Making a box pillow cover involves creating a three-dimensional cover that gives a pillow a box-like shape. This shape is often desired for decorative throw pillows, or for providing extra support as a cushion on a chair or sofa. To make a box pillow cover, you will need fabric, a measuring tape, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and a fabric marker or chalk. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:
– Measure and cut two squares or rectangles of fabric for the top and bottom of the pillow, adding seam allowance.
– Cut one long strip of fabric for the sides, making sure its width matches the desired depth of the pillow plus seam allowance.
– Sew the side strip around one of the large fabric pieces, right sides together, mitering the corners for a clean edge.
– Sew the remaining large fabric piece to the other side of the strip, leaving an opening for inserting the pillow form or stuffing.
– Turn the pillow cover right side out, insert the pillow form or stuff it, and sew the opening closed.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, ensure you have the following materials:
- Fabric of your choice
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
- Coordinating thread
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Straight pins or clips
- Iron and ironing board (optional but recommended)
- Pillow form or polyester fiberfill
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Measuring Your Pillow Form
Firstly, you need to measure your pillow form to determine the size of your fabric pieces. For a standard box pillow cover, you will need a total of three pieces: one for the top, one for the bottom, and one for the side (the strip that will be the depth of the pillow).
Cutting the Fabric
Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark your measurements on the fabric, then cut out your pieces. Make sure you add extra for the seam allowance – usually about 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch on each side.
For the side strip, factor in how deep you want the pillow to be. For instance, if your pillow form is 18×18 inches and you want a 4-inch deep box pillow, your side strip would be 4 inches plus seam allowance in width and long enough to go around the entire perimeter of the pillow (18×4 sides = 72 inches) plus extra for seam allowance.
Sewing the Box Pillow Cover
Attaching the Side Strip
With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, pin or clip the side strip to one of the large fabric pieces along the edge. When you reach a corner, you will need to miter it. This means stopping your seam a seam allowance’s width before the fabric’s edge, lifting the presser foot, turning the fabric 45 degrees, and continuing to sew down the next edge.
Completing the Box Shape
Once the side strip is attached to the first fabric piece, repeat the process with the second large fabric piece, remembering to leave an opening for turning and stuffing.
Sewing It All Together
Sew all the way around, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end for durability. Trim any excess fabric and clip the corners to reduce bulk. Then, carefully turn your pillow cover right side out, pushing out the corners.
Finishing the Pillow Cover
Inserting the Pillow Form or Fiberfill
Now, insert your pillow form or if you are using fiberfill, stuff the pillow to the desired fullness.
Hand Sewing the Opening Closed
To close the opening, fold the edges of the fabric inward to match the sewn seams and pin in place. Use a ladder stitch (also known as a blind or invisible stitch) to hand-sew the opening shut. This stitch will make the closure nearly invisible if done neatly.
Optional: Topstitching
For a more professional finish or to add extra detail, you can topstitch around the perimeter of the pillow, close to the edge. This can add definition to the pillow and help the cover keep its shape.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use an iron to press your seams and fabric pieces before sewing for a neater finish and easier sewing.
- If you’re new to sewing, practice mitering corners on scrap fabric before you start on your pillow cover.
- Choose a durable and appropriate weight of the fabric for your pillow, especially if it will be used frequently.
- When topstitching, be consistent with the distance of the stitch from the edge for a professional appearance.
- Be accurate with your measurements to ensure that the finished pillow cover fits snugly around your pillow form and retains its box shape.
Finishing Thoughts
Crafting a box pillow cover can be a rewarding project whether you’re looking to enhance your living space or give a handmade gift. The key to creating a high-quality cover is precision in measurement, cutting, and sewing. Patience is essential, especially when learning how to miter corners and manage the bulk of the fabric. With practice, your skills will improve, allowing you to customize your pillows with different fabrics, sizes, and additional features like piping or buttons. The beauty of making your own pillow covers is that you can tailor them to fit your decor perfectly. Get creative, have fun with it, and enjoy your comfy, stylish new addition to your home.
