Transform the ambiance of your home with the art of creating custom pillow covers. Embark on a journey of fabric artistry, where vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and soft textures come together to elevate your living spaces. Whether you seek to complement existing décor or inject a touch of personality, crafting your own pillow covers empowers you to tailor your surroundings to your unique taste.
Embellish plain pillows with a dash of elegance or infuse old ones with renewed vibrancy. The process requires minimal materials and a touch of creativity. Select fabrics that harmonize with your color scheme or evoke the desired ambiance. Opt for soft, cozy materials like cotton or velvet for a luxurious feel, or choose durable fabrics like canvas or linen for high-traffic areas. Gather your materials, including fabric, measuring tape, scissors, needle and thread, and embark on the transformative experience of creating custom pillow covers.
Selecting the Right Fabric
The fabric you choose for your pillow cover will have a significant impact on its durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Consider the following factors when selecting a fabric:
Fiber Content
The fiber content of the fabric determines its softness, strength, and wrinkle resistance. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk offer breathability and comfort, while synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are more durable and wrinkle-resistant. Consider the following table for a comparison of common fiber types:
| Fiber Type | Qualities |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, wrinkle-prone |
| Linen | Durable, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-prone |
| Silk | Luxurious, soft, wrinkle-prone |
| Polyester | Wrinkle-resistant, durable, moisture-repellent |
| Nylon | Stretchy, strong, durable |
Weave
The weave of the fabric affects its texture and durability. Common weaves include plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. Plain weave is the simplest and most durable, while twill weave creates a diagonal pattern and satin weave produces a smooth, lustrous surface.
Weight
The weight of the fabric, measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²), indicates its thickness. Heavier fabrics are more durable and opaque, while lighter fabrics are more comfortable and breathable. Choose a weight that suits both the intended use and the size of your pillow.
Color and Pattern
The color and pattern of the fabric will determine the aesthetic appeal of your pillow cover. Consider the decor of your room and the other textiles you’re using in the space when making your selection.
Creating the Envelope Opening
The envelope opening is a critical step in creating a functional and stylish pillow cover. Here are the detailed instructions on how to create one:
Marking the Envelope Flap
Lay the fabric out flat, right side up. Determine the desired length of the envelope flap, which is typically 12-15 inches. Mark this length along one of the shorter edges of the fabric with a fabric marker or pin.
Folding and Ironing the Flap
Fold the fabric along the marked line to create the envelope flap. Press the fold with an iron on a low heat setting to set the crease.
Sewing the Envelope Flap
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the sides of the envelope flap down. Fold under the raw edges of the fabric by about 1/2 inch and stitch them in place. This will prevent fraying and provide a clean, finished look.
Creating the Bulky Edge
To create a more voluminous look, you can add a bulky edge to the envelope flap before sewing it down. Here’s how to do it:
Using Bias Tape
Cut a piece of bias tape twice the length of the envelope flap. Attach the bias tape to the raw edge of the flap, folding it over the edge and stitching it in place. This will create a puffy and attractive border.
Using Interfacing
Cut a piece of fusible interfacing slightly smaller than the envelope flap. Iron the interfacing onto the wrong side of the flap, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges. This will add stiffness and extra bulk to the flap.
Inserting the Pillow
Once your pillowcase is sewn shut, it’s time to insert the pillow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open the Pillowcase
Turn the pillowcase inside out and locate the opening. If there are any creases or wrinkles, smooth them out.
2. Hold the Corners
Hold the top two corners of the pillowcase and the top two corners of the pillow together.
3. Insert the Top Corners
Gently push the top corners of the pillow into the top corners of the pillowcase. Make sure they are aligned correctly.
4. Work Your Way Down
Continue inserting the pillow corners into the pillowcase, working your way down the sides. Be careful not to stretch the fabric or force it in too quickly.
5. Adjust the Pillow
Once the pillow is inside the pillowcase, adjust it to ensure it is centered and filled out evenly. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases by gently pushing on the pillow from the outside.
| Tips for Smoothing Out Wrinkles: |
|---|
| Use a steamer to release wrinkles. |
| Roll the pillowcase gently to distribute the fabric evenly. |
| Lay the pillowcase flat and weight it down with books or heavy objects for a few hours. |
Choosing the Right Size and Shape
The first step in making a pillow cover is to choose the right size. To do this, measure the pillow you want to cover and add 1-2 inches to each side. This will give you the size of the fabric you need to cut.
Once you have the size, you need to decide on the shape. The most common pillow shapes are square, rectangle, and round. Square pillows are the easiest to make, while round pillows require a bit more skill. If you’re new to sewing, I recommend starting with a square or rectangular pillow.
Here’s a table with the different pillow shapes and sizes:
| Shape | Size |
|---|---|
| Square | 18×18 inches |
| Rectangle | 20×26 inches |
| Round | 16-inch diameter |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: The zipper doesn’t slide smoothly.
