors

These instruments are important for precisely measuring and chopping your material. Use a pointy pair of scissors to make sure clear cuts.

Seam Ripper

A seam ripper is helpful for eradicating any errors or adjusting your seams.

Measuring and Slicing the Cloth

To make sure an ideal match, it is essential to measure your pillow precisely. Place the pillow flat and measure its width (facet to facet) and size (prime to backside). Word down these measurements.

For the pillow cowl, you will want so as to add seam allowances to those measurements. Seam allowances are small additional quantities of cloth that permit for stitching and ending the perimeters. A regular seam allowance is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). So, add 1 inch (2.6 cm) to each the width and size of the pillow for the seam allowances.

Calculating Cloth Size

To find out the material size, use this method:

Cloth Size = Pillow Size + 2 x (Seam Allowance + Hem Allowance)

Hem allowances are elective, however they’ll present a extra completed look. In the event you’re including a hem, account for an additional 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of cloth size.

For instance, in case your pillow measures 16 inches (40.6 cm) huge and 20 inches (50.8 cm) lengthy, and also you wish to add a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance and a 1-inch (2.5 cm) hem allowance, the calculation can be as follows:

Measurement Calculation
Pillow Size 20 inches + 1-inch Hem Allowance = 21 inches
Pillow Width 16 inches + 1-inch Seam Allowance = 17 inches
Cloth Size 21 inches + 17 inches = 38 inches

Due to this fact, you would wish a bit of cloth that’s not less than 38 inches lengthy and 17 inches huge for this pillow cowl.

Stitching the Entrance and Again Panels

Now that you’ve got the material reduce, it is time to begin stitching the back and front panels of the pillow cowl. Listed below are the steps:

1. Pin the Entrance and Again Panels Collectively

With proper sides collectively, pin the back and front panels of the pillow cowl alongside the three unfinished edges. Ensure the perimeters are aligned and the pins are inserted perpendicular to the material.

2. Sew the Facet Seams

Utilizing a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew the facet seams of the pillow cowl. Begin and cease stitching 1/2 inch from the highest and backside edges.

3. Press the Facet Seams Open

As soon as the facet seams are sewn, press them open utilizing a heat iron. This may assist the pillow cowl lay flat and provides it knowledgeable end.

4. Sew the Backside Hem

Fold up the underside fringe of the pillow cowl by 1/2 inch and press it. Fold it up once more by one other 1/2 inch and press it. Topstitch the hem in place, near the internal fold. This is a desk summarizing the steps for stitching the underside hem:

| Step | Directions |
|—|—|
| 1 | Fold up the underside fringe of the pillow cowl by 1/2 inch and press. |
| 2 | Fold it up once more by one other 1/2 inch and press. |
| 3 | Topstitch the hem in place, near the internal fold. |

Inserting a Zipper

To stitch a pillow cowl with a zipper, observe these detailed steps:

1. Collect your supplies: You will want a pillow type, material, a zipper, thread, scissors, and a stitching machine.

2. Minimize the material: Decide the scale of your pillow cowl by measuring the pillow type. Minimize two items of cloth which are the identical measurement.

3. Sew the perimeters: Place the 2 material items proper sides collectively and stitch the perimeters along with a seam allowance of 1/2 inch. Go away the highest edge open for the zipper.

4. Set up the zipper: Place the zipper face down alongside the highest fringe of one of many material items. Pin the zipper in place. Utilizing a zipper foot, sew the zipper onto the material, preserving the seam allowance as near the zipper enamel as doable.

5. Ending the pillow cowl: As soon as the zipper is hooked up, flip the pillow cowl proper facet out. Tuck the perimeters of the underside opening inward and press. Topstitch across the backside edge to safe it. Insert the pillow type into the pillow cowl and zip it closed. Your customized pillow cowl is now full!

Ending the Edges

1. Zigzag Sew

Use a zigzag sew across the uncooked edges of the material to stop fraying. This sew creates a collection of small, V-shaped stitches that interlock, offering a sturdy and safe end.

2. Overlocking Sew

In case your stitching machine has an overlocking sew, this is a superb selection for ending the perimeters. An overlocking sew wraps the uncooked edges of the material round a looper thread, creating a powerful and ornamental end that stops fraying.

3. Bias Tape

Bias tape is a protracted, slim strip of cloth reduce on the bias, which implies it stretches each lengthwise and widthwise. It may be sewn across the uncooked edges of the material to create a neat {and professional} end that may stop fraying and add a contact of favor.

