Essential Supplies for DIY Pillow Covers
Creating your own pillow covers is both fulfilling and practical. How to make a pillow cover? Doing it yourself allows you to pick unique fabric patterns and save money. Here’s what you’ll need for the project.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric choice is crucial for your DIY pillow cover. For durability and style, consider materials like cotton, linen, or even repurposed textiles. If you want a soft and cozy feel, go for fleece or velvet. Be mindful of colorfastness and washing instructions.
Selecting the Ideal Pillow Form
Your pillow form sets the foundation for your cover. Go for a size that fits your space; remember, a snug fit results in a fuller pillow. Ready-made inserts are convenient, but upcycling old pillows or stuffing is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Gathering Sewing Essentials
To start sewing your pillow cover, gather these key items:
- A functioning sewing machine or needle and thread for hand stitching
- Matching thread for your fabric
- A fabric measuring tool, like a tape measure or ruler
- Scissors or a rotary cutter for precise cutting
- Pins to hold fabric pieces in place
- Iron and ironing board for smoothing fabric
- A zipper or buttons, if you desire a removable cover
A little bit of sewing know-how and these essential supplies will set you up for a satisfying DIY project.
Deciding on the Pillow Cover Size
Choosing the right size for your pillow cover is crucial for ensuring a proper fit and aesthetic appeal. It sets the stage for the entire project, influencing both the appearance and comfort of your final product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the best size for your pillow cover based on the pillow form you are using.
Adjusting for Pillow Plumpness
To choose the size of your pillow cover, consider how you want the pillow to look and feel. For a fuller, more ‘plump’ appearance, cut your fabric slightly smaller than the pillow form. Typically, making the cover about 2 inches smaller ensures the pillow looks robust and inviting. Conversely, if you prefer a flatter, more understuffed look, cut the fabric to the exact size of the pillow form or even slightly larger. This adjustment affects the tautness and visual effect of the completed pillow.
Cutting the Fabric Accurately
Accuracy in cutting your fabric is essential for a professional-looking pillow cover. Start by measuring your fabric diligently, confirming the dimensions twice to avoid any errors. Use a sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to achieve clean and straight cuts. Ensure that you include extra space for seam allowances – generally, add half an inch on all sides. If your fabric has a pattern or stripes, align them carefully to ensure consistency and aesthetic balance once sewn.
Preparing the Pillow Panels
Before sewing your custom pillow cover, preparing your panels correctly is key.
Measuring and Cutting Fabric Panels
Start by measuring the fabric you need. Use a tape measure or a ruler. Be precise. For an 18-inch pillow, cut two pieces of 19×19 inches. This allows for a half-inch seam allowance. If using patterned fabric, ensure patterns align when pieced together.
Hemming Techniques for Back Panels
For back panels, fold over one edge and iron flat for a smooth hem. Sew this hem first. If creating an envelope pillow, cut two back panel pieces. For an overlap, make each panel several inches wider than half your pillow size. This extra fabric forms the envelope’s flap.
Sewing the Pillow Cover
Creating a DIY pillow cover can be a simple process. By following these steps, you’ll be able to sew your own beautiful and unique pillow covers.
Attaching an Invisible Zipper
First, attach your zipper foot to your sewing machine. For an 18-inch pillow, you’ll need an invisible zipper, ideally 18 inches or longer. Begin by pressing the zipper teeth flat. This makes sewing easier. Align the zipper’s edge with the fabric end. Pin it in place. Sew close to the teeth, avoiding the zipper pull. This step is important for a clean look.
Sewing Straight Lines for Envelope Covers
For envelope covers, fold and iron back panel hems. Lay the front panel face-up. Place hemmed edges of back panels on top, overlapping them. Pin along edges to secure. Sew around the perimeter, leaving a one-inch seam allowance. Ensure to sew straight lines for a tidy finish.
Finishing Touches for a Professional Look
After sewing, iron the edges to define your pillow cover’s shape. If needed, topstitch for a decorative edge. Examine seams for uniformity and strength. Double-check for threads to clip. These final steps enhance your pillow cover’s appearance, making it look as good as store-bought versions.
Turning Your Pillow Cover Right Side Out
Once you’ve sewn your pillow cover, it’s time to turn it right side out. This is where your pillow starts to take shape. Gently push the fabric through the opening until the cover is completely reversed. Use a dull object, like a chopstick or the back of a spoon, to carefully push out the corners. This helps in achieving sharp, well-defined edges that give your pillow a professionally made look.
Trimming Corners for a Neat Finish
Before you turn your pillow cover right side out, make sure to trim the corners. This reduces bulk and allows the corners to be more pointed instead of rounded. Simply cut diagonally across each corner of your pillow cover, being careful not to clip the stitches. This small step makes a big difference in the finished look of your pillow.
Inserting the Pillow Form Correctly
Now that your pillow cover is right side out, it’s time to insert the pillow form. Make sure the form fits snugly into the corners. If you’re using a zipper or envelope closure, open it fully and gradually ease the pillow form inside. Adjust the cover around the form until it’s evenly distributed. Finally, fluff the pillow to ensure it fills out the cover completely, achieving that plush, inviting look.
Decorating with DIY Pillow Covers
Embrace your creativity by decorating with DIY pillow covers. Crafting your pillow covers lets you personalize your space effortlessly.
Transforming Spaces Seasonally
Switching up your pillow covers is a budget-friendly way to celebrate each season. For summer, opt for bright, floral fabrics. Come autumn, select richer hues and textures. During winter, cozy materials like fleece bring warmth. Spring calls for refreshing pastels or bold geometric patterns. This easy change can invigorate any room.
Tips for Mixing and Matching Fabrics
Mixing fabrics adds depth to your decor. Stick to a consistent color palette for harmony. Strike a balance with patterns – combine bold prints with subtler ones or solid colors. Play with texture contrasts, mixing smooth and rough-textured fabrics. It’s also smart to vary pillow sizes for visual interest. Remember, the key is to complement, not overwhelm, your space.
Upcycling and Environment-Friendly Pillow Making
Making pillow covers can be eco-friendly and budget-conscious when you choose to upcycle. Upcycling involves repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded, giving them new life as part of your home decor.
Using Recycled Materials for Pillow Forms
Giving old materials a second chance reduces waste and adds character to your pillows. Here are simple steps:
- Find an old pillow that needs refreshing.
- Place it in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to eliminate any bacteria.
- Cut it down to your desired pillow form size.
- Re-stuff the form into your newly sewn cover.
Using bed pillows is a clever option for pillow forms. They often come in a perfect square shape, making them ideal for conversion into pillow forms.
Ideas for Repurposing Old Fabrics
Repurposing fabric for pillow covers is both creative and sustainable. Consider these tips:
- Search for old clothes with interesting patterns or textures.
- Use outdated curtains or tablecloths.
- Try denim from worn-out jeans for a durable option.
Ensure the fabrics are clean and intact minus any tears to make a cover that lasts. This approach not only helps the planet but also creates a story behind your pillow covers, adding a unique touch to your space.
