How to Turn a Pillowcase Into a Toss Pillow Cover

Give old pillows new life by covering them with covers made from pillowcases.

Not everyone has time or sewing skills to make pillow covers from scratch. While constructing pillow covers for throw pillows is a good beginning for novice sewers, there is an even simpler way to do it. Instead of purchasing material, turn a large pillowcase from thrift stores or forgotten ones hidden in the closet into a pillow cover for throw pillows. The task requires less sewing and has the same result as making a pillow cover from scratch. Stuff the pillow cover with an old throw pillow or fill it with cotton.

Things You'll Need

• Throw pillow
• Pillowcase
• Ruler
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Needle

Instructions

1. Turn the pillowcase inside out and rest it flat on the work surface.

2. Set the throw pillow on the pillowcase so the left and bottom edges line up with the left and bottom edges of the pillowcase. The lower left corner of the pillow matches up with the lower left corner of the pillowcase. Try to get the edges as close as possible.

3. Measure 1/2 inch above the top edge of the throw pillow with the ruler. Make a horizontal line with the fabric marker along that measurement from the left edge of the pillowcase until you reach 1/2 inch past the right edge of the pillow.

4. Make a straight line down from where the first line ended until you reach the bottom of the pillowcase.

5. Remove the pillow and set it aside. Cut the pillowcase along the two lines. You will have a square with two open sides.

6. Sew one side of the pillowcase together using the sewing machine and matching thread. Place the stitches 1/2 inch from the edge.

7. Turn the pillowcase right side out. Stuff the throw pillow into the pillowcase through the open side.

8. Fold the right edges of the pillow cover 1/2 inch inside. Press the two folded edges together.

9. Sew the edges together using the slipstitch. Pull the threaded needle through the inside of one of the folded edges. This places the knot on the inside. Insert the needle through 1/4 inch of the opposite fold, just inside the fold. Tug the needle all the way through until you reach the end of the thread. Repeat on the opposite fold. Continue sewing along the folds, alternating between edges, until you reach the end of the pillow cover. Tie off the thread and cut any remaining.

Tips & Warnings

• Turning a pillowcase into a throw cover only works for pillows less than 20 inches in size, unless the pillowcase is larger than traditional pillowcases. If the throw pillow is 20 inches, you only need to cut one side and sew it up with the slipstitch.

• Ironing the edges before sewing up the last side of the pillow cover will help make the crease more visible.

• If you don't have a throw pillow to use as a guide, measure the size of the pillow you wish to make on the pillowcase, incorporating two sewn sides. Cut out the other two sides, sew and fill.

• Since the throw pillow is sewn into the pillow cover, it is not easy to remove to wash the cover separately. Cut along the slipstitch to open the side if you wish to remove the pillow, but take care not to cut the material. Sew it back in using the slipstitch.