How to Make a Chic, Outdoor Pillow Cover (No Sewing Required!)

Measure Old Pillow

To recover an 18-by-18-inch pillow, it’s sometimes easier to remove the pillow cover and work with a pillow insert. You’ll also want to use your pillow's dimensions to determine how much trim your new design will require.

Iron Fabric

Smooth out the new fabric with an iron.

Cut Fabric

To recover an 18-by-18-inch pillow, cut out a 44-by-20-inch piece of indoor/outdoor fabric. Keep in mind, you’re adding extra width to accommodate for a one-inch seam on either side of the pillow.

Fold Fabric in Half

Fold the fabric in half (right sides facing each other) to recreate the square shape of the pillow. Allow one side to peek out about 4 inches. This will be the pillow's top flap.

Add No-Sew Tape

Roll out the sewing adhesive tape along each edge, stopping just shy of the 20-inch mark.

Fuse Side Seams

Fuse the side seams together with an iron.

Finish Top Edge

Roll out and cut a thinner piece of sewing tape to finish the top edge of the pillowcase. Fold over the fabric about a half inch, then fuse the pieces together with an iron.

Finish Flap Edges

First, flip the pillowcase over and begin working on the flap. Fold the side edges of the top 4-inch flap in slightly, then fold over the long, top edge about an inch. Use the sewing tape in the same manner as the previous steps so that the edges are finished. Once it's cool to the touch, you’re ready to turn the pillowcase right-side out so that all the seams you just created are hidden inside the pillowcase and on the inside of the flap/opening.

Add Closure Tabs

With the hook-and-loop tabs still attached to one another, pull the backing off one side and position each one sticky side down on the pillowcase (Image A). Keep the spacing the same between each one (about 4 inches apart). Next, remove the adhesive backing again and fold the fabric flap down onto the sticky tabs. Press firmly. (Image B). This is a quick and easy way to make sure that the hook-and-loop tabs line up correctly on the first attempt.

Add Fabric Glue

Using the straight edge of a ruler as your guide, squeeze out a thin line of fabric glue along the perimeter of the pillow, one side at a time.

Add Pom-Pom Trim

Cut the trim to size for each side of a square, then press into place atop the fabric glue. Hold the trim in place, allowing the glue to set. Start with the perimeter of the pillow, then create the innermost square of pom-pom trim (Image A). The middle square will be positioned correctly, midway between the outer and inner squares (Image B).

Finishing Touches

Now, you’re ready to place the old pillow or insert inside the new pillowcase, fold over the flap and secure with the hook-and-loop tabs. Plus, it’s easy to remove for washing. Just be sure to wash by hand and air-dry this handmade pillow cover.