Instructions
CUT OUT THE PATTERN PIECES
For the 22" x 22" diagonal decorative pillow cover (makes 2 pillow covers):
- Cut out 2 pieces of fabric 22" x 22" and 2 pieces of faux leather 22" x 22".
- Place the right sides of each type of fabric together, then stack them on top of each other.
- Measure 5" from the bottom of one side and 5" from the top of the other side. Line your ruler up and cut from these marks through all layers of fabric.
For the 20" x 20" center stripe decorative pillow cover:
- Cut out 4 pieces of fabric 6" x 20".
- Cut out 4 pieces of leather 10" x 9 1/2" and 2 pieces 3" x 10".
For the 20" x 20" color block decorative pillow cover:
- Cut out 2 pieces of fabric 7" x 20".
- Cut out 4 pieces of leather 14" x 10 1/2".
SEW TOGETHER PATTERN PIECES
For each of the decorative pillow covers, you will need to sew the pieces together for each side as shown in the above diagram. Sew each seam with a 1/2" seam allowance
Start by sewing together the leather pieces (for all covers except the diagonal).
When pinning together the faux leather fabric, be only place pins on the inside of the seam area because they could leave permanent and visible holes.
After sewing the 1/2" seam, finger press the seam open.
Then top-stitch on either side of the seam to hold it flat. Do you top-stitch about 1/8"-1/4" away from the seam.
Once all the pieces of leather are sewed together and top-stitched, it is time to add the fabric. Sew the fabric to the leather piece with a 1/2" seam allowance.
Instead of trying to press the seam open, instead just leave the leather flat and fold the fabric back on top of it to reveal the right side of the fabric.
Top-stitch on the fabric to hold it flat.
Repeat on all the pieces of your pillow cover until you have 2 sides completed (or a front/back if that is easier for you to think of it).
ATTACH INVISIBLE ZIPPER
The invisible zipper needs to be sewn to the two pieces of your pillow cover before you sew them together.
I like to use a slightly smaller zipper to get clean bottom corners. This is not necessary. Make sure the size of your zipper is large enough for the pillow form to easily go through. Feather pillow forms tend to squish easier to insert into smaller zippers.
Lay the piece of your pillow down with right sides together. Identify the bottom of your pillow cover (where you want the invisible zipper to go).
Unzip your zipper and lay the right side of one side on the right side of one of the pillow cover pieces. Center and pin so the edge of the zipper is flush with the edge of the fabric.
When pinning, make sure the pins point toward the top of the zipper so when you sew, you can pull them out as you go. You will always sew from the top of the zipper to the bottom.
To get the invisible zipper started in the invisible zipper foot, you will need to roll the teeth of the zipper slightly until the shape mimics the angle on the foot.
Lower the foot over the zipper so the teeth fit into the groove. With the needle in the center of the foot, this will ensure the seam is in the right place.
Sew all the way to the bottom as close to the bottom as you can. If you zipper is longer than your pillow cover, just sew to the edge of the fabric.
Make sure to backstitch to secure the zipper.
To make it easier to figure out how to properly place the other side of the invisible zipper on the pillow cover, I like to lay the two pieces (one with the zipper attached), back out on my table.
Fold up one edge of the top piece.
Measure the distance from the top of the sewed in zipper and make sure the other side is even when you pin it.
Pin the other side of the invisible zipper all the way to the end making sure the outside is lined up with the edge of the fabric.
I found it easiest to turn over my two parts of the DIY pillow cover after I secured the top of the invisible zipper.
Sew this side of the zipper the same as the other, making sure to start at the top of the zipper and go to the bottom. You will use the grooves on the other side of the invisible zipper foot.
SEW THE PILLOW COVER TOGETHER
Now that the zipper is attached, zip it up halfway (not all the way or it will be very hard to turn it later).
Lay the two pieces of the DIY pillow cover on top of each other, right sides together and pin all around the pillow cover. Make sure to line up the edges of the fabric and leather seams nicely.
Start sewing at the top of the zipper and then all around the entire pillow cover until you come to the bottom of the zipper. Use a 1/2" seam allowance.
Make sure the seam meets up to the zipper seam.
Also, I like to do 3-4 backstitches at each side of each corner as I turn around the pillow to give them more strength.
Before turning, clip the corners to remove some of the bulk and make them turn better.
This is especially important for the faux leather material because it is very bulky.
Now you can turn your new DIY leather pillow covers and stuff them with a form.
Have fun mixing and matching fabrics, leathers, prints, or even do a fun color-blocking with these different patterns to make them match your own style and decor!
