HomeLux Comfort
How to Make a Pillow Sham with Flange: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lux Comfort

How to Make a Pillow Sham with Flange: A Step-by-Step Guide

From Puffy Editorial Team
Last updated on: Mar 06, 2025 | 4 min read
How to Make a Pillow Sham with Flange: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Pillow shams with flange add a decorative touch to bedding while providing extra comfort.
  • Flanged pillow shams are easy to sew, requiring basic sewing skills and materials.
  • Customizing fabric and size allows you to match any bedroom decor.
  • Using quality materials ensures durability and long-lasting style.

Learning how to make a pillow sham with flange is a great way to personalize your bedding and enhance the aesthetics of your bedroom.

Flanged pillow shams add a touch of elegance while providing additional softness and structure.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will walk you through creating a stunning pillow sham with a professional-looking flange.

How to Sew Pillow Shams with Flange

Making a flanged pillow sham is simpler than it looks. Follow these easy steps to create a polished, custom design for your pillows.

Materials Needed:

  • Fabric (cotton, linen, or decorative upholstery fabric)

  • Matching thread

  • Measuring tape or ruler

  • Fabric scissors

  • Pins or clips

  • Sewing machine

  • Iron

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Pillow Sham with Flange

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

  • Measure your pillow size (standard, queen, or king).

  • Add 1 inch for seam allowance and 2-3 inches for the flange width on each side.

  • Cut two identical fabric pieces for the front and back of the sham.

  • Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark your cutting lines clearly, ensuring precision.

  • Consider pre-washing and ironing your fabric to prevent shrinkage after the sham is sewn.

Step 2: Sew the Main Body

  • Place the fabric pieces right sides together and pin around the edges.

  • Sew along three sides using a ½-inch seam allowance, leaving one shorter side open for inserting the pillow.

  • Clip the corners slightly to reduce bulk and achieve sharp, clean edges when turned right-side out.

  • Turn the sham right-side out and press it flat with an iron, smoothing out any wrinkles for a professional look.

Step 3: Create the Flange

  • Measure 2-3 inches from the edge around all four sides of the sham.

  • Sew a topstitch along the marked area to define the flange, ensuring even spacing for a symmetrical appearance.

  • For a more decorative look, use a contrasting thread color or a decorative stitch pattern.

  • Press with an iron to ensure crisp, structured edges, enhancing the final appearance of the pillow sham.

A Puffy Lux Mattress paired with custom flanged pillow shams enhances the overall sleep experience, bringing both comfort and an elevated bedroom aesthetic.

Choosing the Best Fabric for Pillow Shams

Selecting the right fabric ensures a high-quality finish and lasting durability. Consider these options:

Fabric Type Softness Durability Best For
Cotton High Moderate Everyday use
Linen Moderate High Breathability
Velvet High Moderate Luxurious feel
Satin Very High Low Decorative, silky texture

How to Customize Your Flanged Pillow Sham

Personalizing your pillow sham makes it unique and tailored to your style. Try these creative ideas:

  • Add embroidery or monograms for a sophisticated touch, making your pillow sham truly one-of-a-kind.

  • Use contrasting thread colors for decorative stitching, adding a bold or subtle accent to enhance the overall aesthetic.

  • Experiment with patterned fabrics to introduce texture and dimension, making your bedding stand out with unique designs.

  • Incorporate decorative trims like lace or piping for extra flair, giving your pillow sham a more refined and elegant appearance.

  • Mix and match different fabrics to create a multi-textured look that complements various decor styles.

  • Add fabric appliqués or printed designs for a playful and artistic touch, making your pillow sham a statement piece in the bedroom.

Pairing flanged pillow shams with a Puffy Royal Mattress creates an inviting and luxurious sleep environment, making your bed a stylish and comfortable retreat.

Final Thoughts

Creating a pillow sham with a flange is a simple yet rewarding DIY project that enhances your bedroom decor.

With the right fabric and finishing techniques, you can craft a beautiful and functional pillow cover that adds a stylish touch to your bedding set.

Get Your Puffy Lux Mattress
$1,350 in savings
Transform your comfort with the Puffy Lux.
Relax into award-winning comfort with this hybrid mattress:
  • 8 layers of cloudlike luxury.
  • Medium-plush feel.
  • Gel-infused cooling.
  • 101-night sleep trial.
SHOP PUFFY LUX

Shop the Award-Winning Puffy Collection

puffy mattresss

Choose Your Award-Winning Mattress

Experience the cloudlike comfort and support of our hybrid and memory foam mattresses.

  • 4 luxury mattresses
  • All sleeper types
  • Made in the USA

Prices start from $499

SHOP MATTRESSES
puffy bed frame

Customize Your Comfort With a Bed Frame

Upgrade your sleep with our stylish and supportive bed frames, bases, and foundations.

  • Support for all mattresses
  • Adjustable comfort options
  • Quick and easy setup

Prices start from $152

SHOP BED FRAMES
puffy beddings

Elevate Your Sleep With Luxury Bedding

Add luxury to bedtime with our silky soft sheets, protectors, blankets, and more.

  • Premium materials
  • Contemporary style
  • Ultra-soft comfort

Prices start from $59

SHOP BEDDING

Puffy Is Ranked America’s #1
Luxury Mattress

Hear from
12,000+
satisfied Puffy sleepers about why they give our award-winning comfort 5 stars.

READ PUFFY MATTRESS REVIEWS

Find Official Puffy
Mattress Stores Near You

Try out the cloudlike comfort of the luxury Puffy mattress collection before you buy at our partner stores across the USA.

FIND A MATTRESS STORE NEAR YOU
SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS.
Get special offers, product news,
and sleep tips straight to your inbox.
Save $1,425 when you buy any Puffy mattress. Verify your eligibility for our: