Overview
Handy crafts like making pillow covers with no sewing machine skills involved might be attractive to many who are looking to make their home more personalized. Making pillow covers without a sewing machine isn’t difficult, but there is a bit of skill and knowledge involved such as understanding the importance of measurements and choosing the right materials. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make pillow covers without a sewing machine, from an overview of the tools and materials you’ll need to make the covers, to the different methods of making a pillowcase, to a look at the various styles of pillow covers available.
Tools and Materials
The first step in making pillow covers without a sewing machine is to gather the appropriate tools and materials. You’ll need scissors, fabric glue or fabric tape, iron, and ironing board, fabric (either cotton, polyester, fleece, velvet, etc.), and some type of decoration if you wish. Most fabrics such as cotton and polyester come in a variety of prints, textures, and colors, so it’s important to take your time and pick the one that best suits your taste. When it comes to the decorations, you can use ribbons, appliques, buttons, beads, or whatever other accents you think will best embellish the pillow.
Measuring
Measuring for the pillow cover is an important step when making a pillow cover without a sewing machine. For example, if the pillow is rectangular, you’ll need to measure how long and wide it is. If the pillow is a standard square size, you’ll need to measure two sides. Most importantly, you want to make sure to leave a few extra inches for a seam allowance so that the pillow won’t be too snug. For example, if your square pillow is 18 inches in length, then you’ll want to create a pillow cover that is at least 18 inches by 20 inches.
Methods
There are two main ways you can make a pillow cover without a sewing machine. The first is to simply fold the fabric in half, and use fabric glue or fabric tape to create the seam. This is a very basic method, but it will get the job done. The second method is to use an iron and ironing board to create a more professional looking seam. First, fold the fabric in half lengthwise, wrong side out. Take your iron, and press the folded edge of the fabric so that the two layers are going in the same direction. Then take a few stitches with either fabric tape or fabric glue, creating the seam. This will make it look more professional, and it is also more secure than the glue or tape alone.
Styles
Once you’ve created the pillow cover, you may want to consider the different styles you can use to make it look unique. For example, you can add a decorative trim around the edge of the pillow or add an applique, button, or ribbon to the pillow cover. You can also try using different fabrics and create a patterned pillow cover. Finally, you may want to consider using blankets or throws to make the pillow cover more cushioned and cozy.
Adding a Zipper
Adding a zipper to a pillow cover without a sewing machine is something that can be done quite easily. First, cut a piece of fabric that is the same size as the cover and lay it over the opening of the cover. Use fabric glue to adhere it in place, then use the same fabric glue to attach a zipper on top of the glued fabric. Once the glue is dry, you can slide the zipper up and down and your pillow cover will be complete.
Alternative Materials
In addition to fabric, there are also other materials that can be used to make a pillow cover without a sewing machine. For example, blankets, sheets, towels, fleece, or felt can all be used to create a unique and customized pillow cover. You can also use lace, ribbons, or appliques to embellish the cover and give it a more finished look.
Incorporating Graphics
Those looking to add a personal touch can make a pillow cover by incorporating graphics. A great way to do this is to use iron-on transfer paper which can be easily printed out with your own designs and then ironed onto the fabric. This is a great way to make a pillow cover that is truly unique.
Caring for the Cover
Finally, when it comes to caring for your pillow cover, it’s important to make sure you follow the care instructions on the fabric you used. Most likely, the cover should be gently washed in cold water on a hand-washing or delicate cycle in the washing machine and air-dried. If you used fabric glue or fabric tape, you may want to hand wash or machine wash the cover on a delicate or gentle cycle to prevent it from coming apart.
Adding Piping
Piping can be used to give a pillow cover a more finished look without having to sew. To make your own piping, use bias binding and fabric scraps. Take the bias binding and sandwich your fabric between the binding before using a hot glue gun to hold everything together. Once the glue has dried, use fabric glue or fabric tape to attach the piping onto the seam of your pillow cover.
Making Holes for Buttons
Buttons can be a great way to give a pillow cover a unique touch. To make holes for the buttons, mark them on the pillow cover where you want the buttons to be and then use a sharp pair of scissors to make the holes. Once the holes are made, use fabric glue or fabric tape to hold the buttons in place.
Including Appliques
Adding appliques to a pillow cover is another great way to make it look more personalized. The material can vary from felt to leather and anything in between. Once you have the appliques, use a glue gun or fabric glue to adhere them on the cover.
Using Patterned Fabrics
Using patterned fabrics is one of the easiest ways to make a pillow cover without a sewing machine. From floral prints to animal prints and everything in between, using patterned fabrics with fabric glue or fabric tape can instantly transform a boring pillow cover into something special and unique.
