Master the Art of Sewing Bolster Pillow Covers: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly replacing your old and worn-out bolster pillow covers? Want to add a personal touch to your home decor? Look no further, as we bring to you a step-by-step guide on how to sew your very own bolster pillow cover. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a beautiful and durable cover for your bolster pillows. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, this article will provide you with all the necessary instructions on how to sew a perfect bolster pillow cover. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!

Understanding Bolster Pillows

Bolster pillows are long cylindrical-shaped pillows that are used for both decorative and practical purposes. Unlike traditional square or rectangular pillows, bolster pillows have a unique shape that makes them stand out in any room. They can serve as an eye-catching addition to your home decor while also providing support and comfort when used for sleeping or lounging.

These pillows are often filled with materials such as foam, feathers, or fiberfill to offer a firm yet comfortable feel. The outer covering of a bolster pillow is usually made of soft and durable fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. This makes them not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for everyday use.

Bolster pillows come in various sizes to suit different needs – from small decorative ones that can be placed on a bed or couch to larger ones that can accommodate the whole body. They are also available in different colors, patterns, and designs, making it easy to find one that matches your personal style.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Sew Bolster Pillow Cover

Sewing your own bolster pillow covers is a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor. Plus, it allows you to choose the fabric and design that best suits your needs and preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sew a bolster pillow cover.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before you start sewing, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. These include fabric (preferably cotton or linen), scissors, thread, pins, measuring tape, and a sewing machine (or needle if you prefer hand-sewing).

Step 2: Measure Your Bolster Pillow
Using a measuring tape, determine the length and circumference of your bolster pillow. Add an extra inch to both measurements for seam allowance.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric
Now that you have the measurements, it’s time to cut your fabric. Lay the fabric flat on a surface and use your measurements to cut a rectangle shape that is 1 inch longer and wider than your pillow.

Step 4: Pin and Sew One Side of the Cover
Fold one of the long edges of the fabric over by half an inch and iron it to create a crease. Then fold it over again, this time by an inch, and iron to create another crease. Pin it in place and sew along the edge, leaving a small opening at each end for the pillow to slide in.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat step 4 on the other long edge of the fabric. This will create a tube-like structure with openings at both ends.

Step 6: Sew One Short End
Fold one short edge of the fabric over by half an inch, iron, and then fold again by an inch. Pin and sew along this edge.

Step 7: Repeat on the Other Short End
Repeat step 6 on the other short end of the fabric.

Step 8: Turn Inside Out
Carefully turn your cover inside out through one of the openings. Use a pencil or any blunt object to push out all corners for a neat finish.

Step 9: Insert Your Pillow
Slip your bolster pillow into the cover through one of the openings.

Step 10: Close Up The Opening
Using a needle and thread, carefully stitch up the openings at both ends of your cover. Make sure to secure your stitches for durability.

Tips for Choosing The Right Fabric for Bolster Pillow Covers

The success of any sewing project largely depends on your choice of fabric. When it comes to bolster pillows, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the right fabric.

Durability<\/strong>
Since bolster pillows are often used for support while sleeping or lounging, it’s important to choose a fabric that can withstand frequent use and washing. Sturdy fabrics such as canvas, duck cloth, or denim are ideal for this purpose.

Aesthetics
Bolster pillows can add a pop of color and texture to any room, so it’s important to choose a fabric that complements your existing decor. Opt for fabrics with interesting patterns or designs that will catch the eye.

Comfort
Fabrics like cotton and linen not only make great pillow covers but also offer comfort and breathability. Avoid materials that are too stiff or scratchy as they may not be comfortable to rest on.

Caring for Your Handmade Bolster Pillow Cover

To keep your bolster pillow cover looking fresh and new, it’s essential to take proper care of it. Here are a few tips on how to maintain the quality of your handmade cover:

Wash with Care<\/strong>
Before washing your cover, make sure to remove the pillow insert first. Follow the fabric care instructions and

Overview of Sewing Bolster Pillow Covers

Bolster pillows are not just decorative accents for your bed or couch, they also add support and comfort. However, finding the perfect bolster pillow cover can be a challenging task. The solution? Sew your own! Not only will it be customized to your specific needs and preferences, but it will also be a fun and rewarding project.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about sewing bolster pillow covers. From fabric options to step-by-step instructions, you’ll have all the information you need to create the perfect cover for your bolster pillow.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The first step in sewing a bolster pillow cover is selecting the right fabric. When choosing a fabric, consider both its aesthetic appeal and its durability. For bolster pillow covers, it’s best to go with a medium-weight cotton or linen fabric that can withstand frequent use and washing.

Additionally, consider the color and pattern of your fabric. If you’re using a bold or busy pattern, make sure it aligns correctly when sewing the seams. If using a solid color, think about how it will coordinate with other elements in the room.

