Easy Throw Pillow Cover Tutorial

New throw pillows are a fantastic way to refresh your home - they're easy to make, you can choose your own fabric, and you can swap them out at any time! 

Let's take a look at how to sew a pillow cover. 

I made these three pillows (22", 18" and 16" square) using City Tribe fabrics.

Cutting: I cut two squares that are 1/2" larger than the size of my pillow insert. If you're planning to machine quilt your pillow, cut those squares 1" larger. Choose a zipper that is approximately 4" shorter than the measurement of your pillow edge. 

Step 1: I prefer to add a layer of batting to my pillow cover and also machine quilt it. This makes the pillow sturdier and gives it a nicer finished look. Layer each square with a same-sized piece of batting and baste in place (fusible batting works great here). Machine quilt each square and square up to your pillow size + 1/2". 

Step 2: Place the pillow squares right sides together and baste along one edge using a long stitch length and a 1/2" seam allowance. Press the seam open and position the zipper face down on the seam as shown, centered along the pillow edge. Pin in place. 

Step 3: Using a zipper foot and thread that coordinates with your pillow top, stitch the zipper in place along both sides. Tip: Don't forget to change your stitch length back from step 1! 

Step 4: Stitch across both ends of the zipper as shown. Stitch back and forth several times. 

Step 5: Use a seam ripper to carefully open the basted seam, exposing the zipper. 

Step 7: Layer the pillow squares right sides together, matching raw edges, and pin. Stitch around the remaining three sides of the pillow (not the zipper side - it's all set) using a 1/2" seam allowance.