Hey everyone. Today we're making a fresh set of pillow covers, and you'll learn how a free charm pattern turns a stack of little squares into covers that brighten a whole couch.
Let's Talk About the Pattern First
Here we go. The star today is Charm Saturday (Digital Download).
This one is a little different, folks. It is not a cut of fabric. It is a free digital download pattern from Linda's Electric Quilters. You download it, print what you need, and you are ready to sew.
The listing tells us exactly what you get. Step-by-step instructions. Fabric requirements. And cutting guides. All in one place, y'all.
It is beginner-friendly too. The listing says it helps you craft a professional-quality quilt with ease. And it says it is perfect for all skill levels.
And that name tells you the plan. Charm Saturday. A charm project for a Saturday sew day. Those 5-inch charm squares are super duper fun for pillow covers, because every square shows a different print.
We're not reinventing the wheel here. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
The Project: A Fresh Set of Pillow Covers
Pillow covers are a favorite quick refresh. New covers, same couch, whole new feeling. And they finish fast.
Why does this pattern suit them? A pillow front is really just a small patchwork panel. Lay charm squares out in rows, sew them up, and you have a front with lots of color and not a lot of cutting.
Our plan makes two covers for 18-inch pillow forms. Each front is 4 squares by 4 squares. Want a different size? Add or drop a row. Completely up to you.
Materials List
- Charm Saturday (Digital Download) — download and print the instructions, fabric requirements, and cutting guides first
- 1 charm pack, about 42 squares at 5 inches square, or cut from your stash per the pattern's fabric requirements — you'll use 32 squares for the two fronts
- Backing fabric, about 3/4 yard, for the envelope backs
- Thin batting or fusible fleece, about 3/4 yard, if you want a quilted front
- 2 pillow forms, 18 inches square
- All-purpose thread to blend with your fabrics
- Sewing machine with a size 80/12 universal needle
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler; pins or clips; iron
Brief Steps
- Download the pattern and read it through once. Check the fabric requirements and cutting guides before you cut a thing. Ask me how I learned that one.
- Lay out two fronts, each 4 squares wide by 4 squares tall. Put favorites front and center, and spread busy prints out so the color balances.
- Sew each row with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Chain piece where you can. It saves thread, and it saves time.
- Press as you go. Press, do not scrub. Press seams one way on the first row, the other way on the next, so rows nest flat.
- Join the rows for each front. If you are quilting them, layer each front over batting, then stitch in the ditch or add a simple echo around a favorite square.
- Make the envelope backs. For each cover, cut two backing pieces about 18-1/2 inches wide by 13 inches tall. Hem one long edge on each piece.
- Lay a front right side up. Overlap the two backing pieces on top, right sides down, hemmed edges overlapping in the middle. Pin all around.
- Sew around all four sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Clip the corners, turn the cover right side out, and poke the corners out gently.
- Press well, slip in an 18-inch form, and fluff. Just like that, your covers are done.
Practical Tips From My Sewing Table
Tip one: use real numbers. I piece at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. That holds through a lot of couch time, but still rips out clean if you need a do-over.
Tip two: overlap the envelope backs by at least 4 inches. A shy overlap gaps open when the form goes in.
Tip three: slow down where layers stack up. At the corners, the front, batting, and both back pieces all meet. Slow down or the needle snaps. Ease over those bumps, folks.
And here is the permission part. It does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic. If one square sits a hair off, nobody will ever notice. They will just see the pretty covers you made. Take your time. It is not a race.
Oh my goodness, the best part? This pattern is free, and a pair this size really really comes together in an afternoon.
Thank you so much for sewing along with me today. I hope these covers get years of good use.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Charm Saturday (Digital Download) at Linda's Electric Quilters.
