Pillows are cheap and simple. Making pillows is a good way for beginners to learn how to sew. You could try making a fringed, tied, or knotted pillow instead of in place of sewing. As soon as you learn the basic concepts of pillow-making, you can even make envelope pillowcases.
Throw pillows with fun designs are a simple way to change the look of your room without having to buy new furniture. If you add a few throw pillows to your couch, chair, or bedding, you can rapidly change out or add new colors to your home decor.
For ideas, tips, and techniques, read on to learn more about the popular topic of how to make a pillow article.
How to Make a Simple Pillow
1. Choose your fabric.
Consider the purpose of the pillow before choosing a fabric. Choosing a fabric that feels pleasant against your face is essential if you plan to use it as a resting surface at night. If you want your cushion to be a focal point, choose a fabric that complements the rest of your design.
- Pillows should be made of soft cotton with a high thread count.
- For decorative pillows, textiles like brocade and other home décor fabrics work nicely.
2. Cut the Fabric into Two Equal Squares or Rectangles.
Allow for seam allowances by adding 12 inches (1.27 cm) to each side. The size of the pillow depends on the number of pieces you cut. Cut the fabric to the same dimensions and shape as your pillow form using a pillow form. This will ensure that your cushion is full and fluffy.
- Sew the fabric’s cut edges with a serger or zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
3. Place the Two Fabric Layers Together Right-side-in.
If you need to, fix three of the edges with stitching pins; leave the other border un-pinned so that you might turn the cushion right-side-out later.
4. Sew Three of the Edges Together.
Use a matching thread color, a straight stitch, and a seam allowance of 12-inch (1.27-centimeter). While sewing, remove the pins and leave the fourth edge unstitched. Hand sewing or sewing on a sewing machine are both acceptable options.
- It is vital to backstitch when using a sewing machine to ensure that your sewing doesn’t come undone.
5. Turn the Pillow Right-side-out.
If your cushion is made of thick fabric, you may want to start by cutting corners to minimize the overall size. You can use your fingers to gently push the pillow’s corners out even further once you’ve turned it over.
6. Fold the Raw Edges in and Press them Flat.
Go to the pillow’s open edge. A 12-inch inward fold of the raw edge (1.27 centimeters). When you’re ready to sew the pillow shut, make a crease in the edges with a hot iron to serve as a guide.
- Without iron, you can pin the folded edges together, but this will prevent you from being able to stuff the cushion.
7. Stuff the Pillow as much as you can to be Lovely and Full.
Pillows filled with polyester stuffing are popular and easy to find. It’s available at craft and fabric stores. Insert the pillow form if you used an existing form as a guide.
- You can also use the down or polyester filling from an old pillow torn open.
8. Pin and Sew the Opening Shut.
Ladder or blind stitching can be done by hand, or a topstitching machine can be used. When you’re finished, take out the pins.
- When hand sewing, keep the stitches small and tight. Finish by tying a tight knot.
- When stitching by machine, use a 1/8-inch (0.32-centimeter) seam allowance and matching thread. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each stitch.
Also Read: How to Use a Boppy Pillow (16 Ways & Guide)
How to Sew Pillow Envelope
1. Measure Pillow Insert
Take the measurements for the pillow insert.
2. Measure Height and Width
If you’re utilizing a rectangle insert, measure both the height and the width.
3. Create Pattern
Measure the height and width of a cushion insert and add two inches to both measures. The pattern can be created by marking the measurements with a square on brown paper. To begin, cut out the template.
4. Choose Pattern Placement
Outline the finished pillow shape on the fabric to establish the placement of the patterned fabric.
5. Cut Pillow Fronts
Line aligns the pattern with the grain of the fabric before applying it to the fabric. Cut out the pattern’s borders.
6. Cut Pillow Back
Line matches the pattern with the fabric’s grain on the fabric you’ve chosen for the pillow backs. Cut out the pattern’s borders. Use coordinating fabrics for the front and back of your pillows for an eye-catching look.
