Oversize pillows can make a bold design statement whether they are placed on the bed, a wooden bench by the front door or across the back of a sleek, modern couch. Large pillow inserts (or body pillows) are readily available and are pretty inexpensive (I think mine was around $20) but finding the perfect cover can be much more challenging, which is where making your own wins out!
This one has the opposite fabrics on the back, which is a great way to switch out the look of this pillow.
My pillow measures 54” x 20” and this tutorial will show you how to make a cover using one yard each of two co-ordinating fabrics. I used one yard of Grey and White Diamond Linen and one yard of CrossCriss by Holli Zollinger in Kona Cotton. You will also need a 14” zipper and 42” of contrasting piping.
To start, we are going to name your fabrics A and B. It doesn’t matter which is which, but it will make the instructions clearer.
1. First, we are going to start cutting Fabric A. Cutting across the yard, cut 1 piece of fabric 42” x 20”. Make sure to remove the unprinted, excess borders around the edge of the fabric. Turn the fabric 90 degrees and cut one piece of fabric 12” x 20”.
2. Repeat step 1 for Fabric B.
3. To make the cushion front, cut one piece of piping measuring 21”.
4. Lay out the larger piece of fabric A. Pin then baste the piping to one short end of Fabric A.
5. Place the smaller cut of Fabric B on top the edge with the piping. Pin and stitch through all layers.
6. Press the piping to one side and top stitch.
7. To make the cushion back, repeat steps 3 through 6 with the opposite fabric cuts.
8. Lay the cushion front on top of the cushion back, with right sides facing. Pin, then stitch all the way around leaving a 14” hole for turning and for inserting your zipper.
9. Clip all 4 corners and turn the cover the right way out.
10. Pin the zipper into the folded edges of the turning hole and sew all the way around. To finish, insert the pillow form.
About Our Guest Blogger
Hi! I’m Emma, and as well as working on the Fiskars Design Team, I blog over at hellobeautifulblog.blogspot.com/
I’m an obsessive sewer, often leaping into projects with more enthusiasm than talent, more bravado than skill and more good luck than anything else. This technique has worked well for me so far and more often than not, I make things I love, even if they’re not absolutely perfect. And though I’m no expert, I have a passion for fabric, color and design. I know what I like and what I like makes me smile.
When you say “cut across the yard” what does that mean? Width of fabric? Trying to make this for my nephew
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