Day 5- Ruffle Pillow Cover

On the 5th day of Christmas, Made for Mermaids gave to me… a fabulous Ruffle Pillow Cover freebie!

This classic pillow cover is as charming as it is beginner-friendly. Designed with a simple envelope style (no zippers required ), it features an adorable ruffle detail that adds just the right touch of festive flair. Whether you choose a cheery holiday print or opt for a timeless solid linen, this project is perfect for sprucing up your space or creating a heartfelt handmade gift. Plus, with three size options—12×20, 18×18, and 20×20—you can make one (or a whole set!) to fit your style. This goes perfectly with all our other decor freebies like the jumbo fabric bow, felt wreath, Christmas tree pillow, bow pillow, tree skirt, pocket pillow, fabric garland, Christmas tree garland, felt mistletoe, table runner, fabric coasters, and napkins. If you prefer a zipper style, you could use two front pillow pieces and follow the tutorial here.

Ready to sew up some cozy, ruffled goodness? Let’s dive in!

SUPPLIES:

Fabric – woven fabric like linen, quilting cotton, broadcloth, flannel, etc. A variety of fabrics can be used.
All one fabric:
- 12 x 20- 7/8 yard
- 18 x 18- 1 yard
- 20 x 20- 1 and 1/8 yard
Ruffle in a different fabric:
- All ruffles- 3/8 yard
  - 12 x 20- 1/2 yard main pillow
  - 18 x 18- 5/8 yard main pillow
  - 20 x 20- 3/4 yard main pillow

LET’S GET STARTED!

Seam allowances included & vary

Step 1: PREPPING

Go grab the pattern here! The pattern is 100% free, but you do need to add it to your cart and checkout. Then, it will always be available to download from your account. The pattern is a no trim pattern; if you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page , check out the blog post here, or ask in our Facebook group .

Print and assemble the pattern. Alternatively, you can use the projector file if you’re using a projector. Pattern layout below:

Step 2: CUTTING

All in inches.
Ruffle: Cut 3- note you can use WOF for all sizes if you want a fuller ruffle:
- 12 x 20: 4 x 38
- 18 x 18: 4 x 42
- 20 x 20: 4 x 44
Front- Cut 1:
- 12 x 20
- 18 x 18
- 20 x 20
Upper Back- Cut 1:
- 12 x 20: 6.5 x 20
- 18 x 18: 8 x18
- 20 x 20: 9 x20
Lower Back- Cut 1:
- 12 x 20: 9.5 x 20
- 18 x 18: 14 x18
- 20 x 20: 15 x 20

Step 3: SEWING

Join all ruffle pieces together with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Press the seams open and then press the wrong sides together.

Add gathering stitches on the top edge of the ruffle. Note- I like to go ahead and split the ruffle into 1/4s and gather each 1/4 separately so the thread doesn’t break when gathering.

Find 1/4 points of the front pillow and ruffle. Pin the ruffle to the front pillow piece, matching the 1/4 points, and take time to ensure the gathers/ruffle is even on all sides. Baste in place. Press to ‘lock’ the gathers in and then set aside.

Hem bottom edge of the upper back and upper edge of the lower back pieces by pressing 1/4″ and another 1/4″ to the wrong side. OR serge the edge and press 1/2″ toward the wrong side and edge stitch in place.