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How to Make Pillow Covers with a Cricut Maker
My spoiled friend asked me to make 2 pillow covers for her for Christmas knowing I’d be able to make something she loved and of course I did! Her taste is primitive, rustic, farmhouse….whatever they’re calling it these days! I did these pillows for her several years back. She still likes them, but wants change of pace. Using a pillow cover will give her the options. She dropped the pillows off the other day and I got started on them. Anyway, I’d like to show you how to make pillow covers with a Cricut Maker.
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Cutting the Pieces
So let’s get started. You will need a sewing machine and a Cricut maker. Make 3.5″ squares in design space to cut. Learn more about cutting fabric here The Truth About Cutting Fabric With a Cricut Maker. Honestly, it was easier for me to just hand cut my pieces with my rotary blade and a quilting ruler on the self healing cutting mat on my desk. Either way with get the job done.
My house and craft stash is full of primitives. I just dug through the rustic fabric pile till I came up with some good combinations.
Once I had all my blocks cut out-5 blocks of 5 different fabrics mine are 3 1-2” square- it’s time to start sewing them. I find it’s best to lay the pattern out first. Be sure to press each block nice and flat.
Sew the Pieces
Begin by sewing pairs together.
Next sew a pair of pairs together. Ending with the last line block.
Continue sewing each row in this manner until all 5 are complete.
Pressing the Pieces
Alright, you can press each sew open if you want, but I like to press the fabric in one direction for the entire row. Press front and back sides to get a good, crisp line where the blocks are joined.
Alternative the direction of the next row that is to be attached.
Pin the rows together to be sewn. The seams should butt right up next to each other. I like to place a pin on each side.
Continue alternating the direction you press the seams until the entire top is finished. Press each row as you sew them together.
Oops, My Top Wasn’t Big Enough
Unfortunately, my calculations where off by 2” so I just cut some strips 2”wide and made a frame for the front. (I made them extra wide just in case and will cut the top down later in the final steps if need be). Sew the opposite side and press the seams out . Sew the other two and press those seams as well. For the length, just measure the sides after pressing.
Second Pillow Covers with a Cricut Maker
For the second pillow, I wanted to use some iron on vinyl for a willow tree pattern I made. It can be found also in my resource library. Once again, the pillow is 17” square and I had a nice piece of coffee stained muslin that I could get a 10” square out of to use for the willow tree design. From that, I figured I needed 4” strips to make the top a 17” square.
I learned a valuable lesson about everyday iron on vinyl and that is DO NOT use your bare iron on it. Because of this I have to clean my iron!
So after the disaster, I decided to make the entire top and then put the design on it. This worked out just fine. I simply turned my piece over and sewed all sides around the middle blank and then used my EasyPress2 to apply the design.
Finishing the Pillow Cover
To finish each of these pillows, I measured the top and divided it by 2. Then I added 2”. Cut a strip the first measurement by the width of your pillow. Cut the second one 2” bigger. This is mine.
Pillow = 17”
17/ 2 = 8.5
8.5 + 2 = 10.5
First panel cut at 17 x 8.5”
Second panel cut at 17 x 10.5”
Now that you have your panels cut, put a shirt tail hem on one side. Place the longer panel right sides together first and then the shorter one on top of that.
Stitch complete around the entire pillow. Double over each side on top of the panels to enforce them for strength. Trim your seams and clip the corners then turn right side out and cover your pillow.
What Do You Think?
Cool! So now you have a versatile way to use an old pillow and give it new life. Make a holiday one for you festive decorations and use your everyday throw pillows. What do you think? Going to give this a try? Please share your projects and thoughts In the comments below.
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