Hey everyone! Today we're making a fresh set of pillow covers, and you'll learn how one coordinated bundle of solids can cover two pillows and still leave fabric for more sewing.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Arrowhead.
It is a Craftsy Bluprint bundle.
There are 8 pieces in all.
The total is 5 3/4 yards.
These are quilt-shop quality fabrics.
They were made in Japan.
Every piece is 100% cotton.
The width is 44/45 inches.
The listed end uses are crafts and quilting.
Here is exactly what you get.
You get 3/4 yard of hot pink solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of hot pink solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of peach solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of red solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of deep red solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of orange solid.
You get 1 fat quarter of pink solid.
And you get 3 1/2 yards of white solid.
The pattern is not included.
Here is what I use and why.
I love solids for pillow covers.
The color does all the talking.
The project: a pair of pillow covers
We are making two pillow covers.
Each one fits an 18-inch pillow form.
Each front is one whole fat quarter color.
Each back is white, with an envelope opening.
No zipper today, folks.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Why does this bundle suit it?
A fat quarter is about 18 by 22 inches.
That is just right for an 18-inch front.
You trim a little, and you are ready.
The 3 1/2 yards of white covers both backs easily.
Pick two different fat quarters for the fronts.
Completely up to you.
My pick is hot pink and deep red.
They look super duper cute side by side on a couch.
Materials list
- The Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Arrowhead - various solid fabrics 5 3/4 yards total, for the fat quarter fronts and white backs below
- 2 fat quarters from the bundle, in two different solid colors, for the two fronts
- About 1 1/4 yards of the bundle's white solid for the four back panels
- 2 pillow forms, 18 by 18 inches
- Low-loft batting, 2 pieces about 19 by 19 inches, if you want quilted fronts
- 50-weight thread for piecing and construction
- A size 80/12 needle
- Pins, a ruler, a rotary cutter, and good scissors
Brief steps
First, press your two chosen fat quarters.
Trim each one to 18 1/2 by 18 1/2 inches.
If you want quilted fronts, layer each square with batting.
Quilt it simple.
Try straight lines about 2 inches apart instead.
Or do a gentle meander, freehand.
Set your stitch length around 2.5 millimeters.
That is about 10 to 12 stitches per inch.
Now cut the white backs.
For each cover, cut two panels.
Each panel is 18 1/2 by 13 inches.
Hem one long edge on each panel.
Fold it under 1/4 inch, press, fold again, and stitch.
Lay one front right side up.
Lay the two back panels right side down on top.
Let the hemmed edges overlap in the middle by about 4 inches.
Pin all the way around.
Sew around all four sides with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Go slow at the overlap corners.
Slow down or the needle snaps where those layers stack up.
Clip the corners, turn the cover right side out, and poke the corners out gently.
Press it flat.
Slide in your 18-inch pillow form.
Just like that, one cover is done.
Practical tips from my sewing room
If one front comes out a touch wavy, do not panic.
That was my mistake the first time.
I stretched the fabric while I quilted those lines.
The fix was simple.
I slowed down, let the feed dogs do the work, and pressed from the back.
It settled right down.
And listen, it does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
Take your time, it's not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
One last note from the listing, said plainly once: there are no returns on this item, so read the bundle contents above before you order.
Thanks for sewing along with me today, folks.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Arrowhead - various solid fabrics 5 3/4 yards total at Linda's Electric Quilters.
