Welcome! Today, I’m sharing how to make a custom pillowcase using an easy appliqué monogram.
I actually started this project years ago for a young family member, with the best intentions of finishing it right away. Life had other plans! Between working full-time, caring for family, and raising a teenager, this project got carefully tucked away.
Fast forward a few years, and by the time I returned to it, that little girl was a middle schooler. Not so little anymore. I finally pulled this project back out and completed it, and thankfully, she loved it just as much as I loved making it. 😁
A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.
– Elizabeth Gilbert
Why You’ll Love this Project
This appliqué pillow is a simple project with a big heart. It makes a beautiful home decor accent for your own space or a thoughtful handmade gift.
What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the appliqué process. It’s much easier than it looks, very forgiving, and honestly kind of relaxing once you get going. If appliqué has ever felt intimidating, this project is a great way to try it and learn the basics. After you make your first one, you’ll start imagining all the other things you can create.
Another wonderful part of this project is how easy it is to personalize. Add a favorite word, a name or set of initials, a hometown or lake name, a zip code, or even a short lyric that holds meaning. Each pillow becomes a one-of-a-kind piece that tells a story.
If you love projects that feel creative, personal, and satisfying from start to finish, this one checks all the boxes. It’s a fun way to add a custom touch to your home and make something meaningful.
🎀 Get the Appliqué Pillow Tutorial & Template
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For more ideas, see this pillow roundup post for pillow projects, where you’ll find everything from a DIY pillow with border to an envelope pillow pattern and fun personalized designs like this monogram pillow project.
Materials
Below is a list of the supplies you will need for the project. I have also listed a few buying sources. Shoppable affiliate links included below.
Free Letter Template PDF download
Thread
Straight Pins
Pressing Cloth
Fabric pillow case/cushion cover & appliqué letters
Fusible Web Adhesive my favorite
Paper Scissors
Sewing Scissors my scissors
Straight Edge
Stabilizer optional my stabilizer
Sewing Machine
Pillow Insert down or foam
Fabric Ties optional
Looking for more pillow inspiration? You might also love my DIY painted pillow ideas, this cozy Christmas pillow cover, and several other creative designs in my all sewing projects collection.
How to Applique a Pillow
Below is a step-by-step guide for creating appliqué letters or designs and attaching them to fabric using a regular sewing machine.
If you prefer, appliqué can also be hand-stitched or embroidered instead.
Preparing the Appliqué
1. Trace the appliqué pieces
Trace your appliqué pieces onto the paper side of the fusible web adhesive, leaving about 1/2 inch between each piece.
I’m using HeatnBond Lite (affiliate link). It’s easy to use and works great. HeatnBond comes in several varieties, so be sure to read the package carefully and choose the right fusible web adhesive for your fabric. Be sure to buy the “Fusible Web Adhesive”.
Important: Before tracing letters, they must be reversed or mirrored so they read correctly once applied. Artwork and drawings usually work either way, but letters need to be flipped.
If you’d like the letter outlines I used, you can grab the free tutorial and letter template here. The letters are already reversed and ready to use.
2 Cut out the appliqué pieces
Cut around each traced letter or design, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 inch margin of web paper around the outline.
3 Fuse to Fabric
Place the fusible web pieces on the wrong side of your fabric. Follow the package instructions to fuse. Typically, this means using a dry iron with no steam for just a few seconds.
4 Cut out the appliqué pieces
Carefully cut out each appliqué piece using the traced lines.
Applying the Appliqué
5 Remove the paper backing
Gently peel the paper backing away from each fabric piece.
6 Position and fuse
Arrange the appliqué pieces on your pillow fabric with the adhesive side down. Once you’re happy with the layout, place a pressing cloth over the design and fuse using a dry iron.
The pressing cloth helps protect both the appliqué and your fabric. Fusing time will vary depending on the fabric and fusible web used.
Detailing the Letters
For extra detail and durability, you can stitch around the edges of your appliqué using a tight zigzag stitch. This step is optional, but it adds a polished, finished look.
Using Stabilizer
If you plan to stitch around the letters or appliqué design, adding stabilizer (affiliate link) behind the fabric is strongly recommended. Stabilizer helps keep the fabric flat and stable while stitching.
