How To Make Pillow Covers Without Sewing: No-Sew Method

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How To Make Pillow Covers Without Sewing: No-Sew Method

Do you want to make your home look new? Do you wish for fresh pillow covers but do not know how to sew? Can you really make a pillow cover without sewing? Yes, you can! Making a pillow cover without sewing is very easy. It is a smart way to update your space. This guide shows you how to make pillow covers without sewing. You will learn different easy methods.

Why Choose No-Sew Pillow Projects?

Making pillow covers without sewing is a great idea. It saves you time. You do not need a sewing machine. You do not need to learn how to sew. It is perfect for beginners. It lets you change your decor often. You can make many covers for little money. This makes it a smart choice for quick home updates. It is a fun way to be creative.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you start, gather your supplies. Having everything ready makes the work easy. Here is a list of common things you might need. The exact items will change based on the method you pick.

Table of Basic Supplies

Item	Why You Need It
Fabric	This is the main part of your pillow cover.
Scissors	To cut your fabric neatly.
Ruler or Measuring Tape	To get the right size for your fabric.
Iron and Ironing Board	To make fabric flat and help some glues work.
Fabric Glue	To stick fabric together without sewing.
Iron-On Adhesive Web	A special sheet that glues fabric when hot.
Fabric Clips or Pins	To hold fabric pieces in place while working.
Marking Pen or Chalk	To draw lines on fabric for cutting.
Pillow Insert	The old pillow or cushion you want to cover.

Method One: The Fabric Glue Approach

Using fabric glue is a simple way to make a pillow cover. It is a fabric glue pillow cover method. This is great for smooth fabrics. It works well for those new to crafting. This method gives a clean, finished look. It is one of the easiest easy no-sew pillow crafts.

Materials for Glue Method

• Your chosen fabric
• Fabric glue (look for one that dries clear and stays flexible)
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board (optional, but helpful)
• Fabric clips or pins
• Pillow insert

Steps for the Fabric Glue Method

1. Prepare Your Fabric

First, iron your fabric. This makes it smooth. It removes any wrinkles. A smooth fabric is easier to work with. Make sure your fabric is clean. If it is new, wash and dry it first. This stops it from shrinking later.

2. Measure and Cut the Fabric

You need enough fabric to wrap around your pillow. You also need extra for the seams. Seams are the edges where you will glue.
* Measure your pillow insert: Use your ruler. Measure its width. Measure its height.
* Calculate fabric width: Take your pillow’s width. Multiply it by two. Add 2 inches for glue seams. So, (Pillow Width x 2) + 2 inches.
* Calculate fabric height: Take your pillow’s height. Add 2 inches for glue seams. So, (Pillow Height + 2 inches).
* Example: For a 18×18 inch pillow:
* Fabric Width: (18 x 2) + 2 = 36 + 2 = 38 inches.
* Fabric Height: 18 + 2 = 20 inches.
* You will need one piece of fabric that is 38 inches wide by 20 inches high.

Lay your fabric flat. Use your ruler and marking pen. Draw the lines for cutting. Carefully cut the fabric piece.

3. Create the Side Seams

Take your large fabric piece. Lay it wrong side up. Fold over one of the short edges by 1 inch. Press this fold with your iron. This makes a crisp edge. Put a thin line of fabric glue under this fold. Press it down. Use clips to hold it. Let the glue dry a bit. Do this for both short edges. These will be the open ends of your pillow cover.

4. Form the Main Seams

Now, lay your fabric piece wrong side up. The folded and glued edges should be on the short sides. Fold the fabric in half widthwise. The right sides of the fabric should be together. The short glued edges should overlap in the middle. They should overlap by about 4 inches. This creates an envelope opening. This opening lets you put the pillow in.

Make sure your pillow insert will fit inside. The total width of the cover when folded should match your pillow’s height. For an 18-inch pillow, the folded fabric should be about 18 inches tall.

5. Glue the Side Edges

Now you have the fabric folded. The two raw, unglued long sides are open. Apply a thin line of fabric glue along these raw long edges. Put the glue about 1/2 inch from the edge. Press the two fabric layers together firmly. Use clips along these glued edges. This holds them tight while the glue dries.

6. Let It Dry Completely

This is very important. Let the glue dry fully. Check the glue bottle for drying times. It might take a few hours. It could take a full day. Do not rush this step. If you do, your pillow cover might fall apart.

