{ Custom Pillow Slip-Cover + Harissa Prawns Recipe } DIY
Happy Friday!
Today we have a guest to teach us how to make a custom pillow slip cover. Thanks Katie!
Enjoy…
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If you haven’t used your sewing machine in a while this is the perfect quick and easy project to revive your sewing inspiration. If you sew all the time then this is a totally satisfying project to freshen up your home décor.
I was inspired by this gorgeous piece of silk fabric recently given to me (Thank you Mo!).
Fiber Facts ~ Silk is a natural fiber that is highly regarded for its strength, luster and dye-ability. The intense and vibrant colour of silk fabric is inspiring in itself. Silk production is labour intensive and therefore costly, but its luxurious and luminous qualities can’t be matched by any synthetic fiber that has been developed in imitation
A small project such as a pillow slipcover is THE perfect way to indulge in this spectacular fabric without spending a fortune. Of course, you can also use any of the beautiful home décor fabrics currently available locally.
You will need:
- a pillow form in your desired size (mine is 20” x 20”)
- approximately half a meter of fabric (your measurement will depend on the size of your pillow)
- matching thread
- ruler, pins, marking pencil
Cutting:
1.) Cut the front of the slipcover to the exact size of your pillow.
- My piece is a 20” square.
2.) Cut two back pieces ½ the length plus 4” for hems and overlap.
- My pieces are 20” x 14”.
- Note ~ This is one of the few times when you are not going to add seam allowances – this creates a plumper and more professional looking pillow. If you add seam allowances the slipcover will actually be loose.
Sewing Instructions:
1.) Measure and press ½” to the wrong side of one long edge of each back piece. Fold ½” again to hide raw edge and press. Stitch close to the folded edge as shown.
2.)Lay front piece right side up. Place back pieces face down, overlapping in the middle. Pin. Use a pencil (any colour that will show up on your fabric is fine) to mark ½” pivot points for the corners.
3.) Using the ½” seam guideline, start sewing in the middle of one side (do not start sewing at a corner). Stitch around the entire pillow cover, backstitching when you meet your starting point. You can pivot at the corners or try the professional technique below. Trim excess seam allowance at corners.
- Professional Tip ~ One stitch across the diagonal at the corners actually creates better-formed points when the fabric is turned right side out.
4.) Turn right side out, stuff with your pillow form, and Voila!
There are endless options for embellishment with contrasting stitching, appliqué, hand embroidery… Watch out for a future DIY pillow post…
Happy Sewing!
Author Bio
Katie Leikermoser is a Home Economics Teacher, enviro-conscious mother of 4, living with a renovation-in-progress who loves to share her passion for sewing and all things related to making a house a home. When she’s not in the kitchen she tries to find as much time at her sewing machine as possible.
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Recipe Feature with Jackie Connelly
This recipe for Harissa Prawns calls for the sauce on the side, but I like to marinate the prawns in the harissa sauce for a short while before pan frying. Served with something fresh like this cucumber and tomato salad with fresh mint balances the heat of the harissa. Source local, in season prawns in your area to make it even better!
