Over Easy Homestead

• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Twitter

This simple grain sack pillow cover uses one long fabric and does not require any zippers or buttons. You could easily have it completed in one afternoon.

---

This post contains affiliate links.

My sweet husband listened to my dreams a few years ago and purchased a sewing machine for me, which you can find here. I was able to teach myself enough to be dangerous.  I was on the lookout for simple projects that I could try with success. This is one of the first ones I tackled. I tried this pillow cover out right before my son was born and forgot how simple and easy it was. The pillow form I had was small, old, and definitely worn down, but I did it!

Fast forward a few years, and now our bedroom is needing a good refresh. As it always seems to go with me, I could not find what I was looking for. Plus, I really enjoy a good challenge and decided I could probably redo something I already owned

This sewing project is one of my favorites because it only requires one long piece of fabric. No zippers or buttonholes are needed either. Bonus, it was finished in one nap time. I researched and found some grain sack fabric on Etsy for a doable price. I ended up spending the same as I would have if I would have purchased new pillow covers. Plus there is also the satisfaction that they made by hand.

Once you get the fabric cut to size the rest is very simple. This is definitely a beginner’s project that anyone can find success with. These are the tools you need to complete the project.

Tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Measure the width and length of the pillow seam to seam. 
• 2. Use the measurements of your fabric to fill in the formula below. This will tell you the length of fabric you need.
  • Width = (Pillow width x 2) + 5
  • Length = Pillow length

• 3. Hem the short ends. Fold over one inch and iron across. Unfold and take the edge of the fabric and fold to the crease, then fold once more. You will end up with a double half-inch hem. Repeat this process on the opposite end. Pin the folds and sew across with a top stitch.

• 4. Lay your fabric right side up on your table. Mark the center of the fabric along the long edge, on both sides with a pin.
• 5. Take one edge and fold it over towards the pin. You want the distance from the pin to the edge to follow this formula.
  • Pillow size divided by 2. Then subtract ½ inch. 

For example, my pillow was 20 inches. Divided by 2 was 10 inches. Subtract ½ inch and that left me with 9 ½ inches. So the distance from the edge to my pin was 9 ½ inches.

• 6. Repeat with the other side. Measure from the edge of the fabric to the pin following the formula above. 
• 7. Pin the top and bottom edges and sew. 

• 8. Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert your pillow.

It really is so very simple, and I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out. Let me know if you give these a try. I would love to see your creations as well. Check out my other easy sewing project, Easy Throw Blanket. You can also find me @overeasyhomestead on Instagram. Happy sewing and crafting!