Supplies

• 1 pillow form - 12 x 12 inches 

  • (NOTE: these instructions are specifically for a 12 x 12 pillow form BUT I will give information on how to “translate” them to a different size form

• ½ yard fabric or 2 “fat quarters” is using quilters cotton

  • If your pillow form is a different size, you will need more / less fabric.  You will need enough fabric for the largest dimension + 5 inches. 

  • For example if your pillow form is 18 X 18, you will need 23 inches or approx. 2/3 of a yard.  

• Thread – to match or contract fabric, as desired

 

Equipment

• Sewing machine

• Iron and surface on which to iron

• A few straight pins

• Fabric scissors

• Yardstick, ruler or tape measure

• Tailors chalk or washable fabric marker (optional)

• Masking tape (optional)

 

Steps

 

1. Iron out any major wrinkles from fabric

2. NOTE: when cutting pieces, pay attention to the print or pattern on the fabric and take that into account when cutting

3. Pillow Front - Cut 1 piece of fabric that is 5 inches larger than each dimension (for example, our pillow form is 12 x 12 so we would cut a piece that is 17 x 17)

4. Pillow Back - Calculate dimensions of pillow back – will be 2 pieces

   • First dimension = 1 dimension + 5 inches (12 + 5 = 17 inches)

   • Second dimension = ½ the other side + 5 inches (6 + 5 = 11 inches)

   • So, with a 12 x 12 pillow form, we would need to cut 2 pieces that measure 17 x 11 inches

5. Do a “rolled hem” along one of the 17 inch sides of each piece of the pillow back

6. Place pillow front with right side facing you

7. Place each of the 2 pillow backs (right side facing down) on top of the pillow front.  Note that there WILL be some overlap

8. Pin the piece together all around the perimeter.  Stitch a ½ seam all the way around

9. Clip the fabric out of the corners

10. Turn the pillow right side out – press well!  Make sure that the seam is flat

11. Mark 2 inches from the edge around the perimeter. 

12. Stitch