Sewing A Standard Pillow Sham: A Beginner's Guide

Oct 29, 2025 by SLV Team 50 views

Hey there, sewing enthusiasts! Ever wanted to add a touch of elegance and personality to your bedroom? Well, learning how to sew a standard pillow sham is a fantastic project that's both achievable and rewarding. This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process, from gathering your materials to the final stitches, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned sewers alike. We'll cover everything you need to know, ensuring your pillow shams not only look beautiful but also fit your standard pillows perfectly. Get ready to transform your bed into a cozy and stylish haven! Let's get started on this fun journey of creating your own standard pillow sham sewing pattern!

Materials You'll Need for Your Pillow Sham

Before we dive into the steps, let's gather all the necessary materials. Having everything ready will make the sewing process smooth and enjoyable. Here's what you'll need:

Fabric: The heart of your pillow sham! Choose your favorite fabric. For a standard pillow sham, you'll need enough fabric to cover the front and back of the pillow, plus seam allowances. About 1.5 to 2 yards of fabric should be plenty, depending on the pattern repeat and desired size. Consider using cotton, linen, silk, or any fabric that complements your bedroom decor. Remember to pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after sewing.
Matching Thread: Select a thread color that blends seamlessly with your fabric. This is crucial for a professional finish. Make sure the thread is strong enough for the fabric you've chosen.
Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat: Sharp tools are your best friends in sewing! A rotary cutter and mat can make cutting fabric incredibly easy and precise, especially for straight lines. Scissors are perfectly fine too, just make sure they are fabric scissors and kept sharp.
Ruler or Measuring Tape: Accuracy is key! Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure and cut your fabric precisely. It is important to measure twice and cut once.
Pins or Fabric Clips: These will hold your fabric pieces together while you sew, ensuring everything stays in place. Fabric clips are great if you don't like dealing with pins!
Sewing Machine: The workhorse of this project! Make sure your sewing machine is in good working order and ready to go.
Iron and Ironing Board: Ironing is essential for pressing seams and achieving a polished look. It'll also make your sewing much easier by creating nice, crisp edges.
Pillow to be Shammed: Of course, you'll need the pillow that will be going inside your new sham. Standard pillows typically measure 20x26 inches. You'll want to take these measurements into consideration when calculating your fabric pieces and the dimensions of the sham. These dimensions are for the pillow itself, not the pillow sham.
Optional Embellishments: If you're feeling creative, consider adding embellishments such as buttons, ribbons, piping, or embroidery to personalize your pillow sham. This is where you can let your creativity run wild!

Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: measuring and cutting your fabric. Accurate measurements are critical for a well-fitting pillow sham. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Determine the Size: A standard pillow sham typically fits a standard pillow size of 20x26 inches. However, you'll want to add seam allowances to ensure the pillow fits comfortably inside. A common seam allowance is ½ inch (1.27 centimeters).
Calculate Fabric Dimensions: For the front of your pillow sham, cut one piece of fabric that is 20 inches wide by 26 inches high, plus the seam allowance (1 inch total to cover both sides). This means the front piece should measure 21 inches by 27 inches. For the back of the pillow sham, you'll need two pieces of fabric. The back of the sham will have an overlap to hold the pillow inside.
Cutting the Fabric: Using your ruler or rotary cutter, carefully cut your fabric pieces according to the measurements. Make sure your cuts are straight and accurate. It helps to use a cutting mat and rotary cutter to keep your cuts straight! Label each piece to avoid confusion later.
Prepare the Back Overlap: The back of the sham will have an overlap to make it easy to insert and remove the pillow. For the back pieces, cut two pieces of fabric that are both 21 inches wide and 15 inches high.
Finishing the Back Pieces: On one long edge of each back piece, fold the edge over by ½ inch, then fold it over again by ½ inch, and press with your iron. Sew along the folded edge to create a clean, finished hem. This will prevent fraying. If you have a serger machine, you can finish the edge and sew it normally. If you do not have a serger, there is no need to worry!

Assembling Your Standard Pillow Sham

With your fabric pieces cut and prepped, it's time to sew! Here's how to assemble your standard pillow sham:

Attach the Overlap to the Back Pieces: Place the front piece of fabric right side up. Position the back pieces on top, right sides down, overlapping them in the middle to create the opening for the pillow. The finished hems of the back pieces should overlap each other. Pin or clip the edges of the front and back pieces together, making sure the edges align.
Sew the Seams: Sew around the entire perimeter of the pillow sham, using a ½ inch seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches.
Trim the Corners: Once the sewing is done, trim the corners of the pillow sham at an angle. This will reduce bulk and make the corners neater when you turn the sham right-side-out.
Turn Right-Side-Out: Turn the pillow sham right-side-out through the opening in the back. Use a point turner or a dull pencil to gently push out the corners, making them sharp and defined.
Press the Seams: Iron the seams to flatten them and give your pillow sham a professional look. This step is super important, don't skip it!
Optional Topstitching: For a polished finish, you can topstitch around the entire perimeter of the pillow sham, about ¼ inch from the edge. This adds a decorative touch and helps to keep the seams in place.

