Making a pillow cover with piping is an excellent way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home decor. To create a pillow cover with piping, you will need fabric for the pillow and the piping, a zipper if desired, and standard sewing supplies such as a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and pins. The basic steps involve measuring and cutting the fabric to size, creating or using pre-made piping, and sewing it all together. In the simplest terms, you will sew the piping to the right side of one piece of your pillow fabric, then sandwich the piping by placing the other piece of fabric on top, right side facing the piping, and sew around the edges. If you are inserting a zipper, this would typically be done before attaching the second piece. Finally, you turn the cover right-side out, insert the pillow form, and your piped pillow is complete.
Materials Needed
Before you start your project, ensure you have the following materials:
– Fabric for the pillow cover
– Fabric for the piping or pre-made piping
– Pillow insert or stuffing
– Zipper (optional, if you want a removable pillow cover)
– Sewing machine
– Matching thread
– Fabric scissors
– Straight pins or wonder clips
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Cord for piping (if making your own)
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Selecting the Fabric Size
First, measure your pillow insert. Add 1 inch to both the length and width for seam allowance. This extra space allows for the insertion of the pillow and the addition of the piping without the cover being too tight. If you plan to include a zipper, consider its placement and adjust your fabric pieces accordingly.
Cutting Your Fabric
Next, mark your fabric based on your measurements and cut two identical pieces. If your fabric has a pattern, ensure the pattern is aligned correctly and that it will be the right way up on the finished pillow.
Creating or Preparing the Piping
Making Your Own Piping
To make your own piping, cut strips of fabric on the bias (diagonal to the weave of the fabric) that are wide enough to encompass the cord and provide a seam allowance. Typical piping is made with strips 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Place the cord in the center of the strip, fold the fabric over the cord, and use a zipper foot to sew close to the cord, creating the piping.
Using Pre-made Piping
If you chose pre-made piping, you would simplify the process as this piping is ready to be sewn onto your pillow cover. Skip ahead to attaching the piping to your pillow pieces.
Attaching the Piping to the Pillow Cover
Sewing Piping to the First Piece of Fabric
Start by pinning the piping around the right side of one piece of the pillow fabric. The raw edges of the piping should align with the raw edge of the fabric. At the corners, clip the seam allowance of the piping gently to help it lay flat, being careful not to cut into the stitching. When you come full circle around the fabric, overlap the ends of the piping and trim any excess. To attach the piping, use a zipper foot and sew as close to the cord as possible.
Sewing the Pillow Pieces Together
Once the piping is attached to one piece, lay the other fabric piece right-side down over the piping, line up the edges so they are even, and pin together. Sew around the perimeter once again with the zipper foot, following the line of stitching you made when attaching the piping.
Installing a Zipper
If you want your pillow cover to be removable, this is the time to insert a zipper. It can be installed on one of the four sides before you sew the pieces together.
Zipper Installation Steps
To install a zipper, sew a basting stitch down the side where the zipper will go, then press this seam open. Place the zipper face down on the seam allowance, center it, and pin or baste it in place. Using a zipper foot, sew around the zipper, creating a rectangle. Finally, remove the basting stitches to reveal the zipper.
Sewing and Finishing the Pillow Cover
Completing the Stitching
After the zipper is installed, or if you skipped the zipper, sew around the rest of the edges of the pillow cover, again using the zipper foot to get close to the piping. Leave an opening if you did not install a zipper to turn the cover right side out.
Turning and Stuffing the Pillow Cover
Trim any excess fabric or threads, and carefully turn the pillow cover right-side out through the zipper opening or the opening you left. Use a point turner or a blunt tool to gently push out the corners. Press the cover to define the edges.
Insert the pillow form or stuffing into the cover. If you left an opening, hand sew it closed using a slip stitch or an invisible stitch for a finished look.
Finishing Thoughts
With some basic sewing skills and patience, anyone can make a beautiful pillow cover with piping that adds a custom and luxurious feel to any space. Remember to take your time measuring, cutting, and sewing for the best results. In the end, you’ll have a pillow cover that not only brings comfort but also showcases your craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether for your living room, bedroom, or as a thoughtful handcrafted gift, your piped pillow cover is sure to impress.
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