How to Sew Burlap Pillow Slipcovers

I like making slipcovers for various seasons rather than having multiple pillows. It is much easier to store the slipcovers as compared to multiple sets of pillows.

I purchased this burlap fabric at Walmart.

STEP 1: Measuring

Determine the size your pillow slipcovers and allow an additional inch (half-inch on each side for your seam).

Side note: This is my office/craft room/guest bedroom in our loft. I had to kick Buddy the cat off the bed to work on this project.

Back to sewing pillow covers . . .

I ironed the fabric to ensure accuracy as I measured and cut each square panel. I always remember my Mom’s advice (who taught me to sew) to stop and iron along the way to be sure everything is lined up correctly. Great advice, Mom! For this reason, I keep an extra ironing board in my craft room.

I used an “Easy Angle II” by Simplicity and a yardstick to measure.

STEP 2: Cutting Fabric

Cut two perfect squares (actually four because I made two pillows). Because I am using burlap, I cut four (two for each pillow) off-white lining fabric. This will ensure that the flowers on the pillow insert will not show through.

STEP 3: Sewing

To make certain the burlap would not unravel over time, I stitched all the way around each fabric panel/square. I had to do this to all four panels; it took some time, but I think it was worth it.

STEP 4: Sewing the Zippers

I am still working on my technique for sewing zippers, so I must give credit to this Hobby Lobby video. I have bookmarked it on my laptop and watch it each time I make a pillow slipcover.

I pinned the two right sides of the fabric together. I then used a pencil and marked the top of my zipper, right above the metal pull (notice the location of my pencil mark). NOTE: I always put the zipper on the bottom of the pillow (if the fabric has a distinctive top and bottom) so it is not as noticeable. And then I marked the bottom of the zipper right below the metal stopper (notice again the location of my pencil mark).

I sewed the one side (bottom of the pillow slipcover where the zipper will go). I used the largest stitch possible on my sewing machine (I will eventually rip this seam out after sewing in the zipper). Then I pressed this seam open. I then placed the zipper over the pressed open seam to align with my original pencil marks.

I pinned and then sewed the zipper in place (again, refer to the video above). Now I am ready to rip out the original stitching (basting) with my seam ripper to reveal the zipper beneath the seam.

Step 5: Sewing the Other Three Sides

I pinned the two pillow sides together (with the right side of the burlap on the inside and the off-white lining on the outside) to sew the other three sides of the pillow.

Step 6: Turning Right Side Out and Inserting the Pillow Inserts

Once the three other sides are sown, then I turned it right-side out. I stuffed the old pillow into the new slipcover.

Below is a picture of the pillows on our front porch bench. I added this black and white plaid ribbon from Hobby Lobby (literally just tied a bow around each pillow).

Comment below and let me know what you think or ask any questions.

Happy Fall, Y’all!