How to Sew a Pillow Sham

How to Sew a Pillow Sham Step-By-Step Guide & Amazing Tips 2023

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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

  • Sewing Machine
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Fabric
  • Pillow Sham Pattern
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Sewing machine needle
  • Sewing machine thread
  • Sewing machine fabric
  • Iron
  • Ironing board

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

  • Sewing pillow sham patterns: There are many sewing pillow sham patterns available. But you need to choose one depending on your needs. You can go for a traditional design or you can go for a modern design. Choosing a design is an important decision. You need to look for one which matches your personality and also matches your room decor.
  • Sewing pillow sham fabrics: There are many fabrics available for pillow shams. But you need to choose one depending on your preferences. The type of fabric will depend on the design. You can sew pillow shams for both kids and adults. You can also make them for babies. There are pillow sham patterns available for children.
  • Sewing pillow sham sizes: Sewing pillow sham size is an important consideration when you are going to make a pillow sham. You need to decide about your pillow sham size. You can make a standard pillow sham of any size you wish. You can select from small, medium, and large sizes.
  • Sewing pillow sham finishes: There are different sewing pillow sham finishes. You can choose the one according to your preference. You can choose from different types of materials like cotton, polyester, silk, and wool.
  • Sewing pillow sham shapes: There are many pillow sham shapes. You can go for a square pillow sham, rectangle pillow sham, or oval 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

  • If you want to embellish the sham, place the sham inside a dryer and iron the seam of the sham.
  • Attach flowers, ribbons, or pins as desired.
  • Wrap the sham in fabric for a more finished look.
  • Use bias tape to make your sham look more shapely.
  • Place the sham inside a frame and display it for all to see.
  • Use a decorative cover to protect the sham.
  • Use a linen cover to protect the sham.
  • If you have an old pillow and the sham is too floppy, place a stiffener between the pillow and the sham.
  • Add a hand-woven label to the pillow sham.
  • Place a padded back on the pillow sham for a more cushioned look.
  • Sew an opening for the head of the pillow sham.
  • Add a fabric handle to your sham for convenience.
  • Cover the fabric with a ribbon to make it even more beautiful.
  • Fold the sham into a triangle for more stability and a fancier look.
  • Fold the sham in half for a fancy look.
  • Place the sham inside a drawstring bag for a fashionable look.
  • Use a lazy susan to rotate your sham.
  • Place the sham on a stand for display.
  • Add a shaped pillow cover to your 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.

How to make a Pillow Sham

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