How to Sew an Edge of a Pillow

Sewing a pillow edge is simple.

Even the beginning sewer can tackle the simple task of sewing a pillow. A pillow edge is a simple straight line, whether the pillow is a square or rectangle. If you can sew a straight line, you can sew a pillow together. Use a pillow form to stuff the pillow or fill with polyester quilt batting, which works well when stuffing an abnormally sized pillow. Choose a fabric that coordinates with the room where the pillow will reside.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pillow form or polyester quilt batting
• Needle

Instructions

1. Cut out two pieces of fabric in the same size. If using a pillow form, make the fabric pieces 1/2 inch larger than the form; if using polyfil, make the fabric any size you want.

2. Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with right sides facing. Pin them together on all four edges.

3. Sew three sides together using a 1/4-inch seam. Remove the pins as you come to them; running over the pins with the needle can cause them to break.

4. Turn the fabric right side out. Slide the pillow form into the fabric. Fold the rough edges in and pin closed.

5. Thread your needle with thread that matches the fabric. Stitch the opening closed using a whipstitch. Remove the pins and fluff the pillow.

Tips & Warnings

• If using polyfil for the pillow, sew the fourth side halfway before turning it right side out. Stuff with polyfil and continue with the hand stitching.

References

• "Fun & Fabulous Pillows to Sew: 15 Easy Designs for the Complete Beginner"; Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader; 2006

Resources

• Gratz Industries: How to Whipstitch