Sewing a pillowcase with a hotel closure: Even beginners can do it. In this tutorial, for which you don't need a sewing pattern, we will show you how it's done.
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, we show you how to easily sew a great pillow with a hotel closure.
- In just a few steps, you can create a real eye-catcher for your sofa or a personal gift.
- We explain what you should look out for and how you can quickly achieve a perfect result.
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: 1/2 afternoon
YouTube tutorial: Sewing a pillow with a hotel closure
What is a hotel closure?
The hotel closure is a simple fastening method for pillows. This technique is characterized by two hems on the back of the pillow that overlap, meaning no buttons or zippers are necessary. It is both practical and easy to sew.
How does a hotel closure work?
The hotel closure, also known as an envelope closure or fold-over closure, holds the pillow insert securely inside the case and provides a smooth, seamless surface. Unlike pillowcases with zippers or buttons, the hotel closure is incredibly easy to handle and boasts aesthetic appeal.
But how does this clever closure work? It’s quite simple! It consists of fabric panels that overlap elegantly on the back of the pillowcase. The bottom part of the cover is folded over the top part, forming a handy insert pocket. The generously sized pieces of fabric completely enclose the pillow, ensuring a secure fit. Thanks to this clever and stylish construction, the pillow stays securely inside the cover while you sleep and doesn't slip out.
The hotel closure has many other advantages. In addition to its chic look and practical handling, it is very easy to use. Pillowcases can be changed in no time at all and with minimal effort using the hotel closure. Furthermore, by adjusting the fabric panels, you can customize the firmness of the pillow to your personal taste. Fantastic, right?! No annoying zippers that could open unexpectedly or break. No disturbances to your sleep comfort or cozy sofa experience, because there are no uncomfortable buttons that could snag your hair. The hotel closure is therefore the ideal companion for day and night, ensuring undisturbed moments of well-being.
Why should I, as a beginner, sew a pillow with a hotel closure?
You might be wondering, why choose a pillow with a hotel closure specifically? We have good reasons and would like to share them with you. A pillowcase with this great closure is the perfect choice for sewing beginners who are looking for a simple, practical, and not very time-consuming sewing project. Enjoy the pleasure of creating your own pillows and develop your sewing skills in the process. You can also give your home a whole new look in no time or surprise friends and family with a creative gift on the fly.
Want more good arguments? No problem!
- Simplicity: The hotel closure is one of the easiest types of closures for pillowcases or bedding. With its overlapping fabric panels on the back, it is much less complicated than a zipper or buttons. This means less time and effort when sewing. As a beginner, you can focus on basic sewing techniques while still achieving a professional and high-quality result.
- Applicability: The hotel closure is not only easy to use but also has practical benefits. With this closure, you can quickly remove and wash the pillowcase without having to struggle with a zipper. This is especially practical if you have small children or pets that occasionally cause stains. With a hotel closure, you can remove and clean the cover in no time.
- Eye-catcher: With a pillow equipped with a hotel closure, you add a touch of elegance to your home. This special type of closure provides a smooth and seamless surface on the front of the pillow, guaranteeing an aesthetically pleasing and streamlined appearance. Whether you place the pillow as a decorative element on the sofa or use it as a comfortable sleeping pillow, the hotel closure gives your project a professional and stylish touch.
- Variety: With a pillow with a hotel closure, you have numerous possibilities to express your creativity. You can combine different fabrics, patterns, and colors to create a unique pillow that perfectly matches your interior style. Experiment with different textures and materials to give your pillow an individual touch.
What you should keep in mind as a beginner when sewing a pillowcase
You have decided to sew your own pillowcase with a hotel closure! That's great, and to ensure your sewing project is a complete success from the start, we have a few tips here that you, as a sewing novice, should pay special attention to.
Pay attention to the right material. When sewing pillowcases, choosing the right fabric is crucial. If you are just starting with sewing, it is advisable to choose a fabric that is easy to handle and won't warp or slip during the sewing process. You should pick a fabric that is easy to cut, sew, and iron. Woven fabrics made of cotton or cotton blends are easy to work with. Observe the care and washing instructions for your fabric to ensure that your pillowcase will be easy to maintain later on.
