Making a throw pillow case is a simple DIY project that can add a personalized touch to your home decor. To make a throw pillow case, you will need fabric, a sewing machine (or a needle and thread for hand-sewing), scissors, pins, and a pillow insert for sizing. The process involves measuring and cutting the fabric to size, sewing the edges together, leaving an opening for the insert, and then turning the case right side out before inserting the pillow. Let’s delve into the step-by-step process to provide a comprehensive guide to creating your unique throw pillow case.
Choosing the Right Materials
Before you dive into the sewing process, selecting the appropriate materials is crucial to ensure that your pillow case lasts and looks great.
Fabric Selection
Your choice of fabric can vary widely based on the texture, pattern, and overall durability you’re looking for.
– Cotton: This is a versatile choice and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It’s easy to work with, which makes it great for beginners.
– Linen: Offers a natural look and a textured feel. It tends to wrinkle easily but can add a rustic charm to your décor.
– Velvet: If you’re aiming for a touch of luxury or a soft texture, choose velvet.
– Outdoor fabric: If the pillow is for outdoor use, go for fabrics designed to withstand the elements.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Ensure to prewash your fabric to pre-shrink it and avoid surprises after your first wash of the finished pillow case.
Measuring Your Pillow Insert
Before cutting anything, measure your pillow insert. A common throw pillow size is 18 x 18 inches, but they can vary. For a snug fit, your fabric pieces should be the same size as the pillow insert. This accounts for the seam allowance and ensures the pillow looks full once the case is on.
Other Supplies
– Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric.
– Scissors: Fabric scissors are best as they provide a cleaner cut.
– Pins: Straight pins will hold your fabric in place as you sew.
– Sewing Machine or Needle: A sewing machine will make the process faster, but hand sewing is an alternative.
– Iron: This is to press the fabric before and after sewing to achieve a professional finish.
Instructions for Sewing a Throw Pillow Case
Now that you have your materials ready, let’s get into the process of making the throw pillow case.
Cutting Your Fabric
1. Lay your fabric down on a flat surface.
2. Mark out two squares (or rectangles, depending on the shape of your pillow) based on the measurements of your pillow insert. For a 18 x 18-inch pillow, you would cut two 18 x 18-inch pieces.
3. Use fabric scissors to cut out the pieces.
Sewing the Pillow Case
1. Place the two pieces of fabric together, with the right sides (the side of the fabric you want on the outside) facing each other.
2. Pin around the edges to keep them aligned.
3. Sew a half-inch seam around the edge of the fabric, leaving about a 4-inch gap on one side for turning and inserting the pillow later. Remove the pins as you sew.
4. To ensure the corners have a nice, sharp shape, trim the excess fabric at the corners without cutting too close to the stitching.
5. Use the gap you left open to turn the pillow case right side out. Gently poke out the corners with a blunt tool, like a pencil.
6. Iron the edges to create a crisp outline, paying special attention to the open gap’s edges.
Finishing the Pillow Case
If you’re using an envelope closure:
1. To create an envelope closure, you’ll need one piece the size of your pillow and a second piece that’s longer by about 6 to 8 inches.
2. Hem one edge of the larger piece and then cut it in half across the width to create the envelope flaps.
3. Sew the hemmed edges of the flaps to either side of the smaller piece, making sure the right sides face each other.
4. Follow the same sewing procedure as described previously.
If you’re sewing a closed case:
1. Insert the pillow into the case through the gap.
2. Fold the raw edges of the gap inward, pin them together, and press with an iron for a neat edge.
3. Hand stitch or use your sewing machine to close the gap. A blind stitch is best for a seamless look if hand-sewing.
For added decoration, you can attach piping, fringe, or tassels to the edges before sewing the case together. This should be done between placing the two fabric pieces together and sewing around the edges.
Tips for Making an Impressive Throw Pillow Case
– Always iron your fabric before and after sewing for best results.
– When choosing fabric, consider the wear and tear it will get and who will be using it. If it’ll be around children or pets, go for a durable fabric.
– For an extra plush pillow, add a layer of batting around your pillow insert before putting it into the case.
– Decorative stitching can add character to a plain pillow case.
– You can embellish your throw pillow case with buttons, sequins, or embroidery for a personal touch.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a throw pillow case is not only an enjoyable and rewarding activity but also allows you to infuse your style and personality into your living space. Whether you’re looking to craft a simple case for practical uses or a decorative piece to spruce up your home, the process is fundamentally approachable even for those just starting in sewing. With the ability to choose fabric types and designs, add personal touches, and craft an item that’s both practical and decorative, the outcome is guaranteed to be as unique as the maker. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and infuse your personal flair into each stitch. When you’re finished, you’ll have more than just a pillowcase—you’ll have a story and a creation that’s all your own.
