Make a Tab-Tied Pillow Slipcover Using a Vintage Quilt

Give your throw pillows a makeover. Make a pillow slipcover with a tab-tied closure. I used an old quilt that was beyond repair for the cover and a vintage bed sheet for the lining and the tab-ties. I do not recommend cutting up a good quilt or a family heirloom, but if the quilt has stains or worn areas, a pillow cover is a great way to continue to showcase the detail of the quilt.

Pre-quilted fabric can also be used if a suitable quilt is not available. There are many colors and designs available.

The slipcover is open on one end like a pillowcase. This opening has ties attached for tying the opening closed. The cover is easily removed for laundering or seasonal decorating. Simply untie the tabs and slip the pillow out.

Things You Will Need:

Throw pillow
Measuring tape
Old quilt
Bed sheet
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Iron

Step 1
Measure the width of your pillow from one side seam to the other and the length from the top seam to the bottom seam. I used a square pillow so both of my measurements were the same. Add an inch to the width and length measurement. Use these measurements to cut two shapes from the quilt and two from the bed sheet. Cut four, 4-inch wide by 10-inch long strips from the bed sheet for the tab-ties.

Step 2
Place the two quilt shapes together with the right sides facing. Pin together three side edges. The side left unpinned will be the opening of the cover. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Pin and sew the bed sheet shapes in the same way, but leave a 4-inch opening in the center of one stitched edge.

Step 3
Fold a tab-tie strip in half with the right sides together and the long edges matching. Pin the long edges together and one short end. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat with the remaining tab-tie strips. Turn the tab-ties right side out and press.

Step 4
Turn the quilted pillowcase right side out and press. Lay the case flat on your work surface. Measure in 3 1/2 inches from the left hand side seam on the open edge. Pin the open end of one tab tie at this measurement. Note: The length of the tab-tie will lay on top of the pillowcase. Measure 3 1/2 inches from the right hand side seam on the open edge. Pin another tab-tie at this measurement. Flip the case over and pin the remaining ties in the same way.

Step 5
Insert the quilted case inside the bed sheet lining case. Note: The lining is still wrong side out. Match the open edges and pin. Sew around the opening using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Step 6
Turn the pillow slipcover right side out through the 4-inch opening in the lining seam. Stitch the 4-inch opening closed. Iron the slipcover.

Step 7
Insert the throw pillow into the slipcover. Match the tab-ties and tie the opening closed.