4. Binding

Binding is a strip of cloth that’s folded over and sewn across the uncooked edges of the material. This methodology creates a clear and sturdy end that’s very best for heavy-duty materials or gadgets that may expertise a number of put on and tear.

5. French Seam

A French seam is a kind of seam that encloses the uncooked edges of the material throughout the seam allowance, making a clean and clear end. It is a little more time-consuming to stitch than different strategies, however it’s price the additional effort for a professional-looking end result.

6. Topstitching

Topstitching includes stitching ornamental stitches across the edges of the material to safe the end and add an ornamental contact. This sew will be completed with quite a lot of thread colours and thicknesses to create completely different results.

| Ending Technique | Description | Issue |
|—|—|—|
| Zigzag Sew | Easy, sturdy, and prevents fraying | Simple |
| Overlocking Sew | Skilled-looking, robust, and ornamental | Reasonable |
| Bias Tape | Neat, fashionable, and prevents fraying | Simple |
| Binding | Sturdy, very best for heavy-duty materials | Reasonable |
| French Seam | Clear, clean, and encloses uncooked edges | Tough |
| Topstitching | Ornamental, secures the end | Simple |

Making a Pillow Kind

To create a pillow type, you will want the next supplies:

  • Cloth for the pillowcase (not less than 18 inches huge and 36 inches lengthy)
  • Cloth scissors
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Thread
  • Stitching machine

Step 1: Measure and Minimize the Cloth

Measure and reduce two items of cloth to the specified measurement of your pillow type. For the standard-size pillow, reduce two items of cloth which are 18 inches huge and 36 inches lengthy.

Step 2: Pin the Cloth Items Collectively

Pin the 2 items of cloth collectively, proper sides dealing with. Align the perimeters rigorously and ensure the corners are matched.

Step 3: Sew the Cloth Items Collectively

Sew across the edges of the material items, utilizing a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Go away a 4-inch opening on one facet for turning.

Step 4: Trim the Corners

Trim the corners of the material to cut back bulk. Watch out to not reduce too near the seam.

Step 5: Flip the Pillowcase Proper Facet Out

Flip the pillowcase proper facet out by means of the opening you left in Step 3. Ensure the corners are totally pushed out.

Step 6: Press the Pillowcase

Press the pillowcase with an iron on a low warmth setting. This may assist to set the seams and provides the pillowcase knowledgeable end.

Step 7: Insert the Pillow Kind

Insert the pillow type into the pillowcase. Fluff the pillow and modify the shape as wanted to fill the corners. Shut the opening within the pillowcase by hand-stitching it closed.

Materials Amount
Cloth for the pillowcase 18 inches huge x 36 inches lengthy
Thread to match material
Cloth scissors sharp
Measuring tape or ruler correct
Stitching machine in good working order

Inserting the Pillow Kind into the Cowl

With the pillowcase proper facet out, align one of many open edges with the sting of the pillow type. Holding the pillowcase and pillow type collectively, rigorously insert the pillow type into the pillowcase.

As you insert the pillow type, gently push the material of the pillowcase into the corners of the pillow type. Proceed inserting the pillow type till it’s fully contained in the pillowcase.

As soon as the pillow type is totally inserted, gently pull the perimeters of the pillowcase over the opening. Be sure that the material is evenly distributed across the edges.

Now, flip the pillowcase inside out. The pillow type ought to now be securely enclosed throughout the pillowcase.

Ideas for Inserting the Pillow Kind
Use a pillow type that’s barely smaller than the pillowcase to make sure a comfortable match.
Take your time and be light when inserting the pillow type to keep away from tearing the material.
In the event you discover it tough to insert the pillow type, attempt utilizing a protracted, skinny object, reminiscent of a chopstick or a knitting needle, to assist information the material into the corners.

After the pillow type is inserted, your customized pillow cowl is full! Benefit from the satisfaction of getting created your individual personalised house décor.

Fluffing and Styling the Pillow

As soon as your pillow cowl is full, it is time to add the ending touches and magnificence the pillow to your liking:

1. Insert the Pillow

Gently insert the pillow type into the quilt, making certain it suits snugly with none wrinkles or extra material.

2. Zip or Button the Cowl

Shut the pillow cowl securely by zipping or buttoning it alongside the again or facet seam.

3. Fluff the Pillow

Give the pillow a number of agency shakes or kneads to distribute the filling evenly and make it tender and lofty.

4. Place the Piping (Elective)

In case your pillow cowl has piping, gently modify it to create a neat and even border across the edges.

5. Add Tassels or Trim (Elective)

If desired, connect any tassels, pom-poms, or different trim to the pillow cowl for additional embellishment.

