Master the Art of Sewing: How To Create a Perfectly Round Pillow Cover

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly purchasing new throw pillows to freshen up your living space? Why not try making your own round pillow covers with just a few simple steps? Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something unique and personalized for your home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of sewing a round pillow cover, from selecting the right fabric to adding those finishing touches. Get ready to unleash your creativity and learn how to sew a round pillow cover that will elevate your home decor.

Sewing a round pillow cover may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are new to sewing. However, with the right tools, materials, and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding project. Round pillows can add a unique and decorative touch to your home decor, and by making your own covers, you have the freedom to choose the fabric and design that best suits your style. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of sewing a round pillow cover.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the instructions for sewing a round pillow cover, it is important to understand the basic concepts behind it. Sewing a round cover follows the same principles as sewing any other shape – it involves creating two pieces of fabric that will encase the pillow form and attaching them together. However, since round pillows have curved edges instead of straight ones, there are some additional techniques and considerations to keep in mind.

The Importance of Fabric Choice

The first step in sewing a successful round pillow cover is choosing the right fabric. When selecting fabric for your project, keep in mind that it needs to be durable enough to withstand everyday use and washing. Additionally, since round pillows often serve as accent pieces in a room, consider choosing a fabric that complements or adds interest to your existing decor.

Measuring Your Pillow Form

To ensure your round pillow cover fits properly over your pillow form, accurate measurements are crucial. Using a flexible measuring tape or string, measure around the widest part of your pillow form. Take this measurement and add an extra inch for seam allowance.

Creating the Pattern

Once you have your measurements ready, it’s time to create a pattern for your round pillow cover. You can either use an existing pattern or create one yourself by using a compass or tracing around a large round object on paper. Add the one-inch seam allowance to your pattern.

Gathering Your Materials

To sew a round pillow cover, you will need the following materials:

  • Fabric (based on your measurements and pattern, add an additional inch for seam allowance)
  • Pillow form
  • Sewing machine (or you can hand sew if preferred)
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing thread
  • Fabric marking pen or chalk

Make sure to choose a sewing thread that matches your fabric to ensure a seamless finish.

Sewing Process

Cutting Out Your Fabric Pieces

Using your pattern as a guide, cut out two pieces of fabric for the front and back of your round pillow cover. Place the fabric right sides together and pin the pattern to it. This will help you cut out identical pieces without having to trace it twice.

Adding Seam Allowance and Marking Darts

Once both pieces are cut out, place them on top of each other and pin them in place. Next, use your fabric marking pen or chalk to trace the shape of your pattern onto the wrong side of both pieces. Remember to add an extra inch for seam allowance.

Additionally, if your pattern includes darts (for curved edges), mark those as well by drawing lines from the edge toward the center of the circle. These darts will help create a smooth curve when sewing.

Sewing Darts and Side Edges

With the right sides of the fabric still facing each other, use your sewing machine’s straight stitch to sew along the marked dart lines. This will help shape the fabric and create a smooth edge when the pillow cover is turned right side out.

Next, sew along the side edges using a half-inch seam allowance. Make sure to leave a small gap on one of the edges for turning the cover right side out.

Finishing Touches

Once the darts and side edges are sewn, turn your pillow cover right side out and insert your pillow form. If you’re happy with the fit, use a slip stitch or ladder stitch to close the gap.

If you want to add a decorative touch, you can topstitch around the edge of your round pillow cover using a coordinating thread color or add trimmings such as piping or fringe.

Caring for Your Round Pillow Cover

To ensure your round pillow cover stays in good condition, it is essential to follow proper care instructions. Depending on the fabric you chose, some covers may be machine washable while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Always check the care label before washing to avoid damaging your handmade creation.

Sewing a round pillow cover may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can master

Sewing is a great hobby that can help you tap into your creativity and also save you some money by allowing you to create your own items. One of the items that many beginners enjoy making is a round pillow cover. Not only is it a practical item that can add some comfort and decoration to your living space, but it is also a relatively easy project that can help you develop your sewing skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through step by step instructions on how to sew a round pillow cover. We will cover everything from selecting the right fabric, to sewing techniques and tips for achieving professional-looking results. So, whether you are an experienced sewer or just starting out, this guide will equip you with all the information need to make your very own round pillow cover.

