Learn how to make a DIY pillow cover with my free step-by-step tutorial.
“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it all started with a mouse.” -Walt Disney
How to Make a DIY Pillow Cover
I did not name my website Geeky McGeekerson because I like plain and boring. I love all stuff fun and geeky. It is hard to decorate a room with whimsical designs without breaking the bank. I love Disney, and it would cost a small fortune to decorate a room in Disney Home Décor items. Even when using it for small touches such as a throw pillow here and there.
Instead of spending more money and ordering a Mickey Mouse pillow for my latest project, I decided to make an easy DIY Mickey Mouse throw pillow slipcover. And I already knew the Disney fabric I wanted to use since I had just purchased some for another project. So, back to JoAnn Fabrics I went, to buy some more. Thankfully, they still had some in stock.
If you have never visited a JoAnns, they always have a ton of Disney Fabric to choose from. It is extremely hard to leave without purchasing at least a yard of something.
Why are Pillow Slipcovers Used
A lot of people try to find pillows in home stores to match their décor. But you do not have to settle for a color or design pattern you do not like. Instead, you can make a DIY throw pillow slipcover that you can change any time you want.
Some reasons people learn how to make a DIY pillow cover include:
Easily change your decor
They help protect your pillows
Pillow covers are easily washable
They are easy to make
You can have fun with designs
Handmade pillow covers make excellent gifts
Can easily change covers for holidays
Cover an ugly pillow
…and More
How to Make DIY Pillow Covers
These DIY pillow covers are so easy to make. I have made several for myself and to give away as gifts. I have used this same pattern for years. It is almost impossible to screw up. Unless you are like me and forget to measure twice and cut once.
Prewash Your Fabric
For most projects, you should prewash your fabric before sewing. However, I will be the first to admit, I hate this step and sometimes skip it. Every time I do, I regret it. This is because most of the items I make need to be washed at some point. Then when I dry them, they shrink and do not fit properly.
Supplies Needed for a DIY pillow cover:
Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric
In this DIY pillow cover tutorial, I used a 14” throw pillow I also purchased from JoAnn Fabrics. If you choose a larger pillow size, you can adjust the measurements accordingly.
Cut the fabric for your pillow.
14” x 14” Pillow – Cut fabric 15” x 34”
16” x 16” Pillow – Cut fabric 17” x 38”
18” x 18” Pillow – Cut fabric 19” x 42”
20” x 20” Pillow – Cut fabric 21” x 46”
Instructions for making a DIY Pillow Cover:
If you are using a pillow that is larger than 14” x 14” you will have to adjust the sizes in steps 8 and 9. This is easy to do by laying your pillow in the middle of the fabric and folding it over it. The flaps should overlap slightly, creating an envelope.
1. Collect all your supplies.
2. Iron your Pre-washed fabric. This will make it easier to work with.
3. Cut your fabric. For this project, I am using a 15” x 34” piece of Disney fabric.
4. Place the fabric face down. On one of the short sides, turn the edge over ½”. Iron it to create a crisp edge.
5. Turn it over another ½” and iron again.
6. Pin the hem in place, so it will be easy to sew.
7. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 on the other short side.
8. Sew both hems using a ¼” seam allowance.
9. Place the fabric face up.
10. Fold the top down 9 ½”. I like to pin the edges, so it does not move.
11. Fold the bottom edge up 7 ¾”. It will overlap the fop fold.
12. Gently remove the first two pins. Now pin both flaps down making sure all the edges are lined up nicely.
13. Sew 1/2" seams down both unfinished edges.
14. Cut a tiny bit off the corners. This will make it easier to pop the corners out.
15. Flip the cover right side out. You may need to use a pointy object to push the corners out.
16. Insert your pillow.
17. You now know how to make a pillowcase.
Conclusion
Once you have learned how to make a DIY pillow cover, you will want to make more. Do it yourself pillow covers are addictive and super easy. And if you have a geeky friend that is hard to buy for, make them a pillow slipcover that features their favorite characters.