6. Organize Ornamental Pillows

If utilizing the pillow cowl for ornamental functions, prepare it with different pillows on a sofa, mattress, or chair to create a comfy and welcoming ambiance.

7. Fashion with a Throw Blanket

Pair the pillow with a comfy throw blanket to create a heat and comfy seating space.

8. Decorate with Different Decor

Incorporate the pillow into your general decor by matching it with different materials, patterns, or colours within the room.

9. Personalize with Images or Embroidery

For a really distinctive pillow, take into account including personalised touches reminiscent of embroidered initials, pictures, or printed material that includes your favourite designs.

Tip for Embellishment Method
Add a Monogram Use a machine or hand-embroider a monogram on the pillow cowl
Print a Photograph Switch a photograph onto material and stitch it onto the pillow cowl
Create a Patchwork Design Sew collectively completely different materials to create a novel and eclectic pillow cowl

By experimenting with these fluffing and styling methods, you may rework your pillow cowl into a comfy and trendy accent piece that completely enhances your own home decor.

Caring for Your Pillow Cowl

To maintain your pillow cowl wanting its finest, observe these care directions:

1. Machine Washing

Machine wash your pillow cowl in chilly water on the light cycle. Use a gentle detergent and keep away from utilizing bleach or material softeners.

2. Air Drying

Air dry your pillow cowl by laying it flat on a towel or hanging it as much as stop wrinkles.

3. Line Drying

You too can line dry your pillow cowl exterior on a clothesline. Simply you should definitely deliver it in earlier than it will get too wrinkled.

4. Dry Cleansing

In case your pillow cowl is fabricated from a fragile material, reminiscent of silk or velvet, dry cleansing is advisable.

5. Ironing

In case your pillow cowl wants ironing, use a low warmth setting and iron on the mistaken facet of the material to keep away from damaging the print or embroidery.

6. Spot Cleansing

For small stains, spot clear your pillow cowl with a moist fabric and a gentle detergent. Blot the stain gently, working from the surface in.

7. Eradicating Wrinkles

In case your pillow cowl has wrinkles, you may take away them by misting it with water after which smoothing it out along with your arms.

8. Defending Your Pillow Cowl

To guard your pillow cowl from grime and mud, retailer it in a cool, dry place.

9. Utilizing Pillow Inserts

When utilizing pillow inserts, be certain that they’re the identical measurement or barely smaller than the pillow cowl. Overstuffed pillow covers will look cumbersome and unkempt.

10. Number of Washing Choices

This is a desk summarizing the completely different washing choices for various pillow supplies:

Materials Washing Technique
Cotton Machine wash, chilly water, light cycle
Linen Machine wash, heat water, light cycle
Polyester Machine wash, heat water, regular cycle
Velvet Dry cleansing solely
Silk Dry cleansing solely

Methods to Sew a Pillow Cowl

Creating your individual pillow covers is a enjoyable and straightforward method so as to add a private contact to your own home décor. This is a step-by-step information that can assist you get began:

Supplies:

  • Cloth of your selection
  • Pillow insert
  • Stitching machine
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Iron

Steps:

  1. Measure your pillow insert and add 4-6 inches to each the size and width. This may offer you the material measurement wanted for the pillow cowl.
  2. Minimize two items of cloth to the scale you decided in step 1.
  3. Place the 2 items of cloth proper sides collectively and pin across the edges, leaving a small opening for turning.
  4. Sew across the edges of the material, utilizing a seam allowance of 1/2 inch.
  5. Flip the pillow cowl proper facet out by means of the opening you left in step 4.
  6. Press the pillow cowl to clean out any wrinkles.
  7. Insert the pillow into the pillow cowl and revel in your customized creation!

Individuals Additionally Ask

What material is finest for a pillow cowl?

One of the best material for a pillow cowl will depend on the appear and feel you wish to obtain. For a tender and comfortable cowl, select a material like velvet or fleece. For a extra sturdy and wrinkle-resistant cowl, go for a material like canvas or cotton twill.

What measurement ought to I make my pillow cowl?

The pillow cowl must be giant sufficient to suit the pillow insert comfortably. Add 4-6 inches to each the size and width of the pillow insert to find out the scale of the material you want.

How do I shut the opening within the pillow cowl?

You should use a number of strategies to shut the opening within the pillow cowl. You may hand-sew it closed utilizing a needle and thread, or you should utilize a stitching machine to stitch it closed. An alternative choice is to make use of material glue to bond the perimeters of the opening collectively.