Measure accurately. Before cutting the fabric, it is important to take the correct measurements for your pillowcase. Measure the size of your pillow and add seam allowances. Don't rely on the dimensions stated on the label; trust your tape measure instead. Make sure you transfer the measurements to your fabric carefully and accurately to get a well-fitting pillow.
Always keep the grain line in view. Remember to check the grain line before cutting. Paying attention to the grain direction of your fabric has a huge influence on the look and fit of your pillowcase. The grain line refers to the direction of the threads in a fabric. Every woven fabric consists of warp threads (also "longitudinal threads", vertical) and weft threads (also "crosswise threads", horizontal) woven together at a 90-degree angle. The grain direction is important because it determines how the fabric behaves when cut, sewn, or stretched. This ensures that your project fits well, doesn't warp later, and that you will enjoy your project for a long time. It may seem a bit confusing at first, but with some practice, you will quickly get the hang of it. If you have trouble recognizing the threads, you can roughly orient yourself by the side selvage. Attach markings if necessary so you can ensure the correct alignment.
By observing the fabric direction, you show your attention to detail and achieve better results. So take the time to understand the grain line and consider it in your future projects – you will see and feel the difference.
Does your desired fabric have an orientation or a pattern? Just like with the grain line, you should look closely at the fabric before cutting. Ensure that the pattern transitions seamlessly from one part to the next and that all parts are cut in the same direction. Nothing is more annoying than having, for example, birds or beautiful flowers upside down later. Also, consider the fiber orientation, especially with structured fabrics like corduroy or velvet. Here you can use the "stroke test" to see in which direction the fibers point. Use markings for patterned fabrics to implement the orientation as precisely as possible. By cutting carefully, you achieve an appealing result that makes your project shine even more beautifully.
Choose the right seam allowance. When sewing the pillowcase, it is important to keep the seam allowances consistent. A seam allowance of about 1 cm at the side seams is often standard. This gives you enough room to finish the edges to prevent the fabric from fraying. With a hotel closure, you need a wider seam allowance on the back pieces than usual to have enough fabric for the closure. A seam allowance of about 2.5 to 3 cm is recommended here.
A hot iron is the key to success. Don't forget to iron your fabric before cutting and sewing! Ironing ensures smooth fabric panels and makes measuring, cutting, and sewing much easier. Take the time to prepare and iron your fabric. This also applies to intermediate steps. By ironing seams open or flat, you not only simplify your work but also ensure that your project is successful. Try it out; you will see the difference.
Be patient with yourself and your project. Sewing is a wonderful craft that requires time and practice. Mistakes are normal and happen even to the most experienced seamstresses from time to time. Whether it's using the wrong stitch, getting confused with thread tensions, or cutting the fabric incorrectly. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and patience allows you to learn from them instead of getting discouraged. Work precisely, especially at the beginning, and don't let yourself get flustered. Over time, you will gain more confidence, and a pillowcase with a hotel closure is exactly the right project to improve your skills.
Which fabrics are particularly suitable for sewing a pillow with a hotel closure?
Perhaps you are now wondering which fabrics you can use to sew such a wonderful pillow. Therefore, I will give you a few tips in this section on which fabrics are suitable and how you can work with them.
- Cotton woven fabric*: The most common fabric and super easy for beginners to work with; best sewn with a size 70 universal needle. There is even a separate blog post on the topic of sewing cotton fabric.
- Linen:* The slightly firmer linen fabric behaves similarly to cotton woven fabric and is therefore also suitable for a beginner project. But be careful, it frays easily and is prone to wrinkling. Sew with a universal needle size 70-80
- Teddy fabrics*: Due to its fluffy structure, you get a cozy pillow, but working with it requires some prior knowledge. Teddy fabric should definitely be finished and you should pin the cut pieces well before sewing so that it doesn't slip under the machine. Plush fabrics can be worked well with an 80 universal needle
- Quilted fabric*: is a versatile material and consists of several layers joined together. Quilted fabric is often used for warm and padded clothing or home accessories. Because of the different layers and the volume, you should also pin or clip the seam parts well here. It is best to use an 80 universal needle.
