For seasoned sewists, making a flanged pillow cover is easy. For those of you new to sewing, let me start with the definition. A “flange” is a rim or edge around a pillow cover. A flanged pillow cover is just as easy to make as a regular envelope-style cover but a bit dressier. So if you want to learn how to make one, grab some cute fabric and follow this easy tutorial.
(This post may contain affiliate links; as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclosure here.)
supplies needed:
- fabric
- pillow form or old throw pillow
- scissors
- straight pins
- tape measure
cut the fabric
For this project, I’m using a 24″ pillow. I’m allowing 4″ for the flange and 1″ for the seam allowance. Following the formula below, I cut one piece of fabric 34″ x 34″ for the pillow cover front.
(pillow size) + (flange x 2) + (seam allowance x 2)
24″ + (4″ x 2) + (1″ x 2) = 34
The width of the back pillow cover is the same as the front cover. For the length, use the formula below:
width of cover front – (.5 x width of front) + 6
34″ – (.5 x 34) + 6 = 23″
stitch the pillow cover
Make a narrow hem along one long edge of the pillow back. Do this for both back pieces.
Top seam – With right sides together, pin one of the back sections to the front section. Stitch together at the top edge, as indicated by the red broken line in photo below. Trim seam.
Bottom seam – Next, pin the second back section to the front section (right sides together) as shown in the photo below. This section overlaps the first back section just a bit. Stitch a seam along the bottom of the pillow cover, as indicated by the broken red line in photo below. Trim seam.
Side seams – Now that the front is attached to the back sections, pin the side seams together to keep the overlapping back sections in place. Stitch the two sides. Trim seams.
create the flanged border
Turn the pillow cover right-side out and press well. Measure in 4″ from the outside edges and mark with pins. Then stitch along the pin line to create the 4″ flange border around the circumference of the pillow cover.
Press the cover a final time. Stuff with a 24″ pillow form (or use an old pillow, as I did) and enjoy the final result. A brand new flanged pillow cover! This is a great way to breathe new life into an old pillow. Enjoy!
The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!
An essential to a clean, comfortable and healthy sleep environment, pillow covers and a pillow protector not only increase the lifespan of bedroom pillows but improve comfort and cleanliness
That was a great tutorial! Such a classic look for a throw pillow 😊
thanks Cindy!