How to Make a Throw Pillow Cover Without Using a Pattern

Sewing a pillow cover is does not necessitate the use of a pattern. By using the basic materials of a pillow form, your fabric, a zipper, and any embellishments such as lace or tassels for the edges and corners of the cover. When you go shopping for fabric, purchase the trim at the same time, so you can match a contrasting color of trim to the fabric. When choosing the zipper, make sure it measures the length of one pillow edge and matches the color of the fabric. The pillow cover can be hand-stitched or sewn on a sewing machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric
• straight sewing pins
• fabric marking pencil
• trim or tassels
• zipper
• sewing needle, or sewing machine

1. Take your pillow form and measure it, if necessary. Most pre-purchased pillow forms are already marked with the size on it, such as 16” or 18” square. A round pillow form can also be used for this project. Take the size of the pillow and add 3/4” to each edge if the pillow is square, and around the entire perimeter if the pillow form is round. Write down these measurements.

2. Take the piece of fabric you want to make into the pillow cover. With your written measurements, use a ruler or yardstick to match these measurements to the fabric. For example, if your measurements are 18 3/4” square, mark that off on the reverse side of the fabric using a fabric pencil. Cut out each piece of fabric and pin the right sides together, then stitch only three of the edges on a sewing machine or by hand. If you plan on decorating with lace or other edged trim on the pillow, match the edge of the trim to the edge of the pillow cover, making sure the trim lays between the two right sides of the fabric so when you open the finished pillow cover, the lace will be attached properly.

3. Now you are going to install the zipper. Fold down 3/4” of the edge where the zipper is to be sewn so that the 3/4 “ portion is of the right side of the fabric facing towards you. Pin the zipper to this edge of the cover and make sure the zipper pull is facing inside the pillow cover, where the right sides of the fabric are. Stitch the zipper to the cover either by hand or machine.

4. Turn the pillow cover right side out, then place the pillow form inside and zip up, making sure the form fits properly.

5. If you want to add only corner tassels versus an edged trim, sew the tassels on after the pillow form is sewn. A few hand stitches will secure the tassels in place.

6. Your throw pillow cover is complete!