How to Make a Simple Pillow

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Making your own simple pillow allows you more leverage when decorating. You can be more creative and it will, most likely, cost you less than purchasing a pillow. This pillow cover can be removed.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

12", 14", 16", or larger pillow form.
12 1/2" x 12 1/2" square of material for 12" pillow
12 1/2" x 18 1/2" rectangle for 12" pillow (same concept for other sizes. Add 6 inches for the rectangle piece. Add 1/2" for the width.)
scissors
thread
cutting board, ruler, and rotary cutter (optional)
pins
tape measure
iron
sewing machine
serger (optional)

Step1

Purchase the size pillow form you wish and enough material to make the desired size. Material can be anything you want: cotton, tapestry, silk, twill, etc.

Step2

Cut out the 2 pieces of cloth: example: for the 12" pillow cut a 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" square and a 12 1/2" x 18 1/2" rectangle.

Step3

Take the rectangle and fold in half (width wise) with a good crease. Cut the rectangle in half at the crease. (I use a cutting board and rotary cutter) You now have 2 pieces that are 12 1/2" x 9" (if you are making the 12 inch pillow) 14 1/2" x 10" for the 14" pillow, 16 1/2" x 11" for the 16" pillow. At the creases where you cut the material, fold under 1/4 inch and top stitch. If you have a serger, serge the ends.

Step4

Lay the 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" square on a table face side up. Lay one 12 1/2" x 9" piece face side down onto the square, matching the unhemmed edge to one end of the square and pin in place. Take the second 12 1/2" x 9" and place on the other side of the square and pin in place. The hemmed or serged ends should be lapped over each other.

Step5

Sew or serge 1/2" seam all around the four sides. Turn right side out. The back of the pillow will have folded over ends in the middle that you can slip the pillow form into. Now you have a pillow cover that can be removed.