Adding Embellishments to Your Pillow Sham

Now for the fun part: adding embellishments! This is where you can let your creativity shine and personalize your pillow sham. Here are a few ideas:

Buttons: Sew buttons onto the front of your pillow sham for a classic, charming look. Consider using decorative buttons to add visual interest.
Ribbons: Attach ribbons along the edges or create a decorative pattern on the front. This is a great way to add color and texture.
Piping: Insert piping between the front and back pieces before sewing them together. This adds a tailored, sophisticated touch.
Embroidery: Embroider a monogram, a design, or a quote onto the front of your pillow sham. This is a great way to add a personal touch.
Appliqué: Cut out shapes from different fabrics and sew them onto the front of your pillow sham. This is perfect for creating playful designs.

No matter what embellishments you choose, make sure they complement the fabric and overall design of your pillow sham.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go perfectly, and that's okay! Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Uneven Seams: If your seams are uneven, try using a seam guide on your sewing machine or pinning your fabric more securely before sewing.
Corners Not Turning Out Properly: Trim the corners at an angle before turning the sham right-side-out. Use a point turner or a dull pencil to gently push out the corners, creating sharp, defined points.
Fabric Bunching: If your fabric bunches while sewing, check your tension settings on your sewing machine. Also, make sure you are using the correct needle for your fabric type. It can also be from the fabric not feeding evenly.
Pillow Sham Too Big or Too Small: Double-check your measurements and seam allowances before cutting and sewing. If the sham is too big, you can try sewing a smaller seam allowance. If it's too small, you may need to start over with new fabric or adjust the size of the pillow.
Seam Ripping: This is sometimes necessary. If you make a mistake, do not stress about it! Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitches and start again.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are some extra tips and tricks to make your standard pillow sham sewing pattern project a success:

Choose the Right Fabric: Select a fabric that is easy to work with, such as cotton or linen, especially if you are a beginner. Avoid slippery fabrics like silk until you have more experience.
Pre-Wash Your Fabric: Pre-washing your fabric will prevent it from shrinking after you have finished your pillow sham. This simple step can save you a lot of headaches later on.
Iron as You Go: Ironing your fabric after each step will make your sewing much easier and give your pillow sham a professional look. Pressing those seams will make all the difference.
Take Your Time: Sewing is not a race! Take your time, measure carefully, and enjoy the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes that you'll have to undo later.
Use Quality Tools: Invest in good-quality scissors, a rotary cutter, and a ruler. These tools will make your sewing much easier and more enjoyable. They will also improve the quality of your finished project.
Experiment with Designs: Don't be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and embellishments. Sewing should be a creative outlet, so let your imagination run wild!
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you sew, the better you will become. Don't be discouraged if your first pillow sham isn't perfect. Keep practicing, and you'll improve with each project.
Read the Pattern Carefully: If you are using a pattern, read it carefully before you start sewing. This will help you understand the instructions and avoid mistakes.

Finishing Touches and Beyond

Congratulations, you've sewn your own standard pillow sham! Now, simply insert your pillow into the sham, and you're ready to enjoy your beautiful new creation. Here are some ideas for taking your sewing skills to the next level:

Mix and Match Fabrics: Try using different fabrics for the front and back of your pillow sham, or add contrasting details like a decorative border or a contrasting piping. This is a great way to use up fabric scraps.
Create a Pillow Sham Set: Make a matching set of pillow shams for your bed. This will create a cohesive and stylish look in your bedroom.
Experiment with Different Sizes: Once you have mastered the standard pillow sham, try making shams for other pillow sizes, such as king-size or Euro shams.
Learn More Advanced Techniques: Explore more advanced sewing techniques, such as embroidery, quilting, or creating custom closures, to enhance your pillow shams.

Sewing a standard pillow sham sewing pattern is a fun and rewarding project that can add a touch of personality and style to your home. With a little practice and patience, you can create beautiful and functional pillow shams that will last for years to come. So, gather your materials, follow the steps in this guide, and get ready to transform your bedroom into a cozy and stylish haven. Happy sewing, and enjoy the process! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! We're all in this together, so do not hesitate! Happy sewing, guys!