If you are interested in learning how to make pillow shams with ruffles, then you’re reading the right article. Perhaps you’re someone who intends to achieve a unique type of home décor that’s why you want to make your decorative items yourself. You couldn’t go wrong by making your own pillow shams with ruffles.
What Are Pillow Shams?
Derived from the idea of some sort of a trick in the 1700s, pillow shams refer to pillowcases that are specially made to create decorative covers that can be removed.
Pillow shams are a frequent sight inside the bedroom. They are commonly used to complement and match comforters, covers, and other bedding elements. That said, it is no wonder that their presence adds a lot of personal touch to interior aesthetics.
Although you can sleep on your pillow shams just like your normal pillowcases, they’re often used to provide extra support while you’re sitting in your bed or as a decorative item. Nevertheless, pillow shams can still be taken to the next level with the help of decorative ruffles.
Pillow Shams vs. Pillowcases
Before everything else, pillow shams should be distinguished from pillowcases. While cases are used to protect pillows, shams are mostly utilized for decorative purposes. Also, shams tend to be open from the back, whereas cases are often open at one end.
Despite these variations, both can actually be slept on. Although there are instances when sleeping on shams causes discomfort considering that some are made from textured materials.
A Guide to DIY Ruffled Pillow Shams
If you are new to the DIY sewing club, then you might need to prepare yourself since ruffled pillow shams can be quite labor-intensive. Regardless, there is no need to worry because this guide can assist you every step of the way.
Step #1: Prepare the needed materials
Topping the list is, of course, the fabric. You are free to select any type, and you can also choose different kinds for the sham and the ruffles. The quantity will depend on how big and how many shams you intend to produce.
The rest of the supplies are just basic sewing tools. Among these are coordinating threads, pins, rulers, fabric pens, scissors, and a sewing machine. You may also want to secure an iron for the finishing touches later.
Step #2: Determine the measurements
The process comprises two phases: the creation of the pillow sham and the addition of ruffles. For the sham, you have to first determine the measurements of the front and back panels.
The dimensions of the front panel are based on the size of the pillow insert plus about a 1.5-inch seam allowance around the edges. Meanwhile, the back panel measures equally in width and three-fourths in length with the pillow insert.
Step #3: Begin cutting the pieces of the front and back panels
With the measurements done, you can begin cutting one piece of the front panel and two pieces of the back panel. Then, you hem one side of each back piece by vertically folding an inch from the edge twice. This procedure must be done on both back pieces.
Step #4: Sew them in place
Remember, the hems need to be pinned to hold them in place when sewing. Once they are stitched, each back piece should have a single hem on one side. After that, it is time for you to assemble the sham.
The front panel should be placed right side up and the back panel right side down with the hems toward the center. Once pinned together, all four sides must be sewn shut. Lastly, to end the first part, you should flip the sham out to expose the right sides.
Step #5: Determine the measurement of the ruffles
Moving on to the second phase, the measurement of the ruffle fabric should be first identified. While the width may depend on your preferences, the length should be roughly equal to twice the sum of the sizes of all sides of the sham.
Step #6: Cut the fabric strip
After that, you should cut the fabric in a straight direction. You may proceed by gathering the fabric strip using a sewing machine. To start, you want to set your machine to its longest stitch and use threads that do not easily snap for better results.
Step #7: Stitch two rows on the fabric’s right side
Then, you need to stitch two rows on the right side of the fabric. Take note that you should leave a long tail at either end, meaning back-stitching should not be applied. Next, you have to gently pull both loose threads on the wrong side to gather the fabric.
Once the strip has gathered to the desired length, each end should be tied off, and the excess threads should be cut. To make them evenly distributed and flatter, you can opt to readjust the gathers and press them with a flat iron.
Step #8: Sew the ruffles to the sham
The last few steps involve sewing the ruffles to the sham. This should be completed by placing the sham right side out and pinning the ruffles all the way around with its wrong side up. Then, you can sew them together and do back-stitching to secure both ends.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Pillow Shams with Ruffles
Now that you have been briefed on how to make pillow shams with ruffles, you may feel more confident to start improving the style of your home. After all, that can be achieved once you make things by yourself.