Next, place the two grain sack squares on top of each other, with right sides together. The grain sack fabric that I use is the exact same on both sides, so there isn’t really a right or wrong side .Sew 3/4 of the way around with a 3/8″ seam, leaving one side open. This will be the side that will have the ties. Again, it is important to line the stripes up, but this time the stripes will run vertically, as opposed to the ticking stripes, that ran horizontally.
On the side that you left open, find the exact middle and use a disappearing ink fabric marker, or sewing pin, to mark that spot on both the front and the back piece. This is where the ties will go, since you want them centered in the middle of the pillow. Fold the side that was left open over to the inside of the pillow cover 1/4″, and then fold in again another 1/4″, to hide the raw edge inside. Begin sewing around until you reach the place that you marked as the center. This is where you will sew in the first tie. Note* Normally I would press the edge over with my iron to create a seam like this, but the grain sack fabric is so thick that I find it does not press well. Instead, I just fold it down as I go around. You could also use pins.
Tuck the unfinished end, of one of the 18″ bias tape ties, into the seam that you are making around the opening of the grain sack pillow cover. Continue sewing around, until you reach the other marking, and repeat the process, to sew in the other tie. After I have sewn all the way around, I like to go back over the spots where the ties are, and sew them over to the outside of the pillow, like I did in the photo below.
Finish the inside raw edges of the grain sack pillow cover with a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine or use a serger. All done!