Faux fur pillow covers add a touch of luxury to any room. They look expensive but are actually easy to make at home. Today, I’ll show you how to sew faux fur pillow covers that look professional, not homemade. These soft, plush pillows are perfect for winter decorating or adding year-round texture to your space.
Essential Materials for Your Faux Fur Pillow Cover
Before you start sewing, gather these materials:
| Materials | Notes |
|---|---|
| Faux fur fabric | Choose high-quality fur for best results |
| Backing fabric | Faux suede works well (no need for fur on both sides) |
| Zipper | Regular zipper, length depends on pillow size |
| Pillow insert | Should be slightly larger than your finished cover |
| Scissors | Regular fabric shears |
| Ruler | A hard ruler works best |
| Pins | Plenty for securing thick fabric |
| Sewing machine | Set to long stitch length (around 4) |
| Thread | Match to your backing fabric |
Secret #1: Get Your Measurements Right
Precise measurements serve as the cornerstone for creating impeccably tailored faux fur pillow covers. Cut your backing fabric the same width as your pillow insert but about one inch higher. This might seem strange, but trust me—your finished pillow will look much better.
Why? Your pillow cover will end up smaller than your fabric pieces because of seam allowances. Making the cover slightly smaller than the insert gives your pillow that nice, full, professional look. Your insert will stay full and won’t look flat inside the cover.
For the faux fur front, cut a square the same size as your pillow insert. Remember this measurement trick for all your future pillow projects!
Secret #2: The Special Fur-Cutting Technique
Cutting faux fur fabric is completely different from cutting regular fabric. This is my most important tip! Never cut faux fur the regular way or you’ll end up with ugly, chopped-off fur at the edges.
Here’s the proper technique:
Flip the fabric so that the backing side is facing upward. Using sharp scissors, slide just the tip of the scissors through the backing material only. Be very careful not to cut the actual fur fibers.
This takes a bit more time but makes a huge difference. When you’re done, your fur will look natural at the edges instead of having that obvious “I made this at home” look where the fur is chopped in a straight line.
Secret #3: Smart Zipper Installation
For the backing, cut it into two pieces where you want the zipper to go. I recommend placing the zipper about three inches from the bottom of your pillow cover.
Place the two backing pieces right sides together. Sew just the first and last couple of inches of the seam where the zipper will go, using a half-inch seam allowance. Press this seam open.
Next, place your zipper face down onto that open seam. Pin one side of the zipper tape to one side of the open seam, and the other side to the other open seam. Pin everything securely with plenty of pins to hold it in place.
Sew along both sides of the zipper using about a 3/8 inch seam allowance. A zipper foot makes this easier, but a regular foot works too if that’s all you have.
Secret #4: Joining Front and Back Without Fur Mishaps
When attaching the faux fur front to the backing, ensure the right sides are facing each other. Here’s where a lot of people make a mistake with fur fabric: the fur fibers often get stuck in the seam, leading to a messy result.
To prevent this, carefully fold the fur fibers inward as you pin around the edges. Take your time with this step. Pin generously all the way around to keep those fur fibers safely out of your seam area.
Secret #5: Use the Right Stitch Length
When sewing faux fur, adjust your machine to use a longer stitch length than usual. I use a length of 4 on my machine, but yours might be different. The longer stitches handle the thick fabric much better and prevent your machine from struggling.
Stitch along all four edges, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Go slowly and make sure the fur stays tucked in as you sew.
Secret #6: Perfect Your Corners
For professional-looking corners, clip them close to the stitching before turning your pillow cover right side out. This reduces bulk and helps your corners look crisp and square when finished.
Turn your pillow cover right side out through the zipper opening. Push out the corners with your finger or the blunt end of a knitting needle until they’re nice and sharp.
Secret #7: Finishing Touches Make All the Difference
Insert your pillow form through the zipper opening. Because your cover is slightly smaller than the insert, it might take a little effort, but this gives your pillow that professional, plump appearance.
Once the insert is in place, fluff up the fur with your fingers. Sometimes the fur gets flattened during sewing, so give it a gentle shake and comb through it with your fingers for that luxurious, store-bought look.
Why Faux Fur Pillow Covers Are Worth Making
These pillow covers aren’t just beautiful—they’re practical too. You can remove them for washing when needed, and they cost much less than buying ready-made versions in stores.
Faux fur adds wonderful texture and warmth to your living room or bedroom, especially during fall and winter. They make great gifts too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pillow Covers
How to make a pillow step by step for beginners?
Making a basic pillow is simple. First, cut two equal squares of fabric. Place them with right sides together. Pin the edges. Sew three sides with a straight stitch. Leave a small opening. Turn the cover right side out. Fill with stuffing. Hand-stitch the opening closed. That’s it – you have a basic pillow!
What are the steps in sewing a pillowcase?
Start by measuring your pillow insert. Cut your fabric to size, adding 1 inch for seams. Create the envelope backing with two overlapping pieces. Place the front piece face up. Layer the back pieces on top, facing down. Pin everything in place. Sew around all four sides. Turn right side out. Press the seams. Your pillowcase is ready to use.
What is the rule for pillow covers?
The golden rule for pillow covers is simple. Add one inch to your pillow insert size. For example, use 17×17 inches of fabric for a 16×16 inch insert. This creates a snug fit. The cover should be slightly smaller than the insert. This keeps your pillow looking full and plump.
What is the best stitch for a pillow cover?
A straight stitch works best for pillow covers. Set your stitch length to 2.5-3.0 mm. Use this for most seams. For added strength, double-stitch the seams. If working with stretch fabric, use a zigzag stitch. This prevents the seams from breaking when the pillow is used.
How do you make a lip pillow?
A lip pillow (French seam) creates a clean finish. Start by sewing wrong sides together with a 1/4 inch seam. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch. Turn the pillow wrong side out. Press the seam flat. Sew again with a 3/8 inch seam. This encloses the raw edges inside. It’s perfect for delicate fabrics like faux fur.
Ready to Start Sewing?
Now you know all seven secrets to sewing perfect faux fur pillow covers! With these tips, your homemade pillows will look like expensive designer pieces. The most important things to remember are the special fur-cutting technique and tucking the fur away from your seams.
Why not try making one this weekend? Once you’ve made your first one, you’ll be amazed at how simple it really is—and you’ll probably want to make more in different colors and fur textures. Happy sewing!
Primary focus keyword: how to sew faux fur pillow covers
Secondary keywords: sewing with faux fur, diy pillow covers, faux fur sewing tips, cutting faux fur fabric, zipper installation, winter home decor
Title: 7 Foolproof Secrets to Sew Stunning Faux Fur Pillow Covers (No Mistakes!)
Slug: how-to-sew-faux-fur-pillow-covers
Meta description: Discover the expert technique to sew faux fur pillow covers that look luxurious, not homemade. Perfect for beginners with step-by-step guidance.
Tags: faux fur sewing, diy pillow covers, sewing projects, home decor diy, faux fur crafts, beginner sewing tutorial, winter home accessories, zipper installation