
Making a round pillow cover is a fabulous way to add a custom touch to your home décor. To craft a round pillow cover, you will need fabric, a needle, thread, scissors, a fabric marker, measuring tape, and a hidden zipper or buttons for closure. The precise steps involve measuring and cutting your fabric, adding a seam allowance, sewing the two sides together with the right sides facing each other, leaving a gap for filling or inserting a pillow form, and then adding the closure. Below is a detailed guide that will walk you through the process step by step.
Materials Required
To begin, you will need the following materials:
- Fabric of your choice
- Measuring tape or a ruler
- Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk
- Scissors
- Sewing needle or sewing machine
- Thread matching your fabric
- Hidden zipper or buttons (if desired)
- Pillow form or stuffing material
- Straight pins
- Iron and ironing board (optional)
Make sure you select a fabric that complements the space where you plan to place your pillow. Cotton, linen, velvet, or outdoor fabric are all good options depending on the desired texture and usage.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Determining Size and Adding Seam Allowance
First, you need to determine the size of the pillow cover based on the pillow form or amount of stuffing you plan to use. Once you know the diameter of the pillow form, add a seam allowance to your measurement. A common seam allowance is 1/2 inch (about 1.3 cm) on all sides.
Tracing Your Circle
Using a fabric marker or chalk, and the measuring tape as a guide, draw two circles onto your fabric. The circles should have the same diameter as your pillow form plus twice the seam allowance.
Cutting Out the Circles
Cut out the fabric circles carefully, following the lines you have marked.
Adding a Zipper or Button Closure
If you’re adding a zipper or creating a button closure, plan for it on one of the circles. Typically, for a zippered pillow cover:
Installing a Zipper
- Choose one of the circles to be the bottom piece of your pillow cover.
- Mark the length of the zipper on the wrong side of the fabric.
- Sew a temporary straight stitch with the right sides of the fabric facing each other along the marked lines.
- Press open the seam, and place the zipper face down along the seam.
- Sew along the edges of the zipper, attaching it to the fabric and then remove the temporary stitches.
Creating a Button Closure
For a button closure, you would create buttonholes on one half of the opening and sew buttons on the other half, making sure they line up correctly. Be sure to make these features before sewing the two fabric layers together.
Sewing The Pillow Cover
Joining the Fabric Pieces
With the right sides of the fabric circles facing each other, align the edges. Using straight pins, pin the two fabric pieces together. This will prevent any slipping while you’re sewing.
Sewing the Circles Together
Start sewing close to the edge of the fabric, following the seam allowance you added. If you’re hand sewing, use a backstitch for strength; if you’re using a sewing machine, a straight stitch will work fine. Remember, preserve an opening large enough for your pillow form or stuffing.
Finishing the Edge
It’s important to finish the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. You can do this by either using a serger, a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or by hand sewing a blanket or whip stitch around the edges.
Turning and Stuffing
Turning the Pillow Cover Right Side Out
Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the opening, making sure not to tear the fabric or stitches. You can use a blunt tool like a knitting needle to gently push out the fabric at the edge and achieve a nice round shape.
Inserting the Pillow Form or Stuffing
Insert the pillow form or gradually add stuffing to the pillow cover. Make sure to evenly distribute the stuffing and fill out the edges so that your pillow looks full and maintains its round shape.
Closing the Opening
Once the pillow form is in place, or the cover is amply stuffed, you must close the opening. If you’ve used a zipper, simply zip it shut. Otherwise, use an invisible stitch or slip stitch by hand to sew the edge closed.
Maintenance and Care
For longevity, it’s essential to care for your pillow cover properly. Here are some tips:
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- Use a gentle wash cycle and mild detergent for regular cleaning.
- If the fabric allows, iron the pillow cover on low heat to remove wrinkles.
Keep in mind that some fabrics may have special instructions for washing and ironing, so always refer to the fabric’s care label.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a round pillow cover is a simple and satisfying project that can greatly impact your home décor. By carefully selecting the fabric, measuring, cutting, sewing, and finishing, you’ll produce a professional-looking pillow cover that is sure to draw compliments. Remember to consider the functionality of your fabric and the type of closure that best suits your pillow design. With the detailed instructions provided and a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll have a unique and comfortable addition to your couch, bed, or favorite chair. Enjoy your handiwork and the personalized touch it adds to your living space.