Taking Measurements

To sew a proper fitting cover for your bolster pillow, take accurate measurements. Start by measuring the length of your pillow from end to end, then measure around its circumference (the thickest part). Add both measurements together and add an additional 1 inch for seam allowance.

Once you have your measurements, transfer them onto your chosen fabric by marking them with tailor’s chalk or disappearing ink pen. To ensure symmetry and evenness of seams, draw lines on both sides of your fabric before cutting out.

Cutting & Sewing

Carefully cut out two identical pieces of fabric according to your measurements. These will be the top and bottom of your pillow cover.

Next, measure and cut a strip of fabric for the sides of your cover. Make sure the width is equal to the circumference measurement of your pillow plus 1 inch for seam allowance. The length should be the same as the length measurement of your pillow plus an additional inch for seam allowance.

To create a seamless look, it’s best to use french seams when sewing your bolster pillow cover. First, sew one short end of the side strip to one short end of the top piece with right sides together. Repeat on the other end with the bottom piece.

Then, fold the fabric in half with wrong sides facing each other and sew along both long edges. Trim off any excess fabric and turn the cover inside out to hide all raw edges.

Adding a Closure

To keep your bolster pillow securely tucked inside its cover, you’ll need to add a closure. The most common closure options are zippers, buttons, or ties. Zippers are perhaps the easiest option as they create a seamless finish while still allowing for easy removal for washing.

To add a zipper closure, place your zipper face down on one edge of your cover opening and sew along each side using a zipper foot. Once sewn in place, carefully trim away any excess fabric around the zipper for a clean finish.

Finishing Touches

To complete your bolster pillow cover, you can add some decorative touches like piping or fringe. Piping is an elegant addition that adds definition and structure to your cover’s edges. To create piping, cut bias strips (diagonal to fabric grain) from another coordinating fabric and sew them along each edge before sewing everything together.

Fringe is another fun way to elevate a plain bolster pillow cover. You can buy pre-made fringe or easily create it yourself by cutting strips from your fabric and pulling out threads to create a frayed edge. Sew the fringe along your seams before stitching everything together.

Creating your own bolster pillow cover allows you to customize it to fit your style and needs while also adding a personal touch to your home decor. With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a perfectly fitting and stylish bolster pillow cover in no time. So go ahead and grab your fabric, scissors, and sewing machine, and get ready to elevate your interiors with a handmade touch!

1. What materials do I need to sew a bolster pillow cover?
To sew a bolster pillow cover, you will need fabric, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, a measuring tape, pins, and a zipper or other closure method. You may also want to have polyester fiberfill or an insert for the pillow itself.

2. How should I measure the fabric for my bolster pillow cover?
To measure the fabric for your bolster pillow cover, start by measuring the length and circumference of your bolster pillow. Add an additional 1 inch to both of these measurements to account for seam allowances. If you are using a patterned fabric, make sure you have enough yardage to match up the pattern along the seams.

3. Do I need any special sewing techniques to make a bolster pillow cover?
No, you do not need any special sewing techniques to make a bolster pillow cover. Basic sewing skills such as measuring, cutting, pinning and sewing in straight lines will suffice.

4. What type of zipper works best for a bolster pillow cover?
For ease of use and durability, an invisible zipper is the best choice for a bolster pillow cover. However, if you are more comfortable with other types of zippers like standard or metal zippers, those can work as well.

5. Can I use an alternative closure method instead of a zipper on my bolster pillow cover?
Yes, if you do not want to use a zipper on your bolster pillow cover, there are alternative closure methods such as buttons or ties that can be used instead. Keep in mind that these may not provide as secure and seamless closure as a zipper.

6. How can I ensure my bolster pillow cover turns out neatly and professionally?
To ensure your bolster pillow cover turns out neatly and professionally,carefully iron your fabric before sewing to remove any wrinkles. Use pins to hold the fabric in place while sewing, and trim any excess fabric or loose threads for a cleaner finish. Taking your time and paying attention to detail will result in a polished final product.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a bolster pillow cover can be a fun and rewarding project, with the added benefit of being able to customize it to your personal style and decor. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully create a professional-looking bolster pillow cover that will add both comfort and aesthetic appeal to your living space.

First and foremost, it is important to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand before beginning the sewing process. This includes fabric, scissors, measuring tape, pins, and a sewing machine. Carefully selecting high-quality materials and paying attention to details will result in a durable and visually pleasing final product.

The key steps in creating a bolster pillow cover include measuring and cutting out the fabric pieces, pinning and sewing them together while leaving an opening for stuffing, adding any desired embellishments or trims, stuffing the cover with filling material of your choice, and finally closing off the opening with hand sewing or machine stitching.

Throughout this process, it is essential to pay attention to details such as precise measurements and straight seams for a polished look. It is also helpful to practice on scrap fabric before working on the actual project.

In addition to being a practical skill that can save money on buying pre-made pillow covers, knowing how to sew bolster

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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.