Add a Touch of Elegance to Your Home with DIY Piped Pillows: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing
Pillows are a simple yet effective way to add comfort and style to any space. But why settle for ordinary pillows when you can create your own custom piped pillows that will elevate your home decor to a whole new level? DIY piped pillows are not only beautiful, but they also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room, bedroom, or even outdoor patio, sewing your own piped pillows allows you to choose the perfect fabric, color, and design to match your personal style.
Key Takeaways
- Elevate your home decor with DIY piped pillows
- Materials and tools needed for sewing piped pillows
- Choosing the right fabric for your piped pillows
- Measuring and cutting your fabric for perfectly-sized pillows
- Sewing the piping for a professional-looking finish
Materials and Tools Needed for Sewing Piped Pillows
Before you begin sewing your piped pillows, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. You will need fabric for the pillow cover, piping cord, a piping foot for your sewing machine, a sewing machine, and thread. When choosing fabric for your piped pillows, consider factors such as durability, texture, and color. Opt for fabrics that are sturdy and can withstand regular use, especially if you plan on using the pillows in high-traffic areas. Additionally, choose fabrics with a texture that complements your overall decor style. Lastly, select colors that either match or complement the existing color scheme in the room.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Piped Pillows
Choosing the right fabric is crucial when it comes to creating beautiful piped pillows. The fabric you choose will determine not only the look of the pillow but also its durability and comfort. When selecting fabric for piped pillows, consider factors such as the intended use of the pillows, the overall decor style of the room, and your personal preferences.
If you’re planning on using the pillows in high-traffic areas such as the living room or family room, it’s important to choose a durable fabric that can withstand regular use. Fabrics such as cotton, linen, and polyester blends are great options as they are both durable and easy to clean. Additionally, consider the texture of the fabric. If you’re going for a more casual and relaxed look, opt for fabrics with a soft and cozy texture such as velvet or chenille. On the other hand, if you prefer a more formal and elegant look, choose fabrics with a smooth and luxurious texture such as silk or satin.
Lastly, consider the color of the fabric. The color of your piped pillows should either match or complement the existing color scheme in the room. If you’re looking to make a bold statement, choose fabrics in vibrant colors or patterns. If you prefer a more subtle and cohesive look, opt for fabrics in neutral tones or muted colors.
Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric for Perfectly-Sized Pillows
| Measurement | Definition |
|---|---|
| Width | The distance across the fabric from selvage to selvage |
| Length | The distance from the top to the bottom of the fabric |
| Cutting Mat | A self-healing mat used to protect surfaces while cutting fabric |
| Ruler | A measuring tool used to ensure accurate cuts |
| Rotary Cutter | A tool used to cut fabric with precision and ease |
| Seam Allowance | The amount of fabric allowed between the edge of the fabric and the seam line |
| Pillow Form | The pre-made pillow insert used to fill the pillow cover |
| Iron | A tool used to press fabric and create crisp seams |
To ensure that your piped pillows turn out perfectly-sized, it’s important to measure and cut your fabric accurately. Start by measuring the dimensions of your pillow insert. If you don’t have a pillow insert yet, measure the size of the pillow form you plan on using. Once you have the measurements, add an extra inch to each side to account for seam allowances.
Next, lay your fabric flat on a cutting surface and use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the dimensions of your pillow on the fabric. Use fabric scissors to cut along the marked lines, making sure to cut straight and even lines. It’s important to take your time during this step to ensure that your fabric pieces are cut accurately.
Sewing the Piping for a Professional-Looking Finish
Sewing piping for your piped pillows is what gives them that professional-looking finish. Piping is a decorative trim that is sewn along the edges of the pillow cover to create a polished and finished look. To sew piping, you will need piping cord and a piping foot for your sewing machine.
Start by cutting strips of fabric that are wide enough to cover the piping cord and long enough to go around the perimeter of your pillow. Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise and place the piping cord in the center. Use a zipper foot or a piping foot on your sewing machine to sew as close to the cord as possible, creating a tube.
Attaching the Piping to Your Pillow Fabric
Once you have sewn the piping, it’s time to attach it to your pillow fabric. Lay one of the fabric pieces for your pillow cover right side up on a flat surface. Take the piping and place it along the edge of the fabric, with the raw edges aligned. Pin the piping in place, making sure to distribute any excess fabric evenly around the corners.
Using a zipper foot or a piping foot on your sewing machine, sew along the edge of the fabric, as close to the piping as possible. Take your time during this step to ensure that your stitches are straight and even. When you reach a corner, stop sewing about an inch away from the corner, lift the presser foot, and pivot the fabric. Continue sewing along the next edge, repeating this process for each corner.