7. Turn and Insert

Once the glue is totally dry, remove all clips. Turn the pillow cover right side out. Use your fingers to push out the corners. Make them sharp. Now, gently put your pillow insert inside. Adjust it until it fits well. You have made a great no-sew throw pillow DIY item!

Tips for Fabric Glue Success

• Test first: Always test the glue on a small scrap piece of your fabric. This checks if it works well. It also shows how the glue looks when dry.
• Less is more: Use a thin, even line of glue. Too much glue can make the fabric stiff. It can also seep through and show.
• Press firmly: After applying glue, press the fabric together well. This helps the glue stick better.
• Weight it down: For strong bonds, put something heavy on the glued seams as they dry. Books work well.

Method Two: The Iron-On Adhesive Approach

This method uses heat to bond fabric. It is also known as fusible web pillow project. It is great for a neat, flat finish. It is often faster than waiting for liquid glue to dry. This creates a strong iron-on adhesive pillow case.

Materials for Iron-On Method

• Your chosen fabric
• Iron-on adhesive web (like HeatnBond, Pellon, or similar brands)
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Marking pen or chalk
• Pillow insert

Steps for the Iron-On Adhesive Method

1. Prepare Your Fabric

Just like with glue, iron your fabric first. Make it smooth and wrinkle-free. If your fabric is new, wash and dry it. This prevents shrinking after you make the cover.

2. Measure and Cut the Fabric

The measuring is the same as for the fabric glue method.
* Fabric Width: (Pillow Width x 2) + 2 inches.
* Fabric Height: (Pillow Height + 2 inches).

Draw your cut lines on the fabric. Cut out one large piece of fabric.

3. Prepare the Seam Edges

Lay your fabric piece wrong side up. Fold one of the short edges over by 1 inch. Press this fold with your iron. Now, cut a strip of your iron-on adhesive web. The strip should be slightly less than 1 inch wide. It should be as long as your folded edge.

Place this strip of adhesive inside the fold. Make sure it is between the folded fabric and the main fabric. Follow the instructions on your adhesive web package. Usually, you press the iron onto the fold for a few seconds. The heat melts the adhesive. It glues the fold down. Do this for both short edges. These are the open ends of your cover.

4. Form the Pillow Shape

Lay the fabric wrong side up. The short, iron-on folded edges are at the top and bottom. Fold the fabric in half widthwise. The right sides of the fabric should be together. The short folded edges should overlap in the middle. Overlap them by about 4 inches. This makes the envelope opening.

Make sure your folded fabric will fit your pillow. The height of the folded fabric should be your pillow’s height.

5. Fuse the Side Edges

Now you have the fabric folded. The two raw, unglued long sides are open. Cut two strips of iron-on adhesive web. Each strip should be slightly less than 1 inch wide. They should be as long as your open sides.

Place an adhesive strip along one of these raw long edges. Put it between the two layers of fabric. Place it about 1/2 inch from the edge. Use your iron. Press down firmly for the time given on the adhesive package. This melts the adhesive. It bonds the two fabric layers together. Repeat for the other long side.

6. Let It Cool Down

Let your newly fused pillow cover cool down completely. The adhesive needs to set. This makes the bond strong. Do not try to move it too much while it is hot.

7. Turn and Insert

Once cool, turn the pillow cover right side out. Use your fingers to push out the corners. Make them neat and sharp. Gently slide your pillow insert into the cover. Adjust it for a good fit. You have made a great project for your beginner no-sew cushion ideas list!

Tips for Iron-On Adhesive Success

• Read instructions: Always read the specific instructions for your iron-on adhesive. Brands can differ.
• Even heat: Apply even heat and pressure with your iron. Do not slide the iron. Just press down.
• Protect your iron: Some adhesives can stick to your iron. Use a pressing cloth over your fabric. This protects your iron.
• Pre-test: Test a small piece of adhesive on a fabric scrap. Make sure it melts and sticks well.

Method Three: The Glueless Folding and Tying Approach

This method is super easy. It uses no glue and no heat. It is a true glueless cushion cover tutorial. It is perfect for those who want a quick change. This method works best with square pillows and larger fabric pieces. It creates a tied pillow cover tutorial look.

Materials for Tying Method

• Your chosen fabric (a square piece, usually twice the size of your pillow)
• Scissors (optional, if you want frayed edges)
• Pillow insert

Steps for the Glueless Tying Method

1. Select and Prepare Fabric

Choose a fabric that looks good on both sides. A patterned fabric often works well. You will need a large square of fabric. It should be about double the width and double the height of your pillow.
* Example: For a 18×18 inch pillow, you might need a 36×36 inch fabric square.