- Corduroy:* Corduroy is a durable and versatile fabric with a casual look and soft feel. Due to the ribbed structure, you can easily recognize the grain line and direction. When cutting, you should make sure that the corduroy pile (the velvety surface) runs in one direction. Depending on the cord quality (baby or wide wale), you can use a universal needle size 70-80
- Jeans:* Jeans fabric or denim is known for its high strength. The tightly woven cotton fibers make it particularly resistant and durable. It is available in different weight classes and washes, which makes jeans fabric a real all-rounder. If you use heavy jeans, you should definitely use a jeans needle size 100-110 to get through all layers of fabric.
- Fabric scraps: You can also make great use of fabric scraps. For example, using the quilt-as-you-go technique. Or you can sew receipt patchwork and put together your own "designer" fabric.
How do I sew a pillowcase from a fabric with a directional pattern?
When cutting a fabric with a directional pattern, there are a few important things to consider to ensure that the pattern on your project is correctly aligned. It requires a certain amount of planning and precision, but the end result will be worth the extra effort. We are happy to explain what matters and what you should look out for.
First, you should lay the fabric flat on an even surface and iron out wrinkles to get a better overview. Look closely at the pattern, for example, whether it consists of flowers, stripes, or geometric shapes, and in which direction they point. Decide how you want to place the pattern on your project. Consider whether you want to position the pattern centered, symmetrically, or in another way on your pillowcase.
Before you start cutting, plan the correct layout of the fabric. Pay attention to the size of your project and how the pattern should look on it. You can use a tape measure and pins to mark the boundaries to get a first impression. For particularly large motifs, you might even need additional fabric to achieve the desired orientation pattern. Take the time to think about how your desired fabric can best be showcased.
Have you found your desired motif? Great, then place the fabric in front of you so that the front side is visible and the pattern points in the desired direction. Make sure that the edges of the fabric run parallel to the pattern elements and that you can also adhere to the grain line. Yes, that still exists too. Now mark the desired cut according to your desired pillow size. If you are marking on the right side of the fabric, i.e., the "pretty" side, you should make sure that the lines are no longer visible in the end. It is best to use a water-soluble or self-erasing marking pen.
Be precise when cutting, because with a clean and well-aligned cut, you ensure a professional result. And that is your goal, right?!
Once you have cut your fabric, you can proceed with sewing or further processing your project. Be sure to keep an eye on the pattern throughout the entire process to ensure that you stay aligned with it.
Do I need to wash the fabric before sewing?
Short and sweet? Yes, it is highly recommended to wash the fabric before sewing. This has several advantages and is an important step you should not skip if you want to enjoy your cushion cover, or your sewing projects in general, for a long time.
First of all, washing removes dirt, dust, and chemicals that may have accumulated on the fabric during production, storage, or transport. This way, you avoid potential stains or discoloration on your cushion cover later on.
Almost all fabrics shrink during washing, so it is important that you keep this in mind and take it into account before sewing. By pre-washing, you can ensure that your finished project maintains the correct fit after it is washed.
Another advantage is that the fabric becomes softer after washing and feels more pleasant. This is especially important for clothing, but also quite significant for a cozy cushion.
Before washing the fabric, however, it is important to follow the washing instructions or the care labels provided by the manufacturer. Not all fabrics can be treated the same way. Some fabrics require special care or may need to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What should also not be concealed is that the fabric does not always look the same after washing as it did before. Sometimes wash wrinkles or creases form. But don't worry, we have already prepared something for you for that too, because the same rule applies to washing: if you know what you are doing and how it is done, you can significantly influence the result.
Reading tip: Washing fabrics before sewing
What should my sewing machine be able to do to sew a cushion cover?
A normal household sewing machine with a straight stitch is perfect for this project. You will also need an overlocker or the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to finish the side seams of your cushion cover with an envelope closure.
Let's get started!
Which needle is best to use for sewing a cushion with an envelope closure?
As a rule, you can use a universal needle for almost all non-elastic fabrics. I prefer a size 80.
If you are using a heavy decorative fabric, canvas, or denim for your cushion cover, please use a size 90 to 110 for denim.
How much fabric do I need for a 40 x 40 cm cushion?
