How to Make a Euro Pillow Sham

European, or Euro, shams are fairly large, square pillows that are good for leaning against in bed. They can also be used as decorative accent pillows. Most Euro shams measure 26 inches square. However, since it can be difficult to find pillow forms in this size, you may want to make your own Euro shams slightly smaller or larger. To make the Euro pillow sham, you can use thick home decor fabrics or regular cotton fabric. You may want the Euro shams to match your bedspread as closely as possible, or you may want to use a contrasting color to make the Euro pillow shams stand out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pillow form (26 by 26 inches)
• 3/4 yard of fabric
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Make a Euro Pillow Sham

1. Cut a piece of fabric for the front of the Euro sham that is 27 inches square, or one inch larger than the height and width of the pillow.

2. For the back of the Euro sham, cut two pieces of fabric, each 27 inches wide by 15 1/2 inches tall, or the same width as the front piece and half the height plus 2 inches.

3. On each of the back pieces, fold one long edge of fabric over 1/4 inch toward the wrong side of the fabric, then fold the edge over again another 1/4 inch. Press the folds flat, then stitch along each fold using matching thread.

4. Lay the front piece of the Euro sham fabric right side up.

5. Place the two back pieces of the Euro sham fabric right side down on top of the front piece, with the hemmed edges overlapping each other. Line up the front and back Euro sham pieces along the edges.

6. Pin the pieces of fabric together, then stitch them together along all four sides using 1/4-inch seam allowance.

7. Turn the Euro pillow sham right side out. Insert the pillow form through the opening in the back of the Euro sham.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to lean against the Euro pillow sham, like for reading, you may to choose an extra-firm pillow or pillow form for added support.
• You can also add piping, borders or other decorative touches along the edges of the Euro pillow sham if desired.
• You may want to make at least two Euro pillow shams for a full-size, queen-size or king-size bed.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.

Resources

• This glossary of bedding terms includes a definition of Euro shams.