Cuddle Pillow Tutorial with Lapped OR Zipper Closure

cuddleAnneliese Johnson
Cuddle Pillow Tutorial with Lapped OR Zipper Closure

Cuddle fabric is great for quilts, clothing, and home decor projects. Follow along with our tutorial to use it to make a decorative pillow cover for an 18” pillow.

Supplies

- 18” pillow form  

- Cuddle fabric (5/8 yard for the front, 5/8 yard for the back)  OR a Pillow Kit

- Coordinating thread  

- Sewing machine

- Scissors or rotary cutter

- Ruler

- Marking pen

- Pins or clips

- Iron  

- Optional: 18” Zipper for zipper closure


Step 1: Cut your fabric.  

For the Front Panel, cut one 19” x 19” square from your front Cuddle fabric. We’ll be using a 1/2” seam allowance on all sides. For the Back Panels  

   - For a Zipper Closure: Cut two 19” x 13” rectangles.  

   - For a Lapped Closure: Cut two 19” x 15” rectangles.  


Step 2: Prepare the back panels and closure.  

Zipper Closure:  

  • Place the two back panels right sides together along one 19” edge. Sew a 1/2” seam using a basting stitch. Press the seam open.  

  • Center the zipper face down over the basted seam and pin or clip in place.  

  • Using a zipper foot, stitch along both sides of the zipper to secure it. Remove the basting stitches to expose the zipper.

  • Square up your panel to 19” x 19”.

  • Place the front panel and back panel right sides together. Pin or clip around all four edges. 


Lapped Closure: 

  • Hem one 19” long edge of each back panel by folding 1/2” to the wrong side, pressing, and then folding another 1/2”. Stitch close to the folded edge.  

  • Place the front panel right side up. Lay one back panel right side down on top, aligning the raw edges. Repeat with the second back panel, overlapping the hemmed edges in the center. Pin or clip in place. 


Step 3: Sew the pillow cover.  

Sew around the edge using a 1/2” seam allowance. Take your time and sew slowly. The Cuddle texture can shift under the presser foot, so take your time. Backstitch at the beginning and end.  



Step 4: Sew the corners to prevent dog ears.

  • In each corner, mark .5” in from the stitched corner with your marking pencil.

  • Next, mark 5” from each corner. There should be 2 marks on each side. Use a ruler and draw a line from the mark on the side to the corner dot. Repeat with each mark and corner.

  • Sew along the marked lines.

  • Measure ½” away from the newly sewn corners and trim away the excess fabric. Trim the corners at a 45 degree angle, being careful not to cut through the stitching.


Step 5: Turn and press your pillow cover.

Turn the pillow cover right side out through the zipper or lapped opening. Use a tool (like a chopstick, Purple Thang, or other point turner) to gently push out the corners. Press the edges with a low-heat iron or a pressing cloth. Insert your pillow form.

And there you have it—a cozy, luxurious pillow cover made with Cuddle fabric! Whether you choose a zipper or lapped closure, this pillow cover is sure to become a favorite. Make sure to check out all the Cuddle fabric at Bits ‘n Pieces to find the perfect fabrics for your next pillow.

 

Tags: Cuddle, Cuddle fabric, Tutorial