Ready to transform your living space with a personal touch? Sewing your own throw pillow covers is a fantastic way to do it! Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also allows you to perfectly match your decor or experiment with bold new styles. Plus, it’s an incredibly satisfying project, even for total sewing newbies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right fabric to mastering simple patterns, ensuring your first foray into pillow making is a huge success.
Why Sew Your Own Pillow Covers?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s chat about the “why.” Store-bought pillows can be expensive, and finding that exact color, pattern, or texture you have in mind can feel like a quest.
When you sew your own, you unlock endless possibilities. You can match existing curtains, upcycle old clothes into something new, or even create seasonal decor without breaking the bank. It’s also a great way to practice your sewing skills on a manageable project. Each pillow you make builds confidence and improves your technique!
Getting Started: Essential Supplies
You don’t need a huge arsenal of tools to start sewing pillow covers. Here’s what you’ll definitely want on hand:
- Sewing Machine: Any basic machine will do the trick.
- Fabric: The star of the show! We’ll talk more about this soon.
- Pillow Insert: You need something to cover! Measure your insert before buying fabric.
- Matching Thread: Choose a color that blends or contrasts beautifully with your fabric.
- Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Sharp scissors are a must for clean cuts. A rotary cutter with a self-healing mat is even better for speed and precision.
- Pins or Fabric Clips: To hold your fabric pieces together while sewing.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: Accuracy is key!
- Seam Ripper: Because mistakes happen, and that’s okay!
- Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing seams makes a huge difference in the final look.
Choosing the Right Fabric
This is where the fun really begins! The fabric you choose sets the tone for your pillow.
Best Fabrics for Durability and Style:
- Cotton: A fantastic all-rounder. Easy to sew, widely available in countless patterns and colors, and durable. Think duck cloth, canvas, or even quilting cotton for decorative pillows.
- Linen: Offers a beautiful, natural texture and drapes wonderfully. It can be a bit more prone to wrinkling but has a sophisticated look.
- Upholstery Fabric: These are designed for home decor, so they’re often more durable, stain-resistant, and come in a wide array of textures and patterns. They can be thicker and sometimes a bit trickier for beginners, but the results are stunning.
- Velvet/Corduroy: For a touch of luxury and softness. These can be a bit more challenging to sew due to their nap, but the cozy factor is undeniable.
- Outdoor Fabric: If your pillows are going outside, choose specific outdoor fabrics. They are fade and mildew resistant.
Tips for Fabric Shopping:
- Pre-Wash: Always pre-wash and dry your fabric before cutting. This prevents shrinkage later on.
- Directional Prints: If your fabric has a print that goes in a specific direction, make sure you buy enough to cut all your pieces going the same way.
- Texture Matters: Consider how the fabric feels. Will it be something you want to lean on?
Easy Pillow Cover Patterns for Beginners
Let’s get to the sewing! These patterns are super beginner-friendly and will have you whipping up covers in no time.
The Simple Envelope Closure Pillow
This is the ultimate beginner project. No zippers, no buttons, just a clever overlap that holds your pillow insert snugly. You cut three pieces of fabric: one for the front and two for the back that overlap. It’s quick, easy, and looks professional. Perfect for showing off a beautiful fabric on the front!
- Quick and simple envelope pillow cover tutorial (I Can Sew This)
- Envelope pillow cover with binding (Suzy Quilts)
The Zippered Pillow Cover
Don’t be intimidated by zippers! A basic zipper is quite manageable and gives a clean, tailored look. You sew a zipper into one seam, usually the bottom, before sewing the remaining three sides. It gives a very secure closure and a sleek finish. Plus, mastering a zipper feels like a major accomplishment!
- How to sew a pillow with an invisible zipper (The Homes I Have Made)
- DIY pillow cover with zipper (Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop)
- How to insert an exposed zipper into a pillow (Suzy Quilts)
The Tie-Closure Pillow
This option adds a charming, rustic touch with fabric ties. You leave an opening on one side and sew fabric strips into the seam allowances that you can then tie into bows. It’s decorative, relatively easy, and no special hardware is needed.
- Easy envelope pillowcase with ties – DIY tutorial (I Can Sew This)
- How to sew custom pillows with tie closure (On Sutton Place)
- DIY farmhouse pillow covers with tie closures (White & Woodgrain)
The Button Closure
If you want your pillows to look like they came from a high-end boutique (or your stylish grandmother’s sunroom), buttons are the way to go. They turn a functional closure into a design feature.
Most modern sewing machines have an automatic buttonhole setting. It’s like magic – you put your button in the special foot, and the machine does the rest. If buttonholes still feel scary, use elastic cord or fabric loops instead! You sew the loops into the seam on one side and the buttons on the other. It’s much more forgiving and gives a lovely, relaxed look.
- Easy buttoned DIY pillow cover (Little Red Window)
- DIY pillow with button flange closure (All People Quilt)
- Buttoned-up envelope pillow case (Delia Creates)
Essential Sewing Tips for Beginners
- Read the Pattern (Even if It’s Simple): Seriously, read through all the steps before you start cutting or sewing.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old adage is true! Accuracy makes a huge difference.
- Press Your Seams: After every seam you sew, take it to the iron. Pressing helps the fabric lay flat, makes your stitches look neater, and gives your finished project a professional edge.
- Use Plenty of Pins: Don’t skimp on pins! They keep your fabric from shifting, especially when dealing with slippery or thick fabrics.
- Go Slow: There’s no rush. Take your time, especially on curves or corners. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Test Your Stitches: Before sewing on your actual project fabric, grab a scrap piece and test your machine’s tension and stitch length.
- Don’t Fear the Seam Ripper: Every sewer, no matter how experienced, uses a seam ripper. It’s a tool for learning and correction, not a sign of failure. Embrace it!
- Finish Your Seams: To prevent fraying, you can finish the raw edges of your seams. A simple zigzag stitch or a serger (if you have one) works wonders. This isn’t strictly necessary for a first project, but it makes your pillow covers more durable and washable.
Caring for Your Handmade Pillow Covers
Once you’ve lovingly crafted your pillow covers, you’ll want them to last! Always check the care instructions for your specific fabric. Generally, machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dry on low or air dry. Iron as needed. For delicate fabrics, hand washing might be best.
Time to Get Sewing!
At the end of the day, your home should feel like you. Whether you go for a simple envelope back or a vintage-inspired button closure, you’re creating something that no one else has. Grab your fabric, take a deep breath, and let’s get sewing!
More sewing fun! DIY patchwork notebook cover. Free cosmetic bag patterns.