Sewing the Pillow Pieces Together for a Flawless Finish
Now that you have attached the piping to one of the fabric pieces, it’s time to sew the pillow pieces together. Lay the second fabric piece for your pillow cover right side down on top of the first fabric piece, with the piping sandwiched between them. Pin the two fabric pieces together, making sure to align all edges and corners.
Using a regular presser foot on your sewing machine, sew along all four edges of the fabric, leaving a small opening on one side for turning. Take your time during this step to ensure that your stitches are straight and even. When you reach a corner, stop sewing about an inch away from the corner, lift the presser foot, and pivot the fabric. Continue sewing along the next edge, repeating this process for each corner.
Adding a Zipper or Button Closure for Easy Pillow Access
Adding a zipper or button closure to your piped pillows not only allows for easy access to the pillow insert but also adds a decorative element to the overall design. To add a zipper closure, measure the length of the opening on one side of your pillow cover. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly longer than the opening and wide enough to cover the entire opening.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and press it with an iron to create a crease. Open up the fabric and fold each side towards the center crease, creating a narrow strip. Place the strip along the opening of your pillow cover, with the raw edges aligned. Pin the strip in place and sew along both sides, as close to the edge as possible.
To add a button closure, measure the length of the opening on one side of your pillow cover. Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly longer than the opening and wide enough to cover half of the opening each. Fold each piece in half lengthwise and press them with an iron to create creases. Open up one piece and fold each side towards the center crease, creating a narrow strip. Place this piece along one half of the opening, with the raw edges aligned. Pin it in place and sew along both sides, as close to the edge as possible. Repeat this process for the other piece on the other half of the opening.
Tips and Tricks for Sewing Piped Pillows Like a Pro
Sewing piped pillows can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re new to sewing or working with piping. Here are some tips and tricks to help you sew piped pillows like a pro:
1. Choose the right thread: When sewing piped pillows, it’s important to choose a thread that matches or complements the color of your fabric. Additionally, opt for a thread that is strong and durable to ensure that your stitches hold up over time.
2. Adjust the tension on your sewing machine: The tension on your sewing machine determines how tight or loose your stitches are. When sewing piped pillows, it’s important to adjust the tension to achieve straight and even stitches. Test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing your actual pillow cover.
3. Take your time: Sewing piped pillows requires precision and attention to detail. Take your time during each step to ensure that your stitches are straight and even, and that your fabric pieces are cut accurately.
4. Use a piping foot: A piping foot is a specialized presser foot that is designed specifically for sewing piping. It helps guide the fabric and piping through the machine, resulting in straight and even stitches.
5. Practice on scrap fabric: If you’re new to sewing or working with piping, it’s a good idea to practice on scrap fabric before sewing your actual pillow cover. This will help you get a feel for sewing with piping and allow you to make any necessary adjustments before starting on your final project.
Enjoy Your Beautifully Crafted Piped Pillows and Impress Your Guests
By following these steps and tips, you can create beautifully crafted piped pillows that will elevate your home decor and impress your guests. DIY piped pillows not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space but also allow you to showcase your personal style and creativity. So why settle for ordinary pillows when you can create custom piped pillows that are as unique as you are? Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own two hands.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your homemade pillows, why not try sewing them with piping? Piping adds a beautiful finishing touch and can elevate the overall look of your pillows. If you’re not sure how to get started, check out this helpful article on how to sew a pillow with piping. It provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help you achieve professional-looking results. So grab your sewing machine and give your pillows a stylish upgrade!
FAQs
What is piping?
Piping is a narrow strip of fabric that is folded in half and inserted into a seam to add a decorative and professional touch to a sewing project.
What materials do I need to sew a pillow with piping?
You will need fabric for the pillow, piping cord, piping fabric, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, and a zipper (optional).
How do I make piping?
To make piping, cut a strip of fabric on the bias (diagonal) that is 1.5 times the length of the piping cord. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and insert the piping cord into the fold. Sew close to the cord using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.
How do I sew piping onto a pillow?
To sew piping onto a pillow, pin the piping to the right side of one of the pillow pieces, with the raw edges aligned. Sew the piping to the pillow using a zipper foot on your sewing machine. Then, pin the other pillow piece to the first, right sides together, and sew around the edges, leaving a small opening for turning.
What is the best fabric to use for piping?
The best fabric to use for piping is a lightweight cotton or cotton blend fabric that is easy to fold and sew.
Do I need to use a zipper when sewing a pillow with piping?
No, you do not need to use a zipper when sewing a pillow with piping. However, if you want to be able to remove the pillow cover for washing, you can add a zipper to one of the pillow pieces before sewing the piping.