Lay your fabric flat. Make sure it is smooth.

2. Position the Pillow

Place your pillow insert in the very center of your fabric square. Place it on the wrong side of the fabric.

3. Fold and Tie Corners

Now, you have four corners of fabric sticking out around the pillow.
* Step A: Take two opposite corners of the fabric. Bring them over the top of the pillow. Tie them together in a knot. Make it a secure knot, but not too tight that it squishes the pillow.
* Step B: Now, take the other two opposite corners. Bring them over the top of the pillow. Tie them together in a knot. This knot should be on top of the first knot. You will have two knots overlapping.

4. Adjust and Finish

Adjust the fabric so it looks neat. Make sure the pillow is snug inside. You can tuck any loose fabric edges under the knots. You can also trim the ends of the ties if they are too long. Some people like the tied ends to be long. This gives a nice look. This is a very quick no-sew pillow hack.

Tips for Glueless Tying Success

• Fabric choice: Thinner fabrics are easier to tie. Thicker fabrics can be bulky.
• Square pillow: This method works best with square pillow inserts. Round or odd shapes are harder to wrap.
• Neat corners: Pull the fabric tight around the pillow before tying. This makes neat corners.
• Play with ties: You can make bows instead of knots. You can also braid the ends of the ties for a different look.

Method Four: The Fabric Tuck/Wrap Method

This is a true DIY no-sew fabric cover for those who want super fast results. It is also completely glueless. It works best with pillows that have a removable cover. You simply wrap and tuck the new fabric around your existing pillow or cushion. It’s truly a quick no-sew pillow hack.

Materials for Tuck/Wrap Method

• Your chosen fabric (a rectangle, much larger than your pillow)
• Pillow insert

Steps for the Fabric Tuck/Wrap Method

1. Prepare Your Fabric

You need a large rectangular piece of fabric. The length should be about 2.5 to 3 times the width of your pillow. The width of the fabric should be the same as your pillow’s height, plus about 6-8 inches extra.
* Example: For an 18×18 inch pillow:
* Fabric Length: 18 inches x 2.5 = 45 inches (or more if you want more overlap).
* Fabric Width: 18 inches + 6 inches = 24 inches.
* So, a fabric piece of 45 inches long by 24 inches wide.

Lay your fabric flat. Iron it if needed for a crisp look.

2. Position the Pillow

Place your pillow insert in the center of your fabric. Lay it on the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure the long sides of the fabric are on the top and bottom of the pillow. The shorter sides are to the left and right.

3. Wrap the Long Sides

Take the top long edge of the fabric. Bring it over the pillow. Tuck it under the pillow. Do the same with the bottom long edge of the fabric. Bring it over the pillow and tuck it under. The two tucked edges should meet under the pillow. Or they can overlap slightly. The goal is to cover the pillow’s main sides.

4. Tuck the Ends

Now you have fabric sticking out on the left and right sides of the pillow. These are the short ends of your fabric rectangle.
* Step A: Fold one of these short ends inwards. Fold it neatly over the pillow.
* Step B: Tuck this folded fabric securely under the pillow. Make it tight.
* Step C: Do the same for the other short end. Fold it neatly. Tuck it firmly under the pillow.

5. Adjust and Smooth

Once all sides are tucked, gently lift the pillow. Adjust the fabric. Make sure it is smooth and tight. There should be no loose flaps. The pillow should feel fully covered and snug. This method is often called an “envelope wrap” or “hotel wrap.”

Tips for Fabric Tuck/Wrap Success

• Fabric type: This method works well with fabrics that have some body. Think cotton or linen. Very thin or slippery fabrics might not stay tucked.
• Tight tucking: The key is to tuck the fabric very tightly under the pillow. This holds it in place.
• Pillow size: This method is best for square or rectangular pillows. Odd shapes are harder to wrap neatly.
• No seams: Since there are no seams, this method looks clean. It is very easy to change the cover.

Deciphering Fabric Choices

Choosing the right fabric is key. Different fabrics work better with different methods.

Fabric Types and Their Uses

Fabric Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Cotton	All methods	Easy to work with, many patterns.	Wrinkles easily, can fray.
Linen	All methods	Strong, natural look, breathable.	Wrinkles a lot, can be more costly.
Canvas	Glue, Iron-On, Tuck/Wrap	Very durable, holds shape well.	Can be stiff, harder to fold for tying.
Fleece	Glue, Tied	Soft, does not fray.	Can be bulky, hard to iron smoothly.
Microfiber	Glue, Iron-On, Tuck/Wrap	Soft, stain resistant, durable.	Can be slippery to work with.
Velvet/Chenille	Glue, Iron-On	Rich look, soft feel.	Can be tricky to cut and work with.

