How To Make A Pillow Cover
Click HERE or on the image above to see the full video tutorial!
Don’t you just love making your own home decor? These pillow covers are super easy to make and fun, too! From this tutorial, you will be able to turn almost any fabric panel into a pillow such as a quilt block, a fabric panel, or just a really pretty piece of fabric you love!
In these instructions, I will show you have to make an envelope pillow cover two different ways and include the math for both!
Let’s get started on how to do this!
Let’s Make It!
Supplies Needed:
Pillow Front
Backing Fabric (size depends on the size of your pillow front & the technique you will be using.)
Thread (Matches the Backing Fabric)
Clips or Pins
Iron & Pressing Surface
Scrap Paper/Pen for Figuring Out The Math
Measuring Tape
Ruler
Rotary Cutter/Mat or Scissors
Sewing Machine
Let’s Get Started!
Using a measuring tape, measure the width and length of the pillow front you want to make into a pillow. Write these measurements down on a piece of paper. For each of the two techniques, you will make two panels for the back. These panels will overlap to create the envelope opening.
Technique 1: Hemming Panel Backing
In the first technique, you will need this formula to determine the sizes of panels you will need.
Step 1: Fold in Edges
Panel 1: With the right side (pretty side) of fabric facing down on the table, fold one of the length sides in about .5” and press well. Fold it in again .5” to make the hem. Press well.
Panel 2: Repeat this same process on panel two.
Sew down the hem on your sewing machine. I like to make two lines of stitching to be fancy, by you do not have to. One line of stitching will work.
Step 2: Adding Panels to the Pillow Front
Lay the pillow front on a flat surface with the right side (or pretty side) up. Lay the right side (pretty, finished side) of the smaller panel (Panel One) on top of the pillow front, lining up the edges along one side and the top and bottom of the pillow front. Next, lay the right side (pretty, finished side) of the larger panel (Panel Two) on top of the pillow front, lining up the opposite side and the top and bottom of the pillow front. Make sure the panels are overlapping by about 3”.
Step 3: Finishing the Pillow Cover
Clip or pin the layers together really well, making sure the layers don’t shift. Sew around all the edges using a 1/2” seam allowance. Press well, clip the corners, and turn your pillow right-side out. You have completed your pillow cover!
Optional: You can stitch around the raw edges using a zig-zag stitch to prevent future fraying.
Technique 2: Folded Panel Backing
In the second technique, you will need this formula to determine the sizes of panels you will need.
Step 1: Fold the Back Panels
Panels 1 & 2: Fold panel half width-wise and press well, creating a nice folded crease on the edge. Repeat of Panel Two.
Optional: Sew about 1/4” in from the folded crease to finish the edge. I like to make two lines of stitching to be fancy, by you do not have to. One line of stitching will work.
Step 2: Adding Panels to the Pillow Front
Lay the pillow front on a flat surface with the right side (or pretty side) up. Lay the smaller panel (Panel One) on top of the pillow front, lining up the edges along one side and the top and bottom of the pillow front. Next, lay the larger panel (Panel Two) on top of the pillow front, lining up the opposite side and the top and bottom of the pillow front. Make sure the panels are overlapping by about 3”.
Step 3: Finishing the Pillow Cover
Clip or pin the layers together really well, making sure the layers don’t shift. Sew around all the edges using a 1/2” seam allowance. Press well, clip the corners, and turn your pillow right-side out. You have completed your pillow cover!
Optional: You can stitch around the raw edges using a zig-zag stitch to prevent future fraying.
Congratuations! Your pillow cover is finished! Yay!
Please let me know if you have any questions! As always, I am happy to help!
Happy Quilting!
Kris