Sewing question
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 95
Sewing question
I am relatively new to sewing. I am covering some pillow forms for my son's sofa. The forms are 18 inches square. How big should I cut the fabric to allow for the poof of the pillow? Is it ok to use 1/4 inch seams? Thanks in advance!
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 323
I think for a cushion, I might use a slightly larger seam as in regular garment sewing. That would be a 5/8 inch seam. I might start out by cutting the square out an inch or so bigger than the cushion, but you might have to adjust a bit when you see how it fits. You can always baste with a larger stitch, then try it, and sew again with a regular stitch. If you want it to be removable, you can either put a zipper in the back or you can make an envelope back so the cushion cover will slip off for washing. You should be able to find instructions for that on the internet if you search for maybe envelope back for pillow or something. Good luck!
#5
For knife edge pillows that are sewn shut, I cut my fabric 1" larger than the pillow form and use a 5/8" seam. That way the "finished size" of the cover is actually 1/4" smaller than the insert size so it is plump without being stressed at the seams. I also taper the corner seams slightly to avoid pointy ears at the corners...hate those. You will need to cut extra fabric if you are making removable covers.
Last edited by ghostrider; 12-01-2011 at 03:08 PM.
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lived in San Diego now retired in Eagar, AZ.
Posts: 887
the standard size pillow form is 14" and that is so you can use a 12" pc of fabric or 12" quilt block.... it is meant to really 'stuff' the corners well and make the pillow 'poof'.... the 12 block would of course be the finished size...cut at 12.5 for 1/4" seams or 13 for 1/2" seams...I only mention this to demonstrate that if I was covering an 18" pillow form, i would use a 16" cover.... if these are foam...trim off the sharp corners with your scissors, they will look much better in the covers... just snip at a 45 deg angle to 'soften' the edges... if they are 'filled' forms...you're all set...
Last edited by deemail; 12-01-2011 at 06:02 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lived in San Diego now retired in Eagar, AZ.
Posts: 887
the standard size pillow form is 14" and that is so you can use a 12" pc of fabric or 12" quilt block.... it is meant to really 'stuff' the corners well and make the pillow 'poof'.... the 12 block would of course be the finished size...cut at 12.5 for 1/4" seams or 13 for 1/2" seams...I only mention this to demonstrate that if I was covering an 18" pillow form, i would use a 16" cover.... if these are foam...trim off the sharp corners with your scissors, they will look much better in the covers... just snip at a 45 deg angle to 'soften' the edges... if they are 'filled' forms...you're all set...
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