For beginner no-sew cushion ideas, cotton or linen are great starts. They are easy to cut and handle.

Measuring with Precision

Getting the right size fabric matters a lot. A good measure makes a good pillow cover.

Simple Measurement Tips

• Measure your actual pillow: Do not guess the size. Measure your pillow insert across its middle.
• Add for seams: For glue or iron-on methods, add 1 inch to 2 inches to each side for seams. This means adding 2-4 inches total to both the length and width of your fabric piece for “seam allowance”.
• Add for overlap: For envelope-style covers, add extra length for the back overlap. Usually, 8 to 10 inches extra on the width works.
• Round up: It is better to have a little too much fabric than not enough. You can always trim extra.
• Double-check: Measure twice, cut once. This saves fabric and time.

Care and Cleaning for Your No-Sew Covers

How you clean your no-sew pillow cover depends on the method you used.

Cleaning Guidelines

• Fabric Glue Covers: Most fabric glues are washable once dry. Check the glue bottle’s label. Wash on a gentle cycle. Use cold water. Air dry or tumble dry low.
• Iron-On Adhesive Covers: These are usually machine washable. Use a cool or warm wash. Tumble dry on low heat. Avoid high heat, as it might re-melt the adhesive.
• Glueless/Tied/Tucked Covers: These are the easiest to clean. Just untie or untuck the fabric. Wash the fabric piece as you would normally. Then put it back on the pillow. This means your DIY no-sew fabric cover can always be fresh.

The Good Things About No-Sew Pillow Covers

Choosing to make pillow covers without sewing offers many benefits.

Key Advantages

• Easy for Anyone: You do not need special skills. Anyone can do it.
• Saves Money: It is cheaper than buying new pillow covers. It is also cheaper than buying a sewing machine.
• Quick Changes: You can change your decor often. Make new covers for different seasons or moods.
• Creative Fun: You can pick any fabric. This lets you show off your style.
• No Big Tools: You do not need bulky sewing machines. Just a few simple items.
• Good for Kids: Some methods are safe and fun for older kids to try. It teaches them crafting.

Adding Final Touches

Your no-sew pillow cover is almost done. Think about adding small details.

Finishing Ideas

• Frayed Edges: For the tied or tucked methods, leave raw edges. Then, snip them every half inch. This creates a cool, fringed look.
• Stencils: Use fabric paint and stencils. Add a design to your finished cover.
• Pom-Poms or Tassels: Glue or tie small pom-poms or tassels to the corners. This adds a fun touch.
• Buttons or Ribbons: If your cover has an overlap, you can add decorative buttons. You can also tie a pretty ribbon around the pillow. Make sure they are not on the part you sleep on!

These small changes can make your no-sew throw pillow DIY truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long do no-sew pillow covers last?

A1: It depends on the method and how you use them. Glued covers can last many washes. Tied covers last as long as the fabric does. They can be very durable.

Q2: Can I use any fabric for a no-sew pillow cover?

A2: Most fabrics work well. Cotton and linen are easy for beginners. Avoid very thick fabrics for tying methods. Avoid very slippery fabrics for tucking methods.

Q3: Is fabric glue safe for washing?

A3: Yes, most fabric glues are made to be washable. Always check the bottle. Look for “permanent” or “washable” on the label.

Q4: Can I make outdoor pillow covers without sewing?

A4: Yes, you can. Use outdoor fabric. These fabrics are made to resist water and sun. Use an outdoor-safe fabric glue or iron-on adhesive.

Q5: What if my pillow insert is not a standard size?

A5: No problem! Just measure your pillow carefully. Cut your fabric based on those exact measurements. The steps remain the same.

Q6: Can I use this for chair cushions?

A6: Yes, you can. For chair cushions, the tuck or wrap method works well. For a more fixed cover, use the glue or iron-on method. Make sure to get very strong fabric glue for heavy use.

Q7: How much fabric glue do I need?

A7: For one pillow cover, a small bottle of fabric glue is usually enough. About 4-8 ounces should be plenty. A little glue goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Making pillow covers without sewing is a rewarding project. It is easy, fun, and saves you money. You can update your home decor in just an hour or two. Try these methods. Pick your favorite fabric. Enjoy your fresh new look!