- The simplest type of pillow case, and the quickest and easiest to sew, is a basic envelope style, open at one end for insertion of a pillow form. You just need to measure the pillow and cut a rectangle of fabric big enough to cover the pillow form and allow for seams. A more secure pillow case can be made in a similar way. Allow some extra length for the fabric piece, then fold and sew it so that there is an overlapping opening on the back of the pillow case through which the pillow form is inserted. More complicated pillow cases can be sewn, too. Sew a boxing strip around the perimeter of top and bottom pieces of fabric for a deep box pillow; alternatively create the look of a box pillow by mitering the corners of a regular pillow case. If you use an extra long boxing strip and pleat it you will create a soft, shirred look. A flange pillow case is made by adding a wide border in matching or contrasting fabric; the border can be ruffled for a different look.
- Standard polyester pillow forms come in many shapes and sizes, and have the advantages of being soft, washable, non-allergenic and retaining their shape well. Foam is available in sheets of varying firmness and thickness that can be cut to any size. Foam is good for firm pillows and can be wrapped in batting to soften the feel of the pillow without loosing the firmness. Polyester fiberfill comes loose in bags or in sheets of batting. It can be used to customize the shape and density of your pillow by stuffing a homemade muslin case with as much or as little fill as you want. Down makes the most luxurious pillows, but is considerably more expensive than polyester stuffing; it needs to be sewn into a muslin case also.
- Aside from the choice of fabric color and patterns, pillows can be further decorated with all kinds of embellishments. If the pillow will be used for sleeping, make sure the embellishments will be comfortable. You could hand or machine embroider a pillow case, appliqué fabric shapes, or sew ribbons or soft fabric trims to the surface or borders of the pillow. You could design a pillow case from pieced fabric shapes in the style of a quilt. If the pillow is intended to be decorative you can sew beads, buttons, trinkets and all types of trim to the pillow case. Other decorative effects include painting, stamping or stenciling the pillow case with fabric paint, or using dyeing techniques like tie-dye or batik on a plain pillow case.