Gathering Your Materials

Before we dive into the actual sewing process, let’s first gather all the materials and tools we will need to make our round pillow cover. These include:

– Fabric: The first step in making any clothing item or home decor piece is selecting the fabric. For a round pillow cover, you want to choose a sturdy and durable fabric such as cotton or linen. Make sure the fabric is at least 1 ½ times larger than your desired finished size.
– Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors is essential for cutting out your fabric pieces.
– Sewing machine: While it is possible to sew a round pillow cover by hand, using a sewing machine will save you time and give you more professional-looking results.
– Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric or opt for a contrasting color for added visual interest.
– Pins: These are used for holding pieces of fabric in place before sewing.
– Measuring tape: This will help you accurately measure and cut your fabric pieces according to your desired size.
– Marking tool: A fabric pen or tailor’s chalk can be used to mark your fabric for cutting and sewing.
– Zipper: This is optional but recommended for easily inserting and removing the pillow form from the pillow cover.
– Pillow form: This is the stuffing for your pillow and comes in various shapes and sizes. Choose one that fits your round pillow cover’s size.

Preparing Your Fabric

Now that you have all your materials ready, it’s time to prepare your fabric for sewing. If your fabric has any wrinkles, iron it flat before proceeding. Next, measure and cut out two circles of equal size from your fabric using a measuring tape and scissors. If you plan on adding a zipper, make sure to leave an opening on one of the circles that is slightly smaller than the width of your chosen zipper.

Sewing Techniques

There are different techniques you can use to sew a round pillow cover depending on your skill level and preferences. The following are some popular techniques used by sewers:

– Basic Stitching: This involves sewing the two fabric circles together along the edges with a straight stitch. For added durability, use a zigzag stitch instead.
– French Seam: A French seam gives the pillow cover a clean finish by enclosing raw edges within the seam. To create this seam, first stitch the wrong sides of the circles together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Then trim this seam down to 1/8 inch and turn the fabric right side out before stitching it again with a 3/8-inch seam allowance.
– Invisible Stitching: This technique involves hand-sewing an opening after inserting the pillow form using small invisible stitches.

Tips for Achieving Professional-Looking Results

Regardless of which technique you choose, there are some general tips that will help you achieve professional-looking results:

– Always start with fresh needles: Using a dull or old needle can lead to skipped stitches and uneven sewing.
– Use the right thread tension: Adjusting your sewing machine’s thread tension will help create even and balanced stitches.
– Iron as you go: Ironing your fabric as you sew will help create crisp and neat seams.
– Practice on scrap fabric first: If you are new to sewing or trying out a new technique, it’s always a good idea to practice on scrap fabric first before working on your actual project.
– Take it slow: Sewing requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush through the process, take your time to make sure everything is done correctly.

Incorporating Design Elements

Once you have mastered the basic techniques for sewing a round pillow cover, you can get creative and incorporate design elements to give your pillow cover a unique touch. These can include adding buttons, embroidery, or even using different fabrics for each side of the pillow cover.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to put it into practice and start sewing your very own round pillow cover. Remember to start with gathering all of your materials, preparing your fabric carefully before stitching, and using one of the recommended techniques for a professional

Q: What materials do I need to sew a round pillow cover?
A: To sew a round pillow cover, you will need fabric, scissors, thread, needle, pins, sewing machine (optional), measuring tape, and a circle template.

Q: How do I measure the fabric for a round pillow cover?
A: Measure the diameter of your pillow and add 1 inch for seam allowance. Then, double this measurement to get the length of fabric needed. For example, if your pillow is 18 inches in diameter, you will need 38 inches of fabric (18+1=19 x2=38).

Q: Can I use any type of fabric to make a round pillow cover?
A: Yes, you can use any type of fabric as long as it is sturdy enough to hold the shape of the pillow. Cotton or linen are popular choices for pillow covers.

Q: Do I need a sewing machine to make a round pillow cover?
A: No, you can hand-sew a round pillow cover with basic sewing skills. However, using a sewing machine can save time and give neater stitches.

Q: What is the best way to cut out a perfect circle for my round pillow cover?
A: You can use a circular object such as a plate or bowl as a template and trace around it onto your fabric. Alternatively, you can create your own circle template by measuring and marking equal distances from the center.

Q: How can I close my round pillow cover without leaving any visible openings or seams?
A: The easiest way is to use an invisible zipper closure. You can also try blind stitching or using snap buttons for a seamless look.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew a round pillow cover is not only a practical skill but also a fun and creative project. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can easily create their own custom pillow covers to enhance their home decor. From choosing the right fabric and measurements to sewing techniques and finishing touches, each step plays a crucial role in creating a professional-looking, perfectly tailored round pillow cover. The use of common household items as tools and the option to add personal touches with embellishments or embroidery make this project accessible to sewers of all levels.

While the process may seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, one can master the art of sewing round pillow covers. This skill can be applied to other sewing projects as well, allowing for endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Additionally, knowing how to sew can also save money by avoiding expensive store-bought options.

In addition to practical benefits, learning how to sew a round pillow cover promotes sustainability by encouraging individuals to repurpose materials or recycle old garments into new home decor items. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from creating something with one’s own hands.

Overall, sewing a round pillow cover is more than just a task; it is an enjoyable process that offers numerous benefits. It allows

Author Profile

Avatar
Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.