Easy Pillow Covers
Designer: Amy Barickman of Indygo Junction
Materials
- 17×36-1⁄2" rectangle of fabric (pillow)
- 16"-square pillow form
- 4-3⁄4×12" rectangle of fabric (optional pocket)
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Iron, ironing surface
- Water-soluble marking pen
Step 1
Place large fabric rectangle right side down on ironing surface. Fold over one short edge 1⁄4"; press. The iron is hot. Keep your hands away from the heat. Fold over same short edge 1⁄2"; press (photo 1).
TIP: It helps if a pair of extra hands holds the fabric straight while you press.
Step 2
Repeat Step 1 with remaining short edge of large fabric rectangle (photo 2).
TIP: Measure width of fold as often as needed to keep the fold even.
Step 3
Sew along edge of first fold to hem one short edge. Repeat at opposite short edge (photo 3).
TIP: Ask for help setting machine to a low speed. (Most machines have a speed control.) A low speed will give you more control over the machine and help you make a straight and even row of stitches.
Step 4
Place hemmed rectangle right side up on flat work surface. Referring to Pillow Assembly Diagram, fold over hemmed edges to make a 16×17" rectangle (only wrong side of fabric will show now). Sew through all layers from one folded edge to the other 1⁄2" from cut edges. Backstitch at beginning and end of sewing line to secure stitching. Repeat to sew opposite edge (photo 4).
TIP: Before sewing, mark seam line with water-soluble marking pen. Use the drawn line a a stitching guide.
Step 5
Working through hemmed but unsewn opening, turn layers right side out to complete pillow cover (photo 5). Press. Insert pillow form through opening in back.
TIP: Push out corners using the eraser end of a pencil or a chopstick to make sharp corners.
How to Make a Pocket
1. With right side inside, fold 4-3⁄4×12" fabric rectangle in half to make a 4-3⁄4×6" rectangle.
2. Using 1⁄2" seams, sew along two long edges and open short edge, leaving a 3" opening along one long edge for turning.
3. Turn right side out through opening; press, folding unsewn opening to the inside to make a pocket.
4. Pin pocket to 17×36-1⁄2" fabric rectangle, 3" from top (long) edge and 13" from right-hand (short) edge. Edgestitch pocket in place, stitching about 1/8" from side and bottom pocket edges.