DIY Euro Sham for Sofas
Euro shams make a statement. The filler is 25 inches square and the typical, padded flange adds six inches. One at each end of a sofa gives a big punch to a room’s decor and adds the often necessary extra support for a resting arm or a tired back. The simplest of sham covers can be constructed by the novice sewer with just a few tools and a bit of patience. The fold-over back makes insertion of the filler easy. At just under two yards of fabric per cover, they are also an affordable decor accessory. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Bonded fiberfill batting
- Lining
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Fading fabric marking pencil
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
Instructions
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1
Cut the fabric for the front 32 inches square to produce a flange of three inches, including a 1/2-inch seam allowance all around. Cut two pieces 22-by-32 inches for the back of the sham. Cut one piece of lining 32 inches square and one piece of bonded fiberfill 32 inches square.
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2
Prepare the fold-over back sections by first folding one of the 32-inch edges of each back piece over 1/2 inch, toward the wrong side, and sewing close to the raw edge. Fold again another three inches and press. After folding and pressing, the back pieces measure 32-by-18-1/2 inches.
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3
Lay the top of the sham, face down, on the table. Layer the fiberfill next, followed by the lining. Line up all the edges, pin in place and sew all around the layered fabric, 1/4 inch from the raw edges.
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4
Place the layered sections on the table with the fabric right side up. Place one back piece, the right side facing toward the right side of the front piece, onto the front section, matching the 32-inch edges. Place the remaining back piece on the opposite end of the sham, matching the opposite 32-inch edge of the front layered piece of the sham to the 32-inch edge of the back piece, the center folded sections overlapping. Pin all around the sham and stitch all layers together, 1/2 inch from the raw edges.
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5
Turn the sham right side out and press. Draw a line with the fabric marking pencil three inches in from the outside edge, all around the sham. Stitch on this line to create the flange.
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Tips & Warnings
Add interest to the sham by using a contrasting thread, double- stitching or decorative stitching when sewing the final flange seam. Or applique a ribbon or contrast trim over the seam line. Add piping or trim to the outside edge of the sham, or a tassle in each corner for more decorative impact.
If you want to be able to machine wash and dry the shams after construction, pre-launder the fabric and lining in the same way as you will care for the finished items.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
