Tutorialshow to Sew a Pillow: Easy Steps for Beginners to Create Beauty (2024)

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You’ll create stunning custom pillows by following this tutorial on how to sew a pillow.

First, choose fabrics with the desired drape and feel, like soft cotton or structured velvet, and stuffing for the perfect firmness.

Cut precisely with sharp scissors, allowing for seam allowances.

Pin the fabric squares right sides together, pivoting at each corner for crisp points.

Turn right side out through an opening, evenly stuffing the corners.

Topstitch the opening closed, fluffing the finished pillow.

Elevate your pillows with contrasting fabrics, embellishments like trim or appliques, and convenient removable covers.

For professional results, press seams, backstitch, and adjust stitch lengths accordingly.

Learn more expert tips to create beautiful handmade pillows.

Choosing Your Fabric and Supplies

Your fabric choice affects the drape and feel of the finished pillow.

With cottons and lighter fabrics creating a softer look, while heavier fabrics like velvet or chenille lend more structure.

The stuffing you select, whether it’s polyfill, foam, or other materials, determines the firmness and loftiness of the pillow.

Fabric Type Affects Drape

The fabric you choose for your pillow will greatly impact its overall look and feel.

Consider the durability, texture, color, pattern, and weight of the fabric.

Cotton duck and twill are sturdy options.

Velvet and chenille add a luxurious touch.

Upholstery fabrics are perfect for pillows that need to withstand heavy use.

Choose a fabric that complements your decor and personal style.

Stuffing Determines Firmness

When making a pillow, the choice of stuffing largely determines its firmness and support. Different pillow materials, such as poly-fill, down, and memory foam, offer varying levels of firmness and comfort (Source). The appropriate stuffing can improve the overall feel of the pillow, making it crucial to examine the firmness offered by each type when selecting the materials for your pillow project.

Stuffing Material	Firmness
Poly-fill	Medium
Down	Soft
Memory Foam	Firm

Notions Enhance Appearance

Notions like trim, buttons, and zippers can elevate your pillow’s appearance. Choose contrasting colors or textures for visual interest. Embellish with custom appliques, embroidery, or beading. Sew a removable pillow cover for easy cleaning and versatility. Pair a smooth cotton with a fluffy down insert for a luxurious feel. Let your creativity shine through notions that reflect your style.

Cutting the Fabric

To create your pillow, start by selecting the perfect fabric.

Cotton, linen, and velvet are all excellent choices that offer different textures and drapes.

Once you have your fabric, it’s time to measure and cut.

Lay the fabric right sides together and use a ruler or measuring tape to mark out your desired pillow size, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance on all sides.

For crisp corners, measure and mark the corners at a 90-degree angle.

Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut along the marked lines.

If you’re working with a delicate fabric, consider using pinking shears to prevent fraying.

Press the fabric with a hot iron to remove any creases or wrinkles before moving on to sewing.

Sewing the Pillow

Start by pinning or clipping the two fabric squares together, right sides facing, around all four edges – this will keep the layers aligned as you sew. As you approach each corner, stop with your needle down, lift the presser foot, pivot the fabric 90 degrees, and continue sewing – this technique creates crisp, pointed corners.

Pin the Fabric Squares Together Around All Four Sides

To sew a throw pillow, accurately align and pin the fabric squares with a specified seam allowance.

Guarantee precise stitching by using straight pins strategically for fabric placement.

This step sets the foundation for creating a beautifully hand-sewn pillow, ensuring a smooth process.

Pivot at the Corners for Sharp Points

As you sew around the pillow, pivot at each corner to create sharp points and crisp lines. Clip the corners after sewing to reduce bulk and help the pillow hold its perfect shape. This technique is essential for achieving a clean finish on your envelope pillow cover. Pivot slowly at each corner using your sewing machine for best results.

Turning and Stuffing

After sewing the pillow pieces together, leaving a gap for turning, carefully clip the corners to reduce bulk. Next, reach through the opening and pull the pillow right-side out, then use a chopstick or knitting needle to fully push out the corners before evenly distributing the stuffing and filling the corners.

Clip the Corners to Reduce Bulk

When sewing a pillow, using the right clipping techniques is essential to achieve well-defined corner shapes and reduce bulk.

Pay attention to the fabric density and seam allowances to determine the best approach.

Whether you’re an indoor or outdoor fabric enthusiast, understanding bulk reduction through proper clipping techniques is important.

This tutorial How to Sew a Pillow will guide you through details on fabric choices like linen blends and Premier Prints.

Turn the Pillow Right Side Out Through the Opening

Reach inside the pillow and gently pull it through the gap to turn it right-side-out. Use a pointy tool like a chopstick or That Purple Thang to carefully push out the corners for a crisp shape. The gap should be placed on the bottom or back of the pillow for a clean look. You’re almost ready to stuff your pillow!

Distribute the Stuffing Evenly, Filling the Corners

Reach inside the pillow and gently pull the fabric through the opening, turning it right-side-out.

Use a pointy tool like a chopstick to push out the corners, ensuring they’re sharp and defined.

Distribute the stuffing evenly throughout the pillow, taking care to fill the corners completely to maintain the pillow’s shape and prevent lumps.

Fluff and arrange the pillow to your liking.

You’re ready to hand-stitch the opening closed using a ladder stitch for a professional finish.

Finishing the Pillow

With the pillow turned right side out and evenly st￭, it’s time to seal the opening. Pin or clip the opening closed, then machine stitch it, backstitching at the start and end for security. Once sewn shut, give the pillow a final fluff, smoothing the fabric and arranging the stuffing to achieve your desired plump, lofty shape.

Machine Stitch the Opening Closed for a Permanent Finish

To create a durable closure and a neat appearance, machine stitch the opening closed for a permanent finish.

