Pillow Cover With Buttons on Back Project Instructions

Here is a pillow cover that has two looks. The first look, which shows off the front, is plain and simple. The second look, which shows off the back, is dressier because it has decorative buttons on it. Plus, the pillow cover is easy to slip over a pillow. This allows you to easily change it whenever it needs to be cleaned or if you want to give a new look to your room.

Materials Needed:

• 1 – 16" x 16" pillow form,
• 1 piece of material – 15 ½" x 55",
• 3 buttons,
• Pair of scissors,
• Thread, and
• Sewing machine.

First, cut the following pieces from your material:

• For the front piece, cut it 15.5" x 15.5".
• For the side pieces, cut 4 strips, with each one being 15.5" x 2.5".
• For the back, cut two pieces of material. Cut one piece 15" x 15.5" and the second piece 13" x 15.5".

Next, sew the front and side pieces together, with the right side facing each other. Then sew the corners together.

There is a little bit of sewing to do on the back pieces before they can be attached to the front and side pieces. For the first back piece that measures 15" x 15.5", fold it in half with the wrong side together, making sure that the width is 15.5". Pin the top edges together. Use your sewing machine to make three button holes that are close to the folded edge of the material. The button holes should be evenly spaced apart, but it doesn't matter about the exact placement, as long as you like how it looks. For the second back piece that measures 13" x 15.5", fold over the edge along the 15.5" width (wrong side facing together) and sew in place. Make sure to leave a ½" hem allowance.

Now you are ready to sew the back pieces to the side and front pieces. We are going to layer the pieces together and pin one side before sewing. The pieces should have the right side facing together. Start layering by placing the top piece on the table, right side facing up. Then place the first back piece with the button holes over the top piece, with the right side facing down. Line up the two tops of these pieces with each other. Next, place the second back piece over the other two pieces, with the right side facing down. Line up the bottom edge of this second back piece with the bottom edge of the front piece.

Then, pin all three layers together along one side and sew that edge together. Once that side has been sewn together, remove the pins. Pin together the edges of the other side and sew them together. Remove the pins. Sew the top edges together and then sew the bottom edges together.

Turn the pillow cover inside out. Sew the buttons on the back of the pillow cover. Tip:  To help figure out where to sew the buttons, lay the pillow cover flat on the table and smooth it out. Gently place a pencil through the middle of the button hole and mark a small dot on the fabric behind the button hole. This is where you will sew the button.

Finally, slip in the pillow form through the opening in the back. Do up the buttons and you are done. You now have created your very own designer slip cover!

Looking for fabric for your pillow cover?  Check out our selection of Sewing & Quilting Fabrics.  Go with a classic, soft print or go for something that's bold and dramatic!

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