Sewing a pillow cover by hand is a straightforward task that can be tackled even by those with minimal sewing experience. To craft a pillow cover, you will need fabric, a needle, thread, scissors, pins, and a pillow or pillow insert. The simple steps involve cutting the fabric to size, pinning the edges together, stitching, and then turning the fabric right side out to insert the pillow. All these can be done with patience and a little time, ensuring you with a custom pillow cover for your home decor.
Materials You Will Need
Before you start to sew your pillow cover by hand, you need to gather the following materials:
- Fabric: Choose the fabric according to the size, pattern, and texture you prefer. Durable materials like cotton, linen, or canvas are great choices for pillow covers.
- Needle: A sewing needle that’s sharp enough to penetrate your fabric without causing damage.
- Thread: Select a thread that matches the color of your fabric so it blends in seamlessly.
- Scissors: Fabric scissors are necessary for cutting your material accurately and with clean edges.
- Pins: Pins will help keep the fabric in place as you sew.
- Measuring tape or ruler: This is important for measuring your fabric and ensuring straight cuts.
- Pillow or pillow insert: The item you will be covering, which dictates the size of your fabric cuts.
Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric
Determining The Size
First, measure the dimensions of your pillow or pillow insert. If you have a square or rectangular pillow, measure the length and width. For a snug fitting cover, use the same measurements as the pillow. For a looser fit or if the fabric has no stretch, add 1 to 2 inches to each measurement for seam allowance.
Cutting the Fabric
Lay the fabric on a flat surface and mark out the dimensions you’ve measured, using a straightedge to ensure the lines are straight. Cut out two identically sized pieces of fabric with your scissors.
Sewing Your Pillow Cover
Pin the Fabric
Place your two pieces of fabric together with the right sides (the sides you want visible on the finished product) facing each other. Use your pins to pin around the edges to hold them in place, making sure to leave an opening on one side that is wide enough to fit your pillow or insert through.
Stitching The Edges
Thread your needle, making a knot at the end of the thread. Start sewing from one corner of your pinned fabric, close to the edge, at what will be the open side of the pillow cover. Remember to backstitch a few stitches at the beginning to secure the thread.
Continue sewing with small, even stitches all around the periphery of your fabric, removing pins as you go. You can use a basic running stitch or backstitch for added durability. When you arrive at the starting point, leave the same length of opening as planned for inserting the pillow. Backstitch again at the end of your sewing to secure the thread.
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Finishing Your Pillow Cover
Trimming and Clipping Corners
Trim any excess fabric from the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch seam allowance. Clip the four corners diagonally; this will help the corners of the pillow cover to be sharper once turned right side out.
Turning and Inserting the Pillow
Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the opening, using a pointy object like a pencil (but not sharp enough to pierce the fabric) to push out the corners. Iron the pillow cover to smooth out any wrinkles and create sharp edges.
Insert your pillow or pillow insert into the open end of the pillow cover. Gently adjust the corners of the pillow into the corners of the cover.
Closing the Opening
Once the pillow is inside, fold the raw edges of the opening inward to match the sewn seams and pin them together. Using a slip stitch, hand sew the opening closed. This stitch makes the thread less visible and gives a more professional finish to your handmade pillow cover.
Customizing Your Pillow Cover
Adding Embellishments
To personalize your pillow cover, you can add embellishments such as lace, ribbons, appliques, or buttons. Attach these decorative elements by hand sewing them onto the fabric before sewing the pieces together.
Experimenting With Shapes and Sizes
Once you’ve mastered the basic square or rectangular pillow cover, try experimenting with different shapes like circular, heart, or even novelty shapes related to specific themes or animals.
Caring for Your Handmade Pillow Cover
Handmade pillow covers can usually be washed and ironed just like other pillow covers. Be sure to follow the care instructions for the fabric you used, as some materials may require special attention, such as hand washing or air drying.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a pillow cover by hand can be a rewarding DIY project that adds a touch of personalized comfort to your home. The process is not only simple, but it also allows for endless creativity with fabric choices and additional embellishments. Whether you’re sewing by hand for the joy of crafting or for the custom design possibilities, the basics of pillow-making remain the same: measure, cut, pin, sew, finish, and enjoy your accomplishment. With practice and patience, anyone can transform ordinary fabric into a cozy, custom-made pillow cover.
