HOW TO MAKE PILLOW SHAMS
Decorating a space in your home can be fun…but it can also be frustrating. Having a particular “look” in mind can lead to not being able to find what you want, and in this case, I always solve this problem by “making”.
Making your own decor items allows you to use the colors you want, along with textures and prints that you like. You are not limited to what another designer has already envisioned. YOU become the designer!
Another great thing about “making” is that you can save money. This is not always the case, but I did make two lovely pillow shams for approximately $4.00 a piece. You will not find that price in the store for a pre-made item!
Looking for more direction with creating the home of your dreams on a budget? My DIY HOME Guide is for you! Get the guide, the worksheets, and the DIY planner to get you on your way! It will be like having a friend help you through the process of becoming a home decorator!
I am very happy to say that this is a beginner-friendly tutorial. If you run into problems or have questions please email me or contact me on Facebook or Instagram.
Let me show you how to make pillow shams!
Gather your materials (this list makes two shams):
- 2 yards medium-weight fabric (do not use a stretchy fabric for this project)
- Please note that I purchased a curtain and cut it up to make my shams.
- Pillow Inserts
- These shams accomodate a 28″ X 20″ Standard Size Pillow
- Thread
- Basic Sewing Supplies, including a sewing machine.
PILLOW SHAM PATTERN
STEP ONE: Cut your fabric as follows:
- Two front pieces measuring 29″ X 21″
- Two back pieces measuring 14″ X 21″
- Two back pieces measuring 18″ X 21″
FRONT PIECES:
BACK PIECES:
HOW TO MAKE PILLOW SHAMS
STEP TWO: Using an iron fold over the one long edge of each back piece 1/4″. Fold over one more time to create a 1/4″ hem. Pin hem into place:
CLOSE UP OF PINNED EDGE:
STEP THREE: Sew the hem into place close to the folded edge. DO NOT SEW OVER YOUR PINS: remove them before you go over them:
STEP FOUR: Lay your front piece on a table right-side up. Take one of your back pieces (they should all be hemmed along one long edge) and lay it right-sides together on top of the front piece, matching the edges as shown (the hem will be in the middle of the pillow):
STEP FIVE: Lay the other back piece on the pillow top right-sides together. Please note that the two back pieces will overlap as shown. Pin all around your pillow sham:
STEP SIX: Sew all around the pillow sham using a 1/2″ seam:
STEP SEVEN: Turn your pillow sham right-sides out. Iron your edges nice and flat and pin all around the edge of the pillow sham:
STEP EIGHT: Sew a 1/2″ topstitch around the entire pillow sham. This creates a less “handmade” look and provides detail:
STEP NINE: Cut your threads, iron your shams and you are done!
Now that wasn’t too tough, was it?
Pillow shams are a great way to refresh the style in your bedroom. And since you know how to make pillow shams yourself you can change things up without worrying too much about the cost!
Again, if you have questions be sure to contact me.
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If you prefer to buy pillow shams to create a look in your home, there are lots of great options on Amazon!
Happy sewing!
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