Winter has officially arrived when my Christmas pillow covers are on the couch again. I love to switch out my home decor seasonally, it keeps everything fresh and new every few months.
If you’ve been to your local Home Goods recently, you may know that decorative pillows are not very cheap. Any time I see a pillow that I love, it’s easily over $40. I can’t get myself to spend that much on a pillow (I’m a frugal gal), so why not make it myself? And that’s how I got here.
After I figured out how to make my own Christmas pillow covers, it was game over for Home Goods and Amazon. Making your own pillow covers can cost a fourth of the price. I made this pillow cover for only $3. I bought the fabric from Walmart for $3 a yard, and that was all I needed.
You don’t need any fancy skills to do this project, which is the best part. Basic beginner sewing knowledge is needed, but you don’t need a serger or any crazy supplies for this.
Supplies you need to make Christmas pillow covers
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Pillow inserts
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The fabric of your choice (The amount will depend on how big your inserts are. Either 1/2 to 1 yard.)
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Measuring tape
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Sewing machine
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Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
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Pins
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A thread that matches your fabric
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Iron (optional)
Why make your own Christmas pillow covers?
Some might ask, why should I make my own Christmas pillow covers when I can buy some on Amazon for a little more money? Not everyone wants to make their own stuff, I get it. But if you’re here, there’s a good chance you like to DIY. I love to make and do things myself as well. I take pride in learning a new skill and creating something from nothing. To me, there is nothing more satisfying.
How to make your own Christmas pillow covers
Step 1: Measure your pillow inserts.
Step 2: Cut out your fabric.
For example: My pillow is 16×16.
- Width (Pillow width X 2) + 5
- 16×2 = 32 +5 = 37″
- Length (Size of pillow insert)
- The length of my fabric needs to be 16″
Step 3: Sew a straight or zig-zag line around the 4 edges of the fabric to keep it from fraying.
Step 4: Now make a hem on both of the short sides of the fabric.
- Fold it over 1/2″, then iron. Fold another 1/2″ and iron again. Repeat those steps on the other short side of the fabric.
Step 5: Measure and mark the center of each long edge with a pin.
Step 6: Fold over each side of the fabric. The fold needs to measure 1/2 of the pillow insert size minus a 1/2″ on each end.
For example: My pillow is 16 inches long.
- (Length of pillow insert) / 2 – 1/2″
- 16/2 = 8 – 1/2″ = 7.5″
Tip: Each fold needs to measure 7.5″ from the outer edge of the fold to the pin in the middle. You are NOT measuring from the hemmed edge to the outer edge.
Step 7: Pin and secure both long sides in place.
Step 8: Sew a 1/2″ seam on each side of the pillow cover.
Step 9: Turn the Christmas pillow cover inside out.
Step 10: Fold the pillow form in half, and insert it into the pillow cover.
- Fluff and adjust as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sewing machine for this?
Where can I buy pillow inserts?
What type of fabric should I use?
I usually use cotton for my pillow covers. You can use velvet or something fun if you’d like, just be aware that you may need to change your needle depending on your material to prevent skipped stitching or other issues.
Should I wash the fabric first?
It’s not a make it or break it deal, but it’s probably a better idea if you do wash the fabric and dry the fabric before you make your Christmas pillow covers.
Final Thoughts
How easy was that?! You just made your very own Christmas pillow covers. You can keep them for years to come for the memory, or you can sew new ones each year depending on your taste. Either way, it’s a very economical, fun, and easy project! I love making my own christmas pillow covers, they are that much more special to me. That personal, custom touch always adds to the Christmas spirit.
If you liked this post, check out this stovetop potpourri recipe.
2 comments
Love this! I love sewing!
So cute! Thanks for sharing!