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Last Updated June 18, 2025
There’s something oddly satisfying about making your own pillow cover. It’s one of those projects that’s small enough to finish in a day but meaningful enough to completely alter the entire vibe of a room. You start with just a piece of fabric, and by the end, you’ve created something that’s both functional and uniquely yours. Whether you’re brand new to sewing or just looking for a fun weekend project, this guide walks you through exactly how to make a pillow cover.
Key Takeaways:
Before you even cut into your fabric, the first decision you need to make is which style of pillow cover you want to create.
The simplest and most popular option is the envelope-style pillow cover. It’s beginner-friendly, doesn’t require any closures, and still manages to look clean and professional.
If you’re just getting into sewing or want to make a bunch of covers quickly, this one’s a no-brainer. The envelope design features two overlapping flaps at the back, allowing for easy insertion and removal of the pillow.
The zippered pillow cover adds a more polished, store-bought feel. It’s one step up in complexity, mostly because you’ll need to install a zipper, but it’s worth it if you want a snug fit with no visible openings.
This style is great if you’re making covers for high-use pillows, like the ones on your couch that get tossed around every evening.
A buttoned pillow cover lends a vintage look that complements rustic aesthetics. Instead of an invisible back flap or a zipper, the back panels close with buttons either sewn on or secured with loops. It’s a fun way to play with contrast, using oversized wooden buttons or delicate pearl ones to create a visual feature.
This one takes a bit more time and patience, especially if you’re sewing buttonholes manually, but the end result can be really satisfying.
Some people opt for sham-style covers with flanges, a border that frames the pillow, usually about two inches wide. These are a little more advanced and tend to be used more in bedrooms than living rooms. This style often pairs well with hidden back zippers or envelope backs.
Each of these options has its place, and part of the fun is experimenting to see what works best for your space and your skills.
You don’t need to raid a specialty shop to get started. A basic sewing kit and some decent fabric are enough.
For an 18” x 18” pillow insert:
Add extra if using directional prints, stripes, or matching patterns.
Zippered Cover
Buttoned Cover
Sham Style
Start with your pillow insert size. A snug fit looks best, so match your fabric cuts to your pillow dimensions, adding seam allowance where needed.
Tip: Always press your fabric before cutting to keep edges straight and true.
The actual sewing part is relatively easy, especially once your pieces are prepped. For envelope covers, you’ll start by hemming the inner edges of the back pieces. A simple double fold (fold over half an inch twice) and a straight stitch will suffice. Then you layer the pieces. Front piece right-side up, back pieces right-side down, overlapping neatly.
Pin or clip everything in place, then sew all the way around the edges using a half-inch seam allowance.
If you’re feeling extra polished, trim the corners and finish the seams with a zigzag stitch. Once you turn it right-side out and press the edges, you’ll be amazed at how professional it looks.
Zippered and buttoned covers follow the same basic process, with a few extra steps. For zippers, you’ll insert them into one of the edges first, then sew the remaining three sides. Buttons usually go on one back panel, with buttonholes or loops on the other, and you’ll stitch those in place before assembling the rest of the cover.
If you're making a sham-style pillow cover, the steps are just as straightforward, but there’s an extra detail that adds a tailored finish, that is, an outer flange. After sewing your pillow cover like an envelope or zippered style, you'll mark a line about 1 to 2 inches in from all four edges. Then, sew along that line to create a decorative border. It gives the cover structure and makes it look high-end, even if it’s made from scrap fabric. A little topstitching goes a long way in elevating the overall design.
Once you’ve made one basic pillow cover, it’s tempting to experiment with little upgrades.
Piping adds a tailored finish and is easier to sew than it looks. Fringe can give a bohemian or playful vibe, especially if you’re working with plain fabrics. You can even quilt the front panel for extra texture or add a monogram if you're gifting it.
Think of it this way: the first cover you make teaches you the mechanics. The second and third teach you your style. And by the fourth, you’ll be making decisions like a designer, such as what fabric weight works best, which closure style you prefer, and how to tweak a pattern to fit your vision.
Making your own pillow cover might seem like a small thing. But there’s something quietly powerful about it. You’re creating something by hand, something with a story and a bit of heart stitched into it.
True, it might not be perfect at first. The corners might not be square. Maybe the stitching wobbles in places. But that’s kind of the point. It’s yours. And the more you make, the better you’ll get, and the more your space will start to feel like home.
So, pick up that fabric you’ve been holding onto. Dust off the sewing machine. Make one cover. Then make a few more. Before you know it, you’ll be that person who casually says, “Oh, I made that.” And trust us, it feels really good.
An 18 x 18 pillow cover is made to fit an 18 x 18 pillow insert. However, using a slightly larger insert (like 20x20) gives the pillow a plumper, more full-bodied look.
If you want that “stuffed hotel cushion” feel, go up one size for your insert. But if you prefer a more relaxed, slightly softer appearance, stick with a true 18x18 insert.
Just be sure your cover is sewn to fit snugly, without adding extra inches for ease.
The easiest way to make a throw pillow cover is to go with the envelope-style design. It skips the zipper, buttons, and anything that might require precision hardware or patience.
You just cut one front piece to the size of your pillow insert, then two back pieces that overlap in the middle to create the opening. Hem the edges of those back panels, stitch everything right sides together, flip it inside out, and you’re done. No special tools are needed.
To get the right fit, measure your pillow form from seam to seam across the middle, not diagonally. Your cover should be cut to the same width and height as the form for a snug, professional look. If you want extra fluff, choose a form that’s one size larger than your finished cover dimensions.
If you're sewing in a zipper, then yes, a zipper foot is essential. It lets your needle get close to the zipper teeth without distorting your seam. Most machines come with one, and using it makes inserting a zipper a lot easier and neater.
For strong, durable seams, set your stitch length to around 2.5mm. It’s tight enough to hold well through regular use, especially along the four sides of the pillow where the seams take the most pressure.
After sewing the cover, trim your raw edges and finish them with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears. You can also serge them if you have a serger. This helps your new pillow covers last longer, even after multiple washes.
Always sew your pillow cover with the fabric’s right sides facing each other. That way, when you turn it right side out, the seams are hidden and your cover has a clean, finished look.
Absolutely! Reusing a pillow form is a great way to refresh your home decor without spending much. Just make sure the form is still full and not lumpy, and your new cover is cut to match the form’s size.
Use the seam guides on your sewing machine’s throat plate and go slow. Marking your seam lines lightly with fabric chalk can also help you keep everything even along each of the four sides.
Related blog posts:
1. Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Pillow Case Sizes
2. What Are the Common Bed Pillow Sizes in the US?
3. How to Take Care of Pillows
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
