Hey everyone, today we're making a fresh set of pillow covers that lets a bold red circle print wake up a whole room.
Here we go. Let's talk fabric first. That's the fun part.
This is Flock Together Circle Square Red Cotton, from In The Beginning Fabrics. The designer is Jason Yenter. It is 100% cotton, and the width of fabric is 44"/45". That is what the product listing tells us, plain and simple.
The color story here is red. The print brings in circles and dots, in that circle square design. I love that mix for a pillow. It is cheerful. It is easy to see. And it does not need a lot of help to shine.
Picture a pair on a sofa. Or on a bed. Those red tones bring the energy fast. Just like that, plain cushions feel new again.
Why this fabric suits pillow covers
Pillow covers are a perfect showcase for a print like this. The fronts are big and flat. The circles get room to repeat. Nothing feels crowded or cut off.
The full width helps too. At 44"/45" wide, you can cut two fronts side by side. Keep the design running one direction on both. That keeps the pair matched and simple.
My preference is an envelope back. No zipper. No fuss. But you could add a zipper if you like that clean finish, or use a solid cotton for the backs. Completely up to you. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
What you'll need
- 1 1/4 yards of Flock Together Circle Square Red Cotton, 44"/45" wide, 100% cotton
- Two 18" pillow forms
- Matching thread for construction, plus a contrasting thread if you want visible topstitching
- Your usual basics: rotary cutter, ruler, pins or clips, and a size 80/12 needle
This plan makes two covers that finish 18" square. That is a good standard sofa size. Want 16" covers instead? Cut your fronts 17" square and trim the backs to match. The math is easy here.
Brief steps
First, press your fabric well. Then square up the edges. Go slow with the ruler. A straight first cut makes everything else easier.
Second, cut your fronts. Cut two pieces 19" wide by 19" tall. Try to center a nice set of circles on each front. Step back and look before you cut. That one check matters.
Third, cut the backs. Cut four pieces 19" wide by 13" tall. On one long edge of each back piece, fold under 1/4", press, fold under 1/4" again, and topstitch the hem at about 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Those hemmed edges will overlap.
Fourth, layer one front right side up. Lay two back pieces right side down on top. Hemmed edges should overlap in the middle by about 4". Pin or clip all the way around. Take your time lining up the corners.
Fifth, sew around all four sides with a 1/2" seam. Go slow over the overlapped layers at the sides. Slow down or the needle can snap on the thick spot. Clip the corners, turn the cover right side out through the envelope opening, push the corners out gently, and press. Repeat for the second cover, slip in your forms, and you're done.
My tips from the sewing room
Tip one: let the print lead. With circles this lively, keep the shape simple. A clean square cover lets the red shine. No extra fuss needed.
Tip two: test your stitch on a layered scrap first. The back overlap stacks up fast. Check your tension and your needle. Two minutes now saves real frustration later. I have learned that the hard way, y'all.
Tip three: it does not have to be perfect. If a circle gets cut a little off-center, leave it. You're your own worst critic. Take your time, it's not a race. A finished pair on your sofa beats a perfect plan in a drawer every time.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Super duper easy, and really really satisfying.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Flock Together Circle Square Red Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