Guarantee a strong and invisible seam by carefully aligning the fabric edges and selecting a matching thread.

Use a backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam for added reinforcement.

This will result in a professional-looking pillow that will withstand regular use and washing.

Fluff and Arrange the Pillow to Your Liking

Fluff and arrange your pillow to achieve the perfect look and comfort.

Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed for a balanced overall shape.

Fill the corners to maintain the pillow’s aesthetic appeal.

Adjust the pillow’s arrangement to enhance its comfort level.

Once these steps are completed, the finished product will be a beautiful and comfortable addition to your living space.

Variations and Embellishments

You can create decorative pillows in various shapes and sizes by adjusting your fabric cutting dimensions. For a custom look, mix contrasting fabrics for the front and back, add piping or trims, or embellish with appliques.

Make Pillows in Different Sizes and Shapes

Express your creativity by creating pillows in various shapes and sizes! Experiment with squares, rectangles, circles, or even whimsical animal shapes. Mix and match different patterns, textures, and styles to create a unique look. Adjust the fabric dimensions accordingly and follow the same sewing techniques. Embrace your inner designer and let your imagination soar!

Use Contrasting Fabrics for the Front and Back

Express your creativity by using contrasting fabrics for the front and back of your pillow! Mix and match colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique design. Experiment with color blocking for a bold statement. The possibilities are endless when you play with contrasting fabrics, allowing you to craft a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style.

• Combine solid colors with prints for visual interest
• Mix different fabric weights like cotton and velvet
• Juxtapose stripes and polka dots for a playful look
• Pair complementary colors like blue and orange
• Contrast smooth satin with nubby burlap for texture

Add Piping, Trim, or Appliques for a Custom Look

To add piping, choose a contrasting color that complements your fabric. Sew the piping around the pillow’s edges, mitering the corners for a professional look. Trim adds visual interest – place it strategically to highlight design elements. Appliques in fun shapes or monograms personalize your pillow. Experiment with different fabric textures for custom details that reflect your style.

Make a Removable Pillow Cover for Easy Cleaning

To make a removable pillow cover, use zippered, button, envelope, tie, or Velcro closures. Sew the closure into the bottom seam allowance before assembling the pillow. This allows you to easily remove and wash the cover. Choose a closure that suits your style and skill level. Zippered and envelope closures are beginner-friendly options.

Stuff With Down, Memory Foam, or Other Specialty Fillings

For a luxurious feel, try down or memory foam cushion inserts. Down provides a soft, cozy embrace, while memory foam molds to your shape. Hypoallergenic stuffing is ideal for sensitive skin. Experiment with decorative textures like corduroy or velvet. Specialty fabrics like microsuede or outdoor canvas create unique looks. For easy care, choose machine washable fabrics and removable covers.

Tips for Success

For crisp, professional results, press the seams as you sew, and backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam. When working with thick fabrics like fleece or chenille, adjust your stitch length accordingly; serge or zigzag the raw edges to prevent excessive fraying.

Press the Seams as You Sew for Crisp Results

As you sew, press the seams with your iron to set the stitches and create crisp, professional-looking results. Use your presser foot to guide the fabric and maintain an even seam allowance. Press curved corners and bulky seams on an ironing board for best results. Pressing as you go makes the final pillow look its best.

Backstitch at the Beginning and End of Seams

When sewing a pillow, it’s essential to backstitch at the beginning and end of seams to secure the stitches.

This prevents unraveling and ensures durability.

Adjust the stitch length for different fabric thicknesses to maintain consistent quality.

To prevent fraying, consider serging or zigzagging the raw edges.

Adjust the Stitch Length for Thick Fabrics

When sewing with thick fabrics like velvet or chenille, adjust your machine’s stitch length to 2.5-3mm for best results. Use a larger needle size, like 90/14, and heavy-duty thread. Reinforce stitching at the beginning and end of seams by sewing in reverse for a few stitches. This prevents puckering and guarantees your pillow can withstand regular use.

Serge or Zigzag the Raw Edges to Prevent Fraying

To prevent fraying and create a polished look, serge or zigzag the raw edges of your pillow fabric before sewing. This decorative stitching adds stability and can be done in a contrasting thread color for a fun accent. Alternatively, leave the edges raw for a fun fringe trim effect when using thick, non-fraying fabrics like felt or velvet.

Caring for Your Handmade Pillow

To maintain your handmade pillow’s shape and plumpness, fluff it regularly by squeezing and manipulating the stuffing. Over time, you may need to replace the pillow form or restuff it with new stuffing material to restore its loft and support.

Fluff the Pillow Regularly to Maintain Its Shape

To keep your handmade pillow looking its best, fluff it daily. Gently squeeze and reshape the pillow, focusing on the corners. This redistributes the stuffing evenly, maintaining the pillow’s ideal firmness and shape. Fluffing also enhances the fabric’s drape, creating a plush, inviting appearance. Make fluffing a habit for a pillow that always looks freshly plumped.

• Fluff daily for best results
• Focus on corners and edges
• Redistributes stuffing evenly

Replace the Pillow Form or Stuffing as Needed

To maintain your handmade pillow’s shape and comfort, periodically replace the pillow form or stuffing. Select appropriate fillings based on your preference for firmness and comfort. Consider changing the fillings seasonally for freshness and adaptability. Explore creative options like mixing different stuffing materials or incorporating unique fabrics to refresh the look and feel of your pillows. Regularly fluffing and cleaning your pillow is key to its longevity and comfort.

Fillings Selection	Creative Uses
– Poly-fill	– Mix different stuffing materials
– Memory foam	– Use unique fabrics for a fresh look
– Down	– Incorporate specialty fillings for variety
– Batting	– Experiment with contrasting textures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)