Once you learn How to Make a Pillow Cover, it is very simple and budget friendly. It’s an easy way to dress up your house and decorate for holidays and more.
I love to find ways to decorate my house without spending a lot of money. I thought I would share some of the things that I do that you can try. You will love making new pillow covers to change your decor without much effort or expense.
You might also like to make this Fleece Tie Blanket to enjoy at home. A new pillow and blanket will be perfect for the couch or sofa.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
If you can sew a straight line, then you can make a cover for a pillow. All you need is a pillow insert or an old pillow and then some fabric. It’s a great way to give life to old pillows.
This project is so frugal because you can just use an old pillow. I love projects that allow you to make old things new again and use what you already have.
It is so simple, and this easy pillow tutorial will show you step by step how to make a gorgeous pillow cover. You will love making these in the convenience of your home.
Supplies
- Pillow Forms (or old throw pillow)
- Fabric
- Tape Measure
- Sewing Machine
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Measure your pillow. You can use a tape measure or ruler.
Step 2. Then measure the fabric.
Step 3. Sew the short ends. You are working with the shorter ends of your fabric right now. In my 16-inch pillow, I am sewing the 16-inch side.
Step 4. All you do is fold the end over. Then fold it over again, so the wrong side is inside. Then pin it and sew it. Do the exact same for the other end and the bottom edge.
Step 5. Sew the side seams together.
Step 6. Now that your hems are sewn, lay the fabric with the right side up with the long side towards you. Fold one side a little more than half-way.
Step 7. Pin each side seam and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance at each corner of the envelope closure.
Step 8. Turn right side out. Insert the pillow form into the back of the envelope pillow cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
I bought 1 yard of fabric for $5 at Hobby Lobby. You can definitely find better prices, but I was looking for a certain pattern.
I just used the white thread that I already had. That means I made pillow covers for only $2.50 each! If you have other projects, save your pieces of fabric for more pillows.
I made two pillow covers in under 30 minutes! It’s a very easy sewing project for beginners.
My pillow is 16 inches by 16 inches. I bought it on sale at Hobby Lobby for really cheap. You can use an old pillow though.
If you are using an old pillow, use a tape measure across the center and measure from seam to seam. Now that you have your dimensions, you will need them to determine how much fabric to cut. Make sure to use sharp scissors and I like to use a cutting mat.
One length will be the length of one side of the pillow. The other length will be the 2 times the length of the pillow side + 6 inches. So, for my 16-inch pillow, I cut my rectangle 16 inches x 38 inches (16 x 2 = 32, 32+6 = 38)
Here are 2 quick measurements for you for standard pillow sizes.
17 inch pillow – Cut the fabric 17 inches by 38 inches.
18 inch pillow – Cut the fabric 18 inches by 40 inches.
It might be helpful to cut the fabric if you mark the measurement on the wrong side with a pencil about every 4-6″ so you have a line to follow to cut.
More Ideas For Your Home
- 20 Genius Dollar Store Home Organization Ideas
- How To Declutter Your Home for the Holidays
- 20+ Easy DIY Farmhouse Decor
- DIY BLANKET LADDER
This pillow cover tutorial makes it so easy. Give it a try and leave a comment. I love hearing how your DIY Throw Pillow Covers turn out.
Easy Pillow Cover
Equipment
- Pillow Forms (or old throw pillow)
- Fabric
- tape measure
- Sewing Machine
Instructions
Step 1: Measure your pillow and cut fabric.
- How do you measure an envelope pillow?
- Use a tape measure across the center and measure from seam to seam.
- Now that you have your measurements, you will need them to determine how much fabric to cut.
- One length will be the length of one side of the pillow. The other length will be the 2 times the length of the pillow side + 6 inches.
- So for my 16 inch pillow, I cut my rectangle 16 inches x 38 inches (16 x 2 = 32, 32+6 = 38)
- Here are a 2 quick measurements for you for standard pillow sizes:
- 17 inch pillow – Cut the fabric 17 inches by 38 inches
- 18 inch pillow – Cut the fabric 18 inches by 40 inches
- It might be helpful to cut the fabric if you mark the measurement on the wrong side with a pencil about every 4-6″ so you have a line to follow to cut.
Step 2: Sew the short ends
- You are working with the shorter ends of your fabric right now. In my 16 inch pillow, I am sewing the 16 inch side.
- All you do is fold the end over. Then fold it over again, so the wrong side is inside.
- Then pin it and sew it. Do the exact same for the other end and the bottom edge.
Step 3: Sew your side seams together.
- Now that your hems are done, lay the fabric with the right side up with the long side towards you. Fold one side a little more than half-way.
- Fold the other side over so it overlaps the first side (like the picture shown above).
- How are pillow covers measured?
- I have a 3 inch overlap with my fabric when I am done. Make sure your fabric measures from fold to fold the same as your pillow – in my case, 16 inches.
- Pin each side seam, and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance at each corner.
Step 4: Turn Right Side Out and Insert Pillow
- After you have sewn your edges, you are ready to slip your pillow cover right side out. Make sure you poke out the corners so they look nice.
- Then insert your pillow into finished pillow cover.
would I need to add one inch to the 16″ for seam allowance?
I make a lot this type pillow-your idea makes it more than simple. thanks
I don’t had the inch. That way, the pillow cover fits nice and tight around your pillow insert. Thanks for stopping by.
Can you please make a tutorial on how to cut the fabric? I’m having a hard time with that part.
What part is causing you problems? Maybe I can help.
I have a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler and im making a 14×14 pillow. I just don’t know how to cut my fabric 15×35.