A new pillow cover is the quickest way to change the look of a room. With sublimation, you can make one in minutes, and swap them out for every season.
They also make lovely personal gifts, especially with a name or a favorite pet on them.
I rounded up 15 sublimation pillow ideas, starting with florals, then book lovers and animals, and finishing with fall, winter and Christmas pillows. Each one comes with the file.
Tip: Adding a family name to a pillow? Try a few name styles first with our free Cricut Font Previewer.
Choosing Sublimation Pillow Covers
A few things to look for:
- Polyester covers: sublimation only works on polyester. Look for covers sold as sublimation blanks, often in a soft faux linen or velvet.
- Light colors: white and cream covers give the brightest results, since sublimation ink is see-through.
- Sizes: 16 x 16 and 18 x 18 inch covers are the most common. Most designs here are 12 x 12 inches, so they leave a nice border.
- Inserts: covers usually come without the pillow insert, so buy those separately.
Many covers are printable on one side only, so check the listing before you buy.
Tips for Pressing Sublimation Pillow Covers
Take out the insert and lint roll the cover. Slide a piece of cardboard or a pressing pillow wrapped in butcher paper inside, so the ink doesn’t bleed through to the back.
Pre-press for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles, then tape your print in place. Keep the zipper off the press so it doesn’t leave a mark.
15 Sublimation Pillow Ideas
Here are my favorite pillow designs, starting with florals, then book lovers and animals, and finishing with fall, winter and Christmas pillows.
1. Watercolor Sunflower Pillows
Brightest Pillow Design
A bundle of watercolor sunflower bouquets, from classic yellow to bright rainbow petals.
Sunflowers look cheerful on a sofa all year. They pair nicely with a sunflower mug or tumbler for a gift set.
2. Retro Daisy Pillows
Best Pattern Pillow
Big white daisies on bold backgrounds in orange, teal, purple, pink and green.
Make a matching pair in two colors for a fun, retro look. They’re perfect for a teen’s bedroom or a dorm.
3. Vintage Lily Pillows
Prettiest Vintage Pillow
Four soft pastel lily designs with a textured, vintage look.
The muted colors blend into any room. They make a lovely Mother’s Day or Easter gift.
4. Vintage Rose Pillows
Most Romantic Pillow
Four designs with pastel roses in pink, peach and soft blue.
These look sweet in a bedroom or reading nook. Press one for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.
5. Navy Rose Wreath Pillow
Best for Personalizing
A watercolor wreath of navy and purple roses with an open space in the middle.
Add a family name, a wedding date or a monogram in the center. It’s a beautiful wedding or housewarming gift.
6. Stacked Books Pillow
Best Book Lover Gift
A tall stack of old books tied together with pink roses, on a soft blush background.
It’s perfect for a reading corner. Pair it with a bookmark for a gift any reader will love.
7. Sunflower Chicken Pillow
Best Farmhouse Pillow
A proud brown hen surrounded by big yellow sunflowers.
Chicken lovers and farmhouse fans will adore this one. It looks great on a porch swing.
8. Schnauzer Pillow
Best for Dog Lovers
A handsome schnauzer in an orange paisley bandana, with sunflowers and autumn leaves.
Every schnauzer owner will want one. It’s a sweet gift for a dog groomer or pet sitter too.
9. Kitten and Yarn Pillow
Cutest Cat Pillow
A tabby kitten reaching up to play with a softly glowing ball of yarn.
Cat lovers and knitters will both smile at this one. The warm glow looks lovely on a cozy couch.
10. Bee Happy Pillows
Best Kids’ Room Pillow
Twenty big-eyed bees on roses and sunflowers, with sayings like “Bee happy” and “Bee kind.”
Kids love the huge sparkly eyes. They’re a fun pick for a playroom or a little girl’s bedroom.
11. Tropical Butterfly Pillows
Boldest Floral Pillow
Twenty bright designs with butterflies, pink orchids and tropical leaves.
The bold greens and pinks make a real statement. They’re great for a sunroom or a summer patio.
12. Fall Highland Cow Pillows
Best Fall Pillow
Four baby highland cows with pumpkins, sunflowers and autumn leaves.
Highland cows are still a huge trend. These are an easy fall seller at craft fairs.
13. Hello Pumpkin Pillows
Best Fall Porch Pillow
Four “Hello pumpkin” designs with orange gingham borders and white and orange pumpkins.
They’re perfect from September through Thanksgiving. Use an outdoor pillow cover for the front porch.
14. Blue Snowflake Pillow
Best Winter Pillow
White snowflakes scattered across a soft, dusty blue background.
Unlike Christmas pillows, this one can stay out all winter. It goes well with gray and white decor.
15. Christmas Animal Pillows
Most Popular Pillow File
A huge bundle of 165 winter designs with cats, puppies and other animals in knit hats and scarves.
With 30 favorites, it’s the most popular file in this list. You’ll have enough designs for every pet lover on your Christmas list.
Sublimation Pillow FAQs
What size should a sublimation pillow design be?
For a 16 x 16 or 18 x 18 inch cover, a 12 x 12 inch design is a good size. For a full cover, make the design the same size as the cover.
Can you sublimate on a cotton pillow cover?
Not directly. Sublimation needs polyester, so use a polyester cover, or add sublimation HTV or a coating to cotton first.
How do I stop the ink bleeding through?
Put a piece of cardboard or a pressing pillow wrapped in butcher paper inside the cover before you press.
How do I wash a sublimated pillow cover?
Turn it inside out and wash it on a gentle, cool cycle. Skip the bleach and fabric softener so the colors stay bright.
