that is something i have never done , i guess i never thought of it i always buy pillow cases and shams to match the quilt

I don't have a pattern for shams, but you really don't need one. If you have a sham, just measure and copy.

If you don't, measure the pillow and add 2 1/2 inches to each of the four sides. Your finished sham will have two inches extending past the pillow on each side. For the back, simply make two pieces that overlap, equalling the same measurement as the front. I usually overlap mine about four inches.

Lap the back two pieces on the front (make a narrow hem on the sides that won't be sewn into a seam) over laping, stitch around the edges. Turn it and iron, then stitch 2 inches from the edge all the way around.

Presto, you have a sham.

Well, it does work, though I am not sure my instructions are as clear as they should be. :)

Just proofread...the third paragraph should start with lay...not lap. :(

I made my first pillow covers to go with the queen-sized quilt I made for my son and his brand-new wife. They have pillows to rest their heads upon, so mine are more like decorative pillows. I used the same fabrics as in the quilt but found a cool paper-piecing idea for hearts that seemed the perfect thing for these newlyweds! I would like to add a picture here--how do I do that??

Not for ones I give away unless I really want to impress. I do for myself and close family.

I really like this idea...I am very fussy about how the fabric in my pillow case feels..if I am going to actually sleep on it.

I do make pillow shams some times. I also read about make a pillow case with backing or extra fabric from the top for the quilt to be stored in. i did that this month with a gift quilt for my great Grandson. I think it is a good idea and give a note that plastic bags are not good for the quilt over years to come.

Yes I do, just posted pictures of them that I finished for my children.

I haven't yet, but do have the material to make shams for two different quilts. Just trying to get the free time to do them. One of them the quilt is still in the works, just need to finish the binding on two sides.

I don't make pillow shams for my bed quilts.
I do make my quilts long enough to go over the pillows though.