How to Make a No Sew Pillow Cover Using Dishtowels
As promised here is the tutorial on how to make a no-sew pillow cover using a dishtowel.
Last week I posted about how I made a pillow form using plastic bags to use as an outdoor patio or deck pillow. If you missed it or would like to know more you can find the tutorial by clicking here – How to Make a Pillow From Using Plastic Grocery Bags
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I found these dishtowels at the dollar store, but Target, HomeGoods, and TJMaxx have a lot of fun patterns and colors to choose from, too. You can also use cloth napkins to make this no-sew pillow. Since the edges are already finished – they both work.
I prefer using dishtowels as they are usually a heavier fabric and make larger pillows. A dishtowel also allows you to make a fold-over flap so that you can easily remove the pillow form when the cover needs to be washed. They are perfect for outdoor pillow covers.
I have included directions for 3 variations of the pillow cover: back- flap, front-flap, and no-flap. The process is the same, except a few extra steps for the no-flap version.
How to Make a No Sew Pillow Cover
supplies needed:
- 2 dishtowels or napkins
- Fabric Adhesive – I like Fabri-Tac. You can get it at any sewing or craft store. You could also use Heat N’ Bond Tape, but that doesn’t work as well and takes more time.
- Optional: Iron and Scissors
To make a back or front-flap style pillow cover using a dishtowel:
1. Line up your pillow form to make sure it fits the size of your dishtowel. You want the edges of the dishtowel to reach the center of the sides of the pillow form. Once you have determined that the pillow form will fit. Place the dishtowels so that the wrong sides are together.
2. Run a line of fabric adhesive along the bottom hem on the bottom dishtowel. Flip back the top dishtowel slightly to do this. Once a line of adhesive is along the hem of the dishtowel– place the bottom edge of the top dishtowel on top of the bottom towels edge, making sure they are aligned, press together to adhere.
3. Repeat on the sides. Note: I placed the pillow form inside the dishtowel (below)so you can see how the cover is being made. Three sides of the dishtowels glued together. Continue gluing all the way up the side. For extra adhesion I always press the seams with an iron to seal. Place your pillow form in and fold over the flap.
Variation #1: No Sew Pillow Cover with Flap to the Back
Variation #2: Flap to the Front
– Attach a pin to embellish a front flap pillow cover.
Variation #3: How To Make the No-Sew Pillow Cover with No-Flap
1. Follow the directions above but instead of folding the excess fabric over you cut it off, making sure to leave enough excess fabric to make a 1-inch fold over on each towel for your seam.
2. Once the excess is cut off, fold over the cut edges about 1 -inch and apply a line of fabric adhesive along the top of the 1-inch fold.
Press the seams closed with your fingers making sure the two edges are aligned. Press with an iron to heat set the adhesive.
Variation #3: No-Sew Pillow Cover with No Flap
Now that you have the beautiful pillows for your outdoor patio, all you need to do is a few more tips to throw a little outdoor dinner party.