For a cushion with an envelope closure and finished dimensions of 40 x 40 cm, a total amount of fabric of 42 cm x full width is sufficient. You need one piece of fabric for the front and two pieces for the back of the cushion.
For the front of the cushion, cut a piece of fabric measuring 42 x 42 cm. This takes into account a seam allowance of about 1 cm on each side (2 cm total for width and length).
For the back of the cushion, you need two pieces of fabric, each being the width of the cushion plus seam allowance. For an envelope closure design where the back overlaps in length, you need two pieces of fabric that have half the cushion length plus seam allowance, plus the hem edge and the length of the overlap (20 cm + 1 cm + 3 cm + 5 cm). You therefore need two pieces measuring 42 x 29 cm. This also takes into account a seam allowance of about 1 cm on each side.
In summary, you need:
- Fabric piece for the front: 42 x 42 cm
- Fabric pieces for the back (2 pieces): 42 x 29 cm
Note that these are guide values and can vary depending on the desired fit of the cushion and individual preferences. It is always advisable not to buy fabric too sparingly so that you have enough material to compensate for any mistakes or irregularities.
How much fabric do I need for a 50 x 50 cm cushion?
To sew a cushion cover for a 50 x 50 cm cushion, you need about 60 cm of fabric to cut the three pattern pieces for the cover. You need one piece of fabric for the front and two pieces for the back of the cushion.
For the front of the cushion, cut a piece of fabric measuring 52 x 52 cm. This takes into account a seam allowance of about 1 cm on each side (2 cm total for width and length).
For the back of the cushion, you need two pieces of fabric, each being the width of the cushion plus seam allowance. For an envelope closure design where the back overlaps in length, you need two pieces of fabric that have half the cushion length plus seam allowance, plus the hem edge and the length of the overlap (25 cm + 1 cm + 3 cm + 5 cm). You therefore need two pieces measuring 53 x 34 cm. This also takes into account a seam allowance of about 1 cm on each side.
In summary, you need:
- Fabric piece for the front: 52 x 52 cm
- Fabric pieces for the back (2 pieces): 52 x 34 cm
Note that these are guide values and can vary depending on the desired fit of the cushion and individual preferences. It is always advisable not to buy fabric too sparingly so that you have enough material to compensate for any mistakes or irregularities.
How much seam allowance for a cushion cover?
The seam allowance for the cushion cover is already included in the fabric requirement specifications. For the side seams, a seam allowance of 1 cm is recommended, and 3 cm for the hem edge of the overlapping edges on the back.
Sewing a cushion with an envelope closure – materials needed
- Woven cotton fabric*
- Marking pen*
- Sewing thread*
- Rotary cutter*
- Fabric scissors*
- Sewing machine*
- Pins*
- Iron and ironing board (feel free to read more about practical ironing aids)
- Fabric clips*
Conclusion
The cushion cover with an envelope closure - simple, practical, and quite stylish!
Sewing a cushion cover with an envelope closure is, in my opinion, an absolutely rewarding and satisfying experience for sewing enthusiasts of all levels. The envelope closure is undoubtedly a highlight of this type of cushion cover. It not only offers a beautiful, sleek look but also a practical solution for changing the cushion filling. This saves time and effort, especially if you want to quickly change the look of your sofa cushions.
Creating such a cushion cover is basically really simple and only requires basic sewing skills. Thanks to my step-by-step instructions, you will surely manage just fine. And with my guide, you can adjust the dimensions to your cushion inserts. Whether you want to design a large decorative cushion for your living room or a smaller cushion for your bedroom, the envelope closure technique is absolutely suitable for everyday use and suitable for many purposes.
Not to mention, of course, the option of using different fabrics and patterns to achieve your desired effect. From classic cotton fabrics to luxurious velvet materials, you can give your cushion cover a personal touch that fits your individual style and decor perfectly.
In short, one can say: sewing a cushion cover with an envelope closure is an all-around delightful project. It not only helps to improve your sewing skills but also enables you to create beautiful cushions that are both practical and stylish. So grab your sewing machine, choose your favorite fabric, and venture into this exciting and entertaining sewing project!
Happy simple sewing, Annette & Sabine
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