How to Make a King Size Pillow Sham

If you're tired of the way your old pillows look, make new shams for them. Why spend a bunch of money on new ones when you can make your own? You won't be limited to the choices the store has and will be able to pick out your own fabric. Making king size pillow shams isn't that hard if you know how to sew a straight line. You just need a sewing machine and some fabric and you'll be ready to go. Below are some tips for making your own king size pillow shams.

Measure the king size pillow you will be making your shams for. The average size of a king size pillow is 28 inches by 20 inches. If you plan on having an extra edging of material around the sides, be sure to allow a couple of extra inches for this. If you plan on having a fitted sham, allow an extra inch for each side so you'll have room for your seams.

Go to a fabric store and purchase the fabric you want to use. You should be able to find any pattern and type of fabric you're looking for at most fabric stores. Cotton-based fabrics are probably the most popular when making pillow shams. Not only does cotton hold up well to use and washing, it's also easy to work with when sewing it. Remember to buy thread that matches your fabric. It's also better to have a little more fabric than you need rather than risk running short.

Cut the top portion of the sham to the appropriate measurements. If your king size pillow is 28" x 20", you'll need a piece of fabric that's 31" x 22". Cut the fabric for the back side of the sham in two sections. You will want to leave one section two inches longer than the other piece. This would leave you with one piece that's 15.5" x 22" and another piece 17.5" x 23". This will be the piece that will cover the opening where the pillow slips into the back opening.

Fold over the raw edge of the center portion of fabric for the back of the sham and sew a finished hem. Place the front piece of the sham right side up and lay the back sides on top. Make sure the right sides are facing each other. Line up the outside edges of the fabric, allowing the one back piece that is a bit longer to lap over the other piece. Pin together.

Sew a seam around the whole sham. You should end up with a large square that is sewn together, with a slit opening in the back center. Turn the king size sham right side out. Fit the pillow inside through the back opening. You now have a new pillow sham.

If you plan to have a several-inch flap around the edge of the sham, do the following. Cut your top piece of material to be 34" x 25". Once of your bottom pieces will be 17" x 25" and the other piece 19" x 25". Once you've sewn around the whole sham, turn it right side out. Leaving enough room for the pillow to fit, sew another seam on the outside of the sham. You should end up with a several-inch flap of material around the whole edge of the sham. Slip the pillow inside the back opening.