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Pillow covers - sew or serge? Questions about making pillow covers
Liesbet Beginner TX USA Member since 7/1/09 Posts: 20	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 0:20 AM I don't know if there's a "right" answer for this, but I could use some help in figuring out how to choose the best way to make pillow covers. I have home dec fabric and will use an invisible zipper in the side seam. The inside pillow form is an 18" square with down filling. What's the best way to put them together? 1. Sew (with sewing machine), then serge the seam allowances together? 2. Serge each fabric edge then sew together? 3. Serge together (with 4 threads) and skip the sewing? 4. Something else? I'm making them for someone else (and she's paying me! ), so I want them to be nice. As for the corners, this method (I found the link in these boards) sounds promising: http://sewming.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-tutorial-on-making-pillow.html?m=1 I was planning to clip and fraycheck the corners (that's what I've read to do), but the fold-and-turn method (assuming I can do it successfully ) sounds more secure. Any thoughts?? (I know, I know -- I'm way over-thinking a simple pillow cover. But I can't decide what to do!) -- Edited on 1/2/13 0:23 AM --
MegquiltsinVT Intermediate VT USA Member since 6/3/09 Posts: 86	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 7:39 AM I usually make my pillow covers/cases with a french seam: stitch 1/4" seam with wrong sides together, press, turn right sides together, stitch 3/8" seam. No raw edges on the inside. ------ Pfaff QE4.0, 1222E, 796 Janome 1000cpx, 1110 dcx Singer Featherweight, grandmother's treadle New Home treadle
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2532	Login to reply to this post In reply to Liesbet << Like this post Date: 1/2/13 7:54 AM Quote: Liesbet I was planning to clip and fraycheck the corners (that's what I've read to do), but the fold-and-turn method sounds more secure. That link was interesting; generally with pillow covers, the advice is NOT to make very sharp corners, as they end up looking empty and floppy, because the pillow form doesn't stuff up inside. There are a couple of ways to avoid that. The most common recommendation I've seen is to shave 1/4" off the edge at each corner (see here), but I find it easier just to round the corners off by tracing around a glass. Have fun! (From another way overthinker! ;)) ------ ~Gem in the prairie
clt3 Intermediate OH USA Member since 2/6/06 Posts: 783	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 8:08 AM I have made lots of pillows and I also taper the corners (but I use 1/2"). I bought one of these to make it easier: tapered corner pillow template Joann's carries something similar in the home dec department (made by Dritz). I cut my squares, taper the corners, serge all of the edges, install the zipper, sew up the remaining sides. -- Edited on 1/2/13 11:54 AM -- ------ Singer 66-16. Singer 600e, Kenmore 158.1913 , Viking 1100, Brother 4000D, Brother Quattro, Bernina 930, White 634DE, Babylock Evolve, 2 Featherweights ,Pfaff Creative Performance,Janome Coverpro 1000CPX
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3919	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 7:22 PM If you want to use your serger, serge the raw edges first them sew with a sewing machine, that's the easiest way. It depends on the weight of the fabric, if you need to trim the corners...I usually don't. Tapering the corners like the others mentioned makes your pillows look professional. The Singer book, 'Sewing for the Home' has photos of it. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
Liesbet Beginner TX USA Member since 7/1/09 Posts: 20	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/3/13 5:10 PM Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! My latest thought is to serge together three sides and sew the fourth (zipper) side. While I like the clean finish of French seams, I'm worried about my sewing machine being able to go through the thick layers at the corners. As for tapered corners or pointy ones, I think I'll make one of each and let the buyer decide.
mypillow Intermediate USA Member since 1/23/13 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/23/13 6:15 AM In my house we use printed pillow.

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