- Possible Cause: The zipper teeth may not be aligned properly.
- Solution: Carefully realign the zipper teeth and try again. If the problem persists, apply a small amount of lubricant, such as beeswax or lip balm, to the zipper teeth.
Issue: The pillow cover is not the right size.
- Possible Cause: You may have used the incorrect dimensions for the fabric.
- Solution: Measure the pillow insert and add an extra 1-2 inches to each side for seam allowance. Recut the fabric and sew the pillow cover again.
Issue: The fabric puckers or gathers when the pillow is inserted.
- Possible Cause: The fabric may be too tightly stretched around the pillow.
- Solution: Carefully remove the pillow insert and loosen the tension of the fabric around the edges. Reinsert the pillow and try again. If the problem persists, try using a larger piece of fabric or a different type of fabric that is more stretchy.
Issue: The corners of the pillow cover are not square.
- Possible Cause: You may have not matched the corners of the fabric properly when sewing.
- Solution: Carefully unpick the corners and reassemble them, making sure to match the corners carefully. Press the corners flat and sew them again.
Issue: The fabric is fraying.
- Possible Cause: The fabric may not have been finished properly before sewing.
- Solution: Use a zigzag stitch or a serger to finish the edges of the fabric before sewing. This will prevent fraying.
Issue: The fabric is fading or bleeding.
- Possible Cause: The fabric may not be colorfast.
- Solution: Always test the fabric for colorfastness before sewing. If the fabric fades or bleeds, use a different type of fabric.
Issue: The pillow cover is too wrinkly.
- Possible Cause: The fabric may not have been pressed properly before sewing.
- Solution: Press the fabric thoroughly before sewing. This will remove wrinkles and make the pillow cover look more polished.
Issue: The pillow cover is not reversible.
- Possible Cause: You may have sewn the fabric together on the wrong side.
- Solution: Carefully unpick the seams and reassemble the fabric, making sure to sew the right sides together.
Tips for a Professional Finish
1. Use Quality Fabric
Opt for high-quality fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk that won’t shrink or fray easily.
2. Measure Accurately
Meticulously measure the pillow insert to ensure a snug fit for the cover.
3. Cut Fabric Precisely
Cut fabric using a rotary cutter and mat for straight, clean edges.
4. Pin and Sew Seams Carefully
Secure seams using pins and sew with a small stitch length for added strength.
5. Use a Zipper or Envelope Closure
Choose a discreet zipper or create an envelope closure for easy pillow insertion and removal.
6. Press Seams
Press seams open or flat to give the pillow cover a finished look.
7. Edge Finishing
Enclose raw edges with a serger, bias tape, or decorative stitching for a polished finish.
8. Add Decorative Touches
Embroider, appliqué, or add trim to personalize the pillow cover and enhance its visual appeal.
9. Make Multiple Pillow Covers
Create different pillow covers in coordinating colors or patterns to mix and match for seasonal changes or different decors.
10. Care Instructions
| Fabric | Washing Instructions |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Machine washable, tumble dry low |
| Linen | Machine washable on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on a low heat setting |
| Silk | Dry clean only |
How To Make A Pillow Cover
Pillow covers are a great way to add a personal touch to your home décor. They are also a relatively easy and inexpensive project to make yourself. Here are the steps on how to make a pillow cover:
- Choose your fabric. You can use any type of fabric you like, but some fabrics are better suited for pillow covers than others. Cotton, linen, and canvas are all good choices.
- Measure your pillow. You need to know the length and width of your pillow in order to cut the fabric to the correct size.
- Cut the fabric. Cut two pieces of fabric that are the same size. The pieces should be about 2 inches wider and longer than your pillow.
- Sew the pieces together. Turn the edges of the fabric under by 1/2 inch and press them. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, and sew the sides together.
- Turn the pillow cover right side out. Press the pillow cover and insert your pillow.
People Also Ask About How To Make A Pillow Cover
What kind of fabric is best for pillow covers?
Cotton, linen, and canvas are all good choices for pillow covers. These fabrics are durable and they can be easily washed and dried.
How do I make a pillow cover envelope style?
To make a pillow cover envelope style, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric that are the same size. The pieces should be about 2 inches wider and longer than your pillow. Fold one piece of fabric in half, wrong sides together, and sew the sides together. Turn the fabric right side out and insert your pillow. Fold the other piece of fabric over the pillow and tuck it inside the opening of the first piece of fabric.
How do I make a pillow cover with a zipper?
To make a pillow cover with a zipper, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric that are the same size. The pieces should be about 2 inches wider and longer than your pillow. Sew the zipper to one edge of each piece of fabric. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, and sew the sides together. Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert your pillow.
