How to Sew a Pillow Sham? Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to sew a pillow sham, gather the fabric and cut two pieces to fit your pillow size. Then, hem the back panels, creating an envelope closure, and sew all the pieces together to complete the pillow sham.

When it comes to adding a personal touch to your home decor, sewing your own pillow shams can be a rewarding and creative project. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, making a pillow sham is a relatively simple task that can elevate the look of your living space.

By choosing your own fabric and design, you can customize your pillow shams to match your existing decor or create a unique accent piece. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of sewing a pillow sham, providing tips and tricks to ensure a professional finish. Let’s dive into the exciting world of sewing and create beautiful pillow shams to adorn your home.

How to Sew a Pillow Sham?

Introduction To Sewing Pillow Shams

Learn how to sew a pillow sham with this easy and quick tutorial. From pre-washing fabric to attaching the fusible fleece and sewing the front and back together, create a beautiful pillow sham in no time.

What Is A Pillow Sham?

A pillow sham is a decorative covering for your pillow that adds a touch of style and elegance to your bedroom decor. It is usually made from fabric and is designed to be placed over a pillow to enhance its appearance. Unlike a pillowcase, a pillow sham is not meant to be slept on, but rather to serve as an accessory that complements your bedding ensemble.

Benefits Of Making Your Own Pillow Sham

Making your own pillow sham has several advantages.

1. Customization: When you make your own pillow sham, you have the freedom to choose the fabric, color, and design that perfectly matches your bedroom decor.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Sewing your own pillow sham can be a cost-effective option compared to buying one from a store, especially if you already have some sewing supplies and fabric on hand.
3. Quality and Durability: By sewing your own pillow sham, you have control over the quality of materials used and can ensure that it is made to your desired standards, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finished product.
4. Personalization: Making your own pillow sham allows you to add personalized details such as trims, embellishments, or monograms, making it unique and tailored to your taste.
5. Satisfaction and Creativity: Sewing your own pillow sham can bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It allows you to showcase your creativity and craftsmanship while adding a personal touch to your bedroom decor.

Overall, sewing your own pillow sham is a rewarding and enjoyable DIY project that not only adds beauty to your bedroom but also allows you to express your individual style and creativity. So, why not give it a try and create a unique pillow sham that reflects your personal taste and enhances the ambiance of your sleep sanctuary?

Gathering Materials And Preparing Fabric

Before starting to sew a beautiful pillow sham, it is crucial to gather all the necessary materials and prepare the fabric for the project. This step ensures that your pillow sham will turn out perfectly!

Materials Needed

First, let’s take a look at the materials you will need for sewing a pillow sham:

• Fabric: Choose a fabric of your choice, such as cotton, linen, or silk. Prepare both front and back pieces of fabric according to the measurements of your pillow.
• Thread: Select a high-quality thread that complements your fabric and sewing machine.
• Needles and Pins: Have a set of sewing needles and pins on hand for stitching and securing the fabric.
• Fusible Fleece: This will provide some extra structure and softness to your pillow sham. It can be ironed onto the fabric.
• Measuring Tape and Scissors: Essential tools for measuring and cutting the fabric accurately.
• Sewing Machine: A reliable sewing machine will make the sewing process much easier and efficient.

Pre-washing The Fabric

Pre-washing the fabric is a crucial step to prevent any shrinkage or color bleeding after the pillow sham is sewn. Here is how you can do it:

1. Sort the Fabric: Separate your fabric based on color and type to avoid any color bleeding.
2. Pre-treat Stains: Address any visible stains on the fabric before washing.
3. Wash and Dry: Follow the washing instructions for your fabric, then machine dry it according to the fabric’s requirements.
4. Ironing: Iron the fabric to ensure it is smooth and ready for the sewing process.

Sewing The Front And Back Panels

Adding The Flange

Now that you have sewn the front and back of your pillow sham together, it’s time to add the flange. The flange is a decorative border that will give your pillow sham a professional and polished look.

Sewing The Flange

To start sewing the flange, fold the fabric around the pillow sham, aligning the raw edges. Pin the fabric in place to ensure it stays in position while sewing.

Trimming Excess Fabric

Once you have sewn the flange, carefully trim any excess fabric from the edges. This will give your pillow sham a clean and tidy finish.

If needed, you can use a ruler or a straight-edge tool to ensure you are cutting in a straight line. Be cautious not to cut too close to the stitches to avoid any unraveling.

And there you have it! Adding the flange is the final step in sewing a pillow sham. Your beautifully crafted pillow sham is now ready to adorn your bed or couch.

Remember to choose fabrics and designs that complement your existing home decor, and have fun experimenting with different color schemes and patterns.

For more sewing inspiration and tutorials, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and website.

Finishing Touches

Once you have sewn together the front and back panels of your pillow sham, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will give your project a professional and polished look. Pressing and steaming the pillow sham, exploring alternative closure options, and adding decorative embellishments are all important steps in completing your pillow sham.

Pressing And Steaming The Pillow Sham

Before moving forward with the next steps, it is essential to press and steam your pillow sham. This will help to remove any wrinkles and creases, ensuring that your finished project looks neat and tidy. Use a hot iron with steam setting and press the fabric gently, moving the iron in straight lines. Be sure to press each seam and the edges of your pillow sham for a crisp and professional finish.

Alternative Closure Options

In addition to the traditional envelope closure, there are several alternative closure options you can consider for your pillow sham. One option is to use button or snap closures, which can add a decorative element to your project. Another option is to use a zipper closure, which provides a more secure and seamless look. Whichever closure option you choose, make sure to carefully attach it to your pillow sham, following the instructions provided.

Decorative Embellishments

To add a personal touch to your pillow sham, consider incorporating decorative embellishments. This could include adding piping or trim along the edges of your sham, embroidery or applique designs on the front panel, or even decorative buttons or beads for a unique and eye-catching look. Be creative and experiment with different embellishments to achieve the desired aesthetic for your pillow sham.

Conclusion

Sewing a pillow sham is a quick and easy project that can add a stylish touch to your home decor. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a customized pillow sham that perfectly fits your pillows.

From pre-washing the fabric to attaching the flange, each step is explained in detail to ensure success. So grab your sewing machine and get started on creating beautiful pillow shams for your home. Happy sewing!