Subtler than graphics, textural accents give pillow covers a decorative extra without being distracting. You can make these puckered folds with a needle and thread.

Start with pillowcase turned inside out. Using a disappearing-ink pen, create a grid of dots on case (each dot will be the tip of a fold).

Double-thread a needle with heavy-duty thread, and knot. Pinch the fabric as shown (1). Pass needle through fold (the farther from the tip you stitch, the more puckered the fold will be); then pull it all the way around fold.

Pass needle between doubled threads, below knot. Loop around twice; pass needle under loops (2). Pull tight; tie off. Repeat with each dot.

Turn case right side out. Use a pillow insert that's one or two sizes smaller than the original case.