How to Sew Pillow Corners

Reinforce the corners of throw pillows.

When you sew a pillow or pillowcase, you want it to have sharp, well-defined corners. The corners should also be more durable than the rest of the seams, because they will get more wear and tear. One way to reinforce the pillow corners is to back-stitch the seams, so there is more than one row of stitching. Another method is to fold the seam over, giving the corner more heft. After sewing each corner, use a pointed turner to push it out.

Things You'll Need

• 2 squares of fabric
• Straight pins
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pointed turner
• Pillow batting
• Hand-sewing needle

Instructions

Back-Stitch and Clip

1. Lay the two squares of fabric on top of each other, right sides facing in. Pin the fabrics together on all four sides.

2. Stitch the fabrics together, 1/2 inch away from the edge, starting 4 inches from the corner on one side.

3. Back-stitch, or sew in reverse, for about 5 stitches when you come to the first corner. Sew forward again.

4. Lift the presser foot when you come to the corner the second time. Turn the fabric 90 degrees, so that you are sewing along the second side. Sew five stitches, then back-stitch five stitches. Sew forward again all the way along the second side.

5. Repeat the back-stitching process when you arrive at each corner.

6. Stop sewing about 3 inches away from where you began, leaving an opening.

7. Trim the corners of the pillow, snipping off the points of each. Do not cut through the seams of the corner.

8. Turn the pillow right side out. Use the pointed turner to push the corners out all the way. Stuff the pillow, and, using needle and thread, hand-sew the opening closed.

Fold the Corners

1. Lay the squares of fabric on top of each other, right sides in, and pin along the four sides.

2. Sew the fabrics together along one side with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, starting a few inches away from the first corner.

3. Fold the seam toward you, using the row of stitches as a guide.

4. Sew along the second side, starting at the top of the folded seam, and stitching all the way along the side.

5. Fold the second side seam, and sew the third side, starting at the top of the folded seam. Fold the third side's seam, then sew the fourth side. Fold the fourth side's seam, and sew the rest of the first side, leaving a 3-inch opening.

6. Turn the pillow right side out. The corners should be sharp because of the extra fabric. Stuff the pillow, and hand-sew the gap.

References

• Burda Style; Sew Corners/Right Angles/Pointed Seams; 2007
• Design Sponge; Sewing 101: Zippered Throw Pillow; Brett Bara; 2010
• Rag Pets; License to Sew; Eerika Valkonen; 2011