Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Nico
In this simple tutorial for beginners learn how to make a pillow cover without a zipper in under 15 minutes. This simple project will show you how to transform any pillow you come across into something beautiful.
I recently picked up four throw pillows from a local thrift store. Pillows are great toys for toddlers – they can stack them and build forts with them. But at the same time they are very quick and simple to clean up.
No matter if you are buying pillows for toddlers like me or simply for your couch, if you too come across throw pillows that aren’t your style at a thrift store, knowing how to make a pillow cover without a zipper is a good skill to have.
I find adding zippers to handmade pillow covers to be unnecessary. Envelope style pillow covers, which have no zippers but still hold the pillow inside the cover, are much more straight forward and simple to make.
I’m spending an hour today recovering the ugly pillows I recently bought and wanted to share my tips for how to make a pillow cover without a zipper.
You can follow this tutorial for any size of pillow, so don’t worry if your pillow if a different size than mine. This tutorial will still work for you.
Watch the video
Supplies
Pillow insert
Fabric of your choice – I’m using white linen fabric
Thread that matches your fabric
Sewing machine
Measuring tape
Pins
How To Make A Pillow Cover Without A Zipper
Time needed: 10 minutes
In this simple tutorial for beginners learn how to make a pillow cover without a zipper in under 15 minutes. This simple project will show you how to transform any pillow you come across into something beautiful.
- Measure Your Pillow Form
Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your pillow form. Write these down in your phone or on a piece of paper.
- Calculate The Dimensions Of The Front Panel
To calculate the dimension of the front panel of your pillow cover, add 1 inch to the dimensions of your pillow form. So if your pillow form was 16″ x 16″, the cut measurements for your front panel would be 17″ x 17″.
- Cut Out Front Panel
Next, measure and cut out your front panel.
- Calculate The Dimensions Of The Back Overlapping Panels
Next, to calculate the length of your overlapping back panels, use the same measurement as your front panel. So if your front panel was 17″ x 17″, your length measurement would remain 17″.
For the width measurement, divide the width of your pillow form by 2. So, 16″ / 2 = 8″. To this number, add 5″. So 8″ + 5″ = 13″.
So this means that the dimensions of each back panel will be 17″ x 13″. - Pin The Hem Of The Back Panels
Next, fold one of the long sides of the back panels down 1/4″ and then another 1/4″. Pin in place.
- Sew The Hem Of The Back Panels
Then, sew the hem of both back panels. Try to keep your stitches as straight as you can.
- Pin Together The Pillow Cover
Layer the front panel and back panel pieces with right sides together. Pin into place.
- Assemble The Pillow Cover
Finally, using a 1/2″ hem, sew around the edges of the pillow cover. Turn the pillow cover right side out and test the sizing.
- Optional – Trim Excess Fabric From Hems
If you’re happy with the fit, you can take the pillow cover off and trim away the excess fabric.
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If you make this project and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!
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