As a textile crafts enthusiast with years of upcycling experience, I've found flat-weave rugs perfect for pillows in two styles: textural or patterned. Textural rugs are forgiving for seams, while patterned ones require precise matching of repeats for seamless results.
Fold the rug in half. Using a tape measure and marker, mark 1 inch wider and longer than your desired pillow size to allow for seams and waste.
With dressmaker's scissors, cut two identical squares from the folded rug for precise edges.
Pin the squares right sides together, facing inward. Thread mercerized cotton into a tapestry needle and stitch along the edges with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Stitch around to the second mark, leaving the space between unstitched for turning.
Flip the pillow cover right side out. Insert the pillow form through the opening. Once snug, hand-stitch the gap closed with the tapestry needle and thread for a professional finish.