Cut-away stabilizers work especially well for knits or loosely woven fabrics. They provide permanent support and remain under the stitching, although you can trim away the excess once you’re finished. Cut the stabilizer so it extends about an inch beyond the appliqué design and place it on the wrong side of the fabric, directly behind the appliqué area.
Stitching Around the Letters
You don’t need a special sewing machine for this step. Any machine with a zigzag stitch will work.
Use standard polyester thread on top. In the bobbin, you can use regular thread or bobbin fill thread, which is a fine, lightweight polyester thread. Choose a thread color that blends in or contrasts with your appliqué, depending on the look you want.
A clear presser foot helps you see the stitching as you work. Stitch around each letter using a tight zigzag stitch. Be sure to test your stitch width, length, and tension on fabric scraps first. The top thread should lie flat on the fabric, and the bobbin thread should not show on the front.
When sewing curves and corners, stop with the needle down on the outer edge of the stitch, lift the presser foot, and gently rotate the fabric before continuing.
Making a Pillow Cover
Next, you’ll create a simple throw pillow cover to showcase your appliqué.
Cut Out the Pillow Fabric
Cut two fabric pieces the same size for the front and back of the pillow.
Cut-out Window
To use the cut out window method, cut an opening in the top fabric piece. Snip diagonally into each corner about 1/4 inch.
Turn the edges of the window to the wrong side and press well using a steam iron.
Lay the window piece over the appliquéd fabric. Once you’re happy with the placement, topstitch around the perimeter of the window frame.
Finishing the Pillow
With right sides together, stitch the top and bottom pillow pieces together on three sides, leaving one end open.
On the open end, fold the raw edges toward the inside of the pillow twice to enclose them. Press well and pin in place.
If you are adding ties, follow this easy Fabric Tie Tutorial. Tuck the raw ends of the ties under the folded hem.
Stitch across the opening, catching the ties in the seam. Fold each tie outward and stitch again to secure. Press well.
And that’s it. Your appliqué pillow is finished!
Ready for another project? Check out my Build-a-Bear Clothes, Easy Dog Bandana with a free printable pattern, and an DIY Elastic Waist Skirt Pattern. You’ll also find bag projects like a Crossbody Shoulder Bag and Printable Pattern for Hobo Bag, along with a seasonal favorite like my Stuffed Bunny Pattern.
Looking for your even more inspiration? Browse my sewing tutorials for ideas like an regular basket liner, an Easter basket liner, a soothing basic lavender eye pillow or a heart shaped version.
I hope you enjoy learning how to applique a pillow cover and create a project for yourself. Let me know how it turns out in the comment box below. I love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!
Take your time and enjoy the process. I am certain that you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Thanks for stopping by,
xo,
Cindy
Did you make an appliqué pillow?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know how it went by leaving a comment below.
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
Would love to be able to print out directions for granddaughter and I to share?
Hi Rosa! Yes, because you are a subscriber, you can download the PDF in the free library. Check your email, I also sent them to you.:)
Love it! Any chance you can send me the letters template? Can’t seem to download it. Thanks!!
Thanks Cyndie! I sent it. Enjoy. 🙂
I would love to print out the directions. I am going to a retreat without internet access and it would be easier to have on paper.
Hi Sallie, Check your email. I sent them. 🙂
Can I print the directions? It is hard to read with ads.
Hi Dana! Check your e-mail, I sent a PDF. 🙂
Is their a way to print this. All the ads make it hard for me to read.
Love this
Thank you Pamela! 🙂
This is a great idea for grandgirlies! Would you share the cutting measurements and the pillow form size?
I can’t wait to make
Hi Sue, Yes they would love it! My pillow form was approximately 12 x 22 inches but you can use any rectangular size pillow form. Check Amazon, Joann Fabrics, Calico Corners, or Pottery Barn? Then use the actual pillow form size as your cut fabric size if you want it snug. (for example, 12 x 22 in.) If you want it a little baggier, add approx. 1 inch (or more?) to the pillow form size in both directions. (for example, 13 x 23 in.) Hope that makes sense. I gave Kaitlyn the pillow, so I cannot measure it.