Sublimation pillow covers are pillow covers decorated by sublimating a design into the fabric face. To sublimate a pillow cover, use a white or light colored, high polyester or poly faced cover, put a pressing pad or cardboard inside so the print area sits above the seams and dye cannot pass through to the back, lint roll and pre press, tape the print down, and press at the paper, ink and cover maker settings before peeling.

Rule: sublimation dye bonds with polyester, not cotton. A white or light, high polyester face is the starting point; everything else in the setup is about even heat, even pressure and a print that cannot move.

Part of the sublimation and DTF guides in the DAX Learning Hub. New to the process? Start with Sublimation Printing for Beginners.

Published by DAX (Decorated Apparel Expo) · Last updated: October 2026

Pillow Cover Blanks

Sublimation blanks are sold in several faces and closures. Guides commonly suggest a cover with at least about 65 percent polyester. Check the blank listing for fiber content and the maker press guidance.

Closure matters too. Zipper covers press cleanly if the zipper stays off the platen; envelope backs avoid hardware but have an overlap seam to work around.

How to Sublimate a Pillow Cover Step by Step

1. Check the blank. Confirm a white or light, high polyester face and read the blank maker press guidance.
2. Insert a pad or blowout sheet. Slide a pressing pad, cardboard or a sheet of paper inside the cover so the print area is raised above the inside seams and dye cannot transfer to the back panel.
3. Place the zipper off the platen. Position the cover so the zipper or closure hangs outside the heated area.
4. Lint roll and pre press. Lint roll the face, pre press briefly to remove moisture and wrinkles, let it cool a moment, and lint roll again.
5. Position and tape the print. Center the print face down and tape the corners with heat resistant tape so the paper cannot shift.
6. Cover and press. Cover with protective paper and press at the time and temperature from your paper, ink and blank makers. Do not lift or slide the press during the cycle.
7. Remove and cool. Remove the protective paper, let the cover cool, then peel the tape and transfer paper without dragging it.

For general press settings by material, see Heat Press Temperature Chart, and treat the maker guidance for your specific paper and blank as the final word.

Preventing Bleed Through, Ghosting and Zipper Marks

Pressing pads and covers are covered in Heat Press Accessories.

Full Wrap and Two Sided Covers

Many covers can be printed on both sides. Press one side, let it cool, then flip the cover and press the second side with fresh paper inside so the first design is protected. For another sewn soft good with similar seam challenges, see Sublimation Socks: Blanks, Jigs, Templates and Settings.

Quoting and Production Checklist

Before you take a pillow cover order, confirm a few details with the customer so the job runs once. Agree the cover size, the closure type and the face fabric, and confirm the blank is white or light and high polyester. Ask whether the design goes on one side or both. Request art at the final print size with any text kept away from the seams, and share a mockup on the actual cover. Order one spare blank per design so a test press does not eat into the count, and note the press settings that worked on the job ticket for reorders.

For gifts and decor sold in volume, keep a short record of each blank supplier, the paper used and the settings that passed your test. Blanks from different suppliers can behave differently even when they look the same, so test again when you change supplier.

Care Notes

Sublimation dye bonds into the polyester fibers rather than sitting on top as a layer. Care still depends on the blank: follow the cover maker care label, and pass that guidance to the customer. Sequin covers usually call for gentler care than plain polyester.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sublimation Pillow Covers (FAQ)

How do you sublimate a pillow cover?

Use a white or light, high polyester cover, put a pad or paper inside, keep the zipper off the platen, lint roll and pre press, tape the print, press at maker settings and let it cool before peeling.

What temperature to sublimate a pillow?

Use the settings from your sublimation paper, ink and blank makers. They differ by product, so test on a spare cover first.

Why did my pillow cover ghost?

Usually the paper moved during or right after pressing. Tape every corner, do not lift the press early or slide the paper, and let it cool before peeling.

Can you sublimate both sides?

Yes on most covers. Press one side, cool it, flip it and press the other side with paper inside to protect the first print.

How do you avoid zipper lines?

Hang the zipper off the edge of the press and use a pressing pad so the print area sits above the seams.

Supplier note: figures here are hedged starting points that vary by garment, film, ink, blank, machine and method; confirm every setting against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet, the garment care label and your own tests.

Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see sublimation blanks and presses in person.