How to Sew a Pillow Sham Step-By-Step Guide & Amazing Tips 2023
How to Sew a Pillow Sham
Sewing a pillow sham is similar to sewing a pillowcase. It involves cutting, pinning, and stitching. The key difference is that when you’re making a pillow sham, you have to be mindful of what’s inside the pillowcase.
Sewing a pillow sham can be tricky. It involves using the right tools, sewing techniques, and sewing patterns. A pillow sham is used to create a pillowcase cover.
In this post, I will teach you how to sew a pillow sham and also teach you the material needed to sew a pillow sham
Material Needed for Sew a Pillow Sham
How to Sew a Pillow Sham Step by Step
This is a step-by-step guide to sewing a pillow sham. Let’s get started!
Step 1: The first thing you’ll need is fabric. You can use cotton or polyester. I prefer to use cotton, but feel free to use whatever you like.
Step 2: Next, you’ll need to cut your fabric into a rectangle. The size is completely up to you, but I’d suggest cutting it somewhere around 24 x 16 inches.
Step 3: To create a pillow sham, you’ll need to cut your fabric into a square. This means you’ll need to cut off one of the edges.
I recommend cutting off the left side because this will create a pillow sham with a square bottom.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to start sewing. Place the fabric’s right sides together. Pin and stitch along the edge where you cut, leaving the opposite edge raw.
Once you’ve finished stitching, turn the pillow sham right side out.
Step 5: To finish the pillow sham, make sure to add pillow sham tape. It’s best to use white or light-colored tape, but feel free to use whatever color you like.
Step 6: To give your pillow sham a nice look, you’ll want to use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. You can also use an overlocker if you have one.
You can use a decorative stitch if you like.
Step 7: You’re almost done! To finish the pillow sham, simply flip it right side out and sew the two corners closed.
Once you’re done, you’re ready to fill your pillowcase.
A Few Tips to Help You Make a Successful Pillow Sham
How to Sew a Pillow Sham with Flanges Step by Step
Here is the step-by-step method to sew a pillow with flanges.
STEP 1: Cut the Fabric:
Measure your pillow by measuring the circumference of your pillow and add 6 inches to that measurement. This will give you the length of fabric needed to cover your pillow.
Cut the fabric into 1/2-inch strips.
STEP 2: Sew the Sham:
- You can use a sewing machine to do this, but if you don’t have one you can use a needle and thread.
- Begin by laying your pillow down and laying the fabric on top of it. With the straight edge of the ruler or tape measure, pin the fabric around the edge of the pillow.
- Sew along the edge of the pillow.
- Turn the fabric inside out and sew it together.
- Turn the fabric right side out.
STEP 3: Sew the Flanges:
- Make sure you’re using a heavy enough thread so the fabric won’t rip.
- Sew a straight stitch down the middle of the sham to make the flanges.
- Turn the sham right side out.
STEP 4: Iron the Sham:
Place the sham inside a dryer and iron the seam of the sham.
STEP 5: Create the Flange:
- Place a piece of cardboard the size of your desired sham underneath the sham and tape it down.
- Now, place the sham on top of the cardboard and lay the sham on a flat surface.
- Place the embroidery hoop on the sham and then tape it to the sham.
STEP 6: Embellish the Sham:
Now, you can embellish the sham as you, please.
STEP 7: Create the Back:
Place the sham inside a dryer and iron the seam of the sham.
STEP 8: Attach the Sham to the Pillow:
To attach the sham to the pillow, place the pillow inside the pillow sham and then tape the pillow sham to the pillow.
Optional to Embellish the Sham
How many yards of fabric do I need to make a pillow sham?
One yard of fabric is approximately 4 square feet. Therefore, you need 8 square feet of fabric to make a pillow sham. This works out at 5 inches by 8 inches, roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper.
How do I care for my pillow sham?
You can wash your pillow sham with cold water and a gentle detergent. You can also hand wash it, but it’s recommended that you use a dryer.
Where do I find sewing patterns?
There are many online sewing patterns, and you can also buy sewing patterns at your local fabric store.
How do I finish the edges?
After sewing the two sides together, fold the edges under and then stitch the edges.
Can I use my own fabric to make a pillow sham?
You can use any fabric you like, but you may need to add a lining.
Conclusion
I hope you got a lot out of this guide because there is a lot of information here about how to sew a pillow sham.
Be sure to check in frequently, so you can see your progress throughout the process.
Remember, the most important thing to do when sewing pillowcases is to pay attention to detail. You must do things the right way and go the extra mile.