This post was created in partnership with Baby Lock.
Thanks for supporting the brands that help us share fun content with you.

Want to see all my favorite machines, tools, and accessories? Check out my Baby Lock affiliate page.

While my favorite thing to sew is clothing, I do often like to dip my toes into other sewing adventures. My most recent exploration? Home decor!

I had been eyeing quilted velvet pillows for a while and like most of crafty folks, thought to myself, “I bet I can make that!” And that’s exactly what I did. Yet rather than sew more ruffle throw pillows I decided to make removable quilted velveteen pillow shams for my bed. I skipped using dry-clean only velvet for a washable (and breathable) cotton velveteen. I absolutely love the way they came out and now want to add pillow shams to my let’s do a workshop list!

This project was so easy and totally beginner friendly yet it yields such professional results! Want to make your own velveteen quilted pillow shams? Keep reading to learn how.

Before we jump into it, you will need to decide which size pillow sham you need. Here’s a handy guide to the most common pillow sizes. It’s always best to measure your pillows before jumping in as some brands stray from standard sizes.

Supplies

Cotton velveteen, 1 yard
Cotton batting, 1 yard
Solid backing fabric, 1 yard
Pillow backing fabric, 1 yard (I used Liberty Midnight Garden in Flower Show)
Quilting thread (I like Mara 50 for thicker quilting thread that will hold up well in the wash)

Tools

Baby Lock Compact Digital Dual Feed Foot or walking foot
Sewing machine, I’m using my Baby Lock Ballad
Ruler
Fabric scissors or a rotary mat and rotary cutter
Basting spray or basting safety pins
Water soluble fabric marker or hera marker
Pins or clips
Iron and ironing board

Step 1 – Cut fabric

Cut your velveteen fabric according to the sizes in the chart below.

Don’t want to use a rotary cutter and ruler? Woven fabric, including velveteen, tears easily. Snip and tear it to the required size.

At this time you can also cut or tear your pillow sham backing fabric to size. For a standard sham, you will need 2 – 22″ square pieces of fabric. And for a king size sham, you will need 2 – 22″ x 27″ pieces of fabric.

Step 2 – Layer Quilt & Baste

Layer your “quilt sandwich,” first with the quilt backing fabric (not the pillow sham backing fabric), then with the cotton batting, and finally with the velveteen fabric on top. Using your preferred basting technique, baste the layers together. If you’re new to sewing, I love using basting spray for smaller quilt projects like this. Simply spray a light coat between each layer and smooth the fabric with your hands.

Step 3 – Mark Quilting Lines

Decide on how you want to quilt your pillow sham. Below are a few ideas! Choose your own adventure and if you’re undecided, I always recommend quilting a sample swatch before committing on your project.

Use a water soluble fabric marker or hera marker and ruler to mark your quilt lines. For the example shown, I quilted vertical lines, spaced 1″ apart.

Step 4 – Quilt

Lengthen your stitch length to between 3-4mm and use a thicker quilting thread in your machine (and a regular thread in your bobbin). Following your lines, begin quilting from the center and work your way outward. I love using the Compact Digital Dual Feed Foot for any quilting because it makes the fabric just glide along with very minimal assistance from me.

Your stitch length when quilting is more of a personal preference. I like 3.5 mm on this velveteen fabric because the larger stitches will be a bit more visible.

Once quilted, trim your quilted pillow front to 28″ x 22″ (or 38″ x 22″ for a king size sham).

Step 5 – Hem Edges on Envelope Back

Take your 2 pillowcase back pieces and lay them on top of the pillow. Determine which edges are facing the inside of the pillow and carefully press each inside, short edge in 1/2″. Fold 1/2″ again and press. Edgestitch 1/8″ away from the edge. Repeat with the other pillowcase back piece.

Step 6 – Assemble Pillow

Place the quilted pillow front right side up. Next place the larger pillow back on top. Last, place the remaining pillow back piece on top. Use clips or pins to secure.

If you’re sewing a label, now is the time to determine where you would like it to go. I used the back side of our organic cotton “Back” label to customize my pillow shams. Since the back of the label features a petite heart, I thought it was a cute detail. Fold over the top of the label, press, and then edgestitch on all sides.

Step 7 – Sew Together

Sew through all layers all the way around the pillow sham using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Trim the seam allowance to about 3/8″ or less. Snip the 4 corners at an angle.

Step 8 – Turn and Topstitch

Turn the pillow sham right side out and use a point turner (I adore mine from Modern American Vintage) to gently poke out the corners. Give it a press along the edge while you roll the back fabric slightly towards the back. The goal is to not see the back fabric from the front of the pillow sham. Pressing the edges creates a nice crisp edge.

Topstitch all the way around the pillow sham using a 1/2″ seam allowance. This will give the pillow some structure and make it look so professional.

Now what home decor item should I sew next? Leave a comment below and let me know! And you can learn about all my favorite Baby Lock things over on my Baby Lock affiliate page.