Welcome to the board from Southern California!!! When I have made some pillow and shams I usually add batting to the top and quilt it how I want it quilted. I prefer to have a zipper in the sham so I can easily remove it to throw it in the wash. I cut the backing about 2" in length than I need, put the zipper in following instructions then trim back to fit top. I sew up, turn right side out and throw in the wash to get that little bit of "shrunk" look. I use warm and natural so I love the little bit of shrinking it does.