How To Make Pillow Shams for Any Bedroom Style

Are you tired of spending a fortune on designer bedding that doesn’t quite match your vision? Custom pillow shams can instantly elevate your bedroom’s aesthetic, but store-bought options are often overpriced and limited in style choices. The good news is that creating your own professional-looking pillow shams is easier than you might think.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of making pillow shams from start to finish. You’ll learn how to choose the right fabric, measure and cut your materials, and master the sewing techniques that give pillow shams their polished, envelope-style closure.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some sewing experience, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and troubleshooting advice to ensure your homemade pillow shams look as good as expensive store-bought versions. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the skills to create custom bedding that perfectly matches your style and budget.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Comfort begins with the right materials, and creating beautiful pillow shams is no exception.

You’ll need 2 yards of medium-weight, non-stretchy fabric that’ll withstand repeated use and washing. A standard pillow insert measuring 20 x 26 inches will guide your sham’s size, ensuring a perfect fit for your pillow front and back.

Essential tools include:

• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pins
• Iron

Optional extras like fusible fleece can add stability, making your pillow shams look professionally crafted and feel wonderfully luxurious.

Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric

Precision is key when measuring and cutting fabric for your pillow sham, and I’ll walk you through each critical step.

To make a perfect pillow sham pattern, start with the front fabric cut to 29 x 23 inches, allowing for a 1.5-inch flange and seam allowance.

For the back pieces creating an Envelope Back, measure 35 x 23 inches, ensuring they’ll overlap by about 5 inches.

Be sure to pin your measurements carefully and use a ruler for accuracy.

Pre-washing fabric prevents future shrinkage, guaranteeing a professional finish that’ll elevate your bedding’s look and feel.

Preparing the Pillow Sham Pieces

After carefully measuring and cutting your fabric, you’re ready to transform those pieces into a stunning pillow sham.

Start by preparing your front piece with optional fusible fleece for added stability.

For the back fabric, create an envelope closure by cutting the piece in half and hemming the raw edges.

I’ll fold over ½ inch on each back section and press it flat for a clean finish.

The result? A professional-looking pillow sham with a neat flange size that’ll elevate your bedroom’s style and comfort.

Your handmade creation is almost complete!

Sewing the Envelope-Style Pillow Sham

First, you’ll want to lay out your prepared fabric pieces with confidence.

To make a pillow sham, position the front piece right side up and layer the back pieces on top, overlapping them by about 5 inches to create the envelope closure.

Pin the layers carefully, ensuring they’re aligned perfectly.

Then, sew around the edges with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Clip the corners to reduce bulk, which helps create a crisp, professional-looking pillow case when you turn it right side out.

Adding Decorative Flanges and Finishing Touches

Once you’ve sewn your envelope-style pillow sham, elevating its design with decorative flanges can transform a simple pillowcase into a stunning bedroom accent. To make sure your standard size sham looks professional, place tape 1.5 inches from the sewing needle to guide consistent flange width.

Clip corners to reduce bulk, then top-stitch for a coordinating pillow look that’ll double the size of your room’s aesthetic. Quilt as desired, and you’ll create a polished sham that adds elegance to any bedding ensemble.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Pillow Sham?

I’ll need about 2 yards of medium-weight fabric for a standard 20 x 26 inch pillow sham. I’ll cut the front piece to 29 x 23 inches and two back pieces to 35 x 23 inches.

How Wide Is a Flange on a Pillow Sham?

I recommend a flange width between 1 to 3 inches, with 1.5 inches being the most balanced choice. This decorative border adds visual interest to your pillow sham and creates a polished, professional look for your bedding.

How Much Bigger Should a Pillow Sham Be Than the Pillow?

I recommend making your pillow sham 1 to 2 inches larger than the pillow insert. This ensures a snug, full appearance and allows for seam allowances, giving your decorative pillow a professional, tailored look.

How to Make a Pillow Flange Stand Up?

I recommend using thick fabric like canvas and adding fusible interfacing to create structure. Top-stitch the flange’s edge and use a slightly larger pillow insert to ensure your pillow flange stands up firmly and maintains its crisp shape.

In Conclusion

Making pillow shams at home is truly one of the most satisfying DIY projects you can tackle. When you first wondered “how to make pillow shams,” you might have thought it would be complicated, but as you can see, it’s completely achievable with basic sewing skills and the right materials. These custom covers not only save you money but also give you complete creative control over your bedroom’s aesthetic.

The beauty of learning how to make pillow shams lies in the endless possibilities for personalization. You can match any color scheme, choose luxurious fabrics, and create pieces that perfectly complement your existing decor. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought options again.

Ready to complete your bedroom makeover? While you’re creating these beautiful custom shams, don’t forget that the right pillows underneath make all the difference. Check out our pillow reviews to discover top-rated options that will give your handmade shams the perfect foundation and ensure your bedroom looks professionally styled from top to bottom.