How to Make a Knife Edge Pillow Cover

A knife-edge pillow is a simple square pillow with crisp edges and corners. This is frequently used as a beginner's first sewing project. Sewing a cover for a knife-edge pillow is very easy and provides practice with straight seams and hems. Pillow covers are a quick way to completely change the look of a living room or bedroom by adding a splash of color and texture. Pillow covers can be customized to really show off your personality.

Things You'll Need

• Knife-edge pillow or square pillow form
• Fabric 1 inch wider than the pillow and 6 inches taller than the twice the height of the pillow
• Thread in a matching or coordinating color

Instructions

1. Cut a square of fabric 1 inch wider and 1 inch taller than the pillow for the front of the pillow cover. Cut a rectangle of fabric 1 inch wider and 5 inches taller than the pillow for the back of the pillow cover. If your pillow is 12 inches square, you'll have one piece of fabric that is 13 inches square and one piece that is 13 inches by 18 inches.

2. Cut the back piece of fabric in half so that you have two pieces which are 1 inch wider than the pillow and just a little more than half as tall as the pillow. For a 12 inch square pillow, the two back pieces should be 13 inches by 9 inches.

3. Hem the back pieces. With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, fold one of the long sides of a back piece over 1/2 inch and press. Fold over 1/2 inch again, press, and sew a 1/4-inch seam. Repeat with the second back piece.

4. Lay the front piece of the pillow cover with the right side of the fabric facing up. Lay one of the back pieces on top with the right side facing down, the top edges aligned, and the hemmed edge in the middle. Lay the other back piece with the right side facing down, the bottom edges aligned, and the hemmed edge overlapping the other hemmed piece. Pin in place.

5. Sew a 1/2-inch seam all the way around the pillow cover. Back-stitch to reinforce the areas where the two back pieces overlap.

6. Clip the corners and turn the pillow cover right side out. Use a knitting needle or ball-point pen to push out the corners.

7. Insert the pillow through the opening in the back of the pillow cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Quilt, embroider, applique, or paint the front of the pillow cover before sewing.

• Add lace, ruffles, fringe, or cording to dress up the basic pillow cover.

• Experiment with different colors and textures of fabric. Mix and match for a truly unique finished product.