7. Pin Fabric Edges
Right sides together, lay the fabric front on top of the fabric back. Pin down the edges of the paper.
8. Sew Pillow Pieces Together
Set aside one inch of fabric for the seam allowance before sewing pillow parts together. On the bottom edge, leave a five-inch hole for inserting the pillow.
9. Trim Edges
Make sure to leave a half-inch border around all of the fabric’s edges. If you want a neatly rounded corner, trim close to the corner edges. How to lessen the visibility of seams on a turned pillow? Try trimming the seams to varying widths.
10. Turn Fabric and Press Edges
Turn the cloth right side out and press the edges to seal the seams.
11. Insert Pillow
Push pillow inserts into the cushion casing and adjust positioning.
12. Stitch Opening Closed
Close the opening using a needle and thread.
Also Read: How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep
How to Make a Sew-Free Pillow
1. Invest in a Sturdy Fabric Like Fleece or Fannel that won’t Fray.
You’ll need two strips of fabric, one for the front and one for the back of the pillow. You can use the same texture and color for all of the pieces or mix and match. However, make sure you wear the same type of cloth!
2. Make Two Equal Squares or Rectangles.
Make each piece wider and longer than the finished pillow by six inches (15.24 centimeters).
- The length of your fringe will be 3 inches (7.62 centimeters). Cut the fabric larger if you want a longer fringe.
3. Each Corner Should be Cut into a 3-inch (7.62-centimeter) Square.
Lay the two cloth pieces on top of one another, with the opposite sides facing in. In each corner, use a 3-inch (7.62-centimeter) square-cutting tool. Make sure that you are cutting through both layers of clothing.
- If you want a longer fringe, cut the cloth larger and make the squares the same size as the fringe.
4. Each of the Four Edges Should have a Fringe Cut.
Each tassel should be 3 inches deep (7.62 centimeters) and 14 to 1 inch wide (0.64 to 2.54 centimeters). Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric this time, or the fringes will not match up.
5. Tie the Top and Bottom Tassels Together.
Use a square knot or a tight double knot. Three of the edges should be tied together, but only half of the fourth should be. The pillowcase will not be turned inside out, but it will be stuffed!
6. Add your Stuffing.
It’s recommended to use polyester stuffing, but you can also use a pillow form. Stuff the pillow until it is fantastic and complete, putting out the corners.
- Polyester stuffing may be purchased at most fabric and craft supply stores.
7. Finish Tying the Pillow.
Insert the pillow’s stuffing as you finish tying the last few tassels. Tie each corner in a double knot for added security.
Also Read: 13 Best Down Pillow for Every Type of Sleeper
Tips for Making Pillows
Pillows are the unsung heroes of your interior design. They are inexpensive, require minimal clothing, and can be made in under an hour.
To help build excellent pillows, we will give a few ideas and strategies to make sure your results are nothing short of stunning.
- To reduce bulk, cut corners before turning.
- You can use a blunt tool to assist you in turning out your pillow’s corners.
- Sew a double row of stitches around each corner of your pillow to reinforce it.
- Reduce the size of your pillow by up to 1 inch compared to the size of your pillow form. This can assist keep your pillow’s form and give it an entire appearance.
- Think about adding a layer of batting to your main pillow fabric to ensure a smooth surface. This tip is also helpful when making odd-shaped pillows that will be filled by hand.
- Decide on the pillow closure before you begin sewing the pillow. Zipper closing, envelope, or all sewn up with a basic ladder stitch.
- Reduce the length of your stitches to avoid displaying stitches at the seams.
- Consider adding complementary trims, fringe, piping, or a flange to the edge of your pillow cover for an additional layer of detail.
- Make your zipper closure a focal point by highlighting it.
- Have you wanted to make a somewhat rounded corner? When sewing the corners of your pillow, mark a position 1/2″ from each corner. Then, point to point, draw a line from each side of the square to reduce its size slightly. This is your new pattern shape.
- When it comes to coming up with pillow cover designs, think outside the box. Pillows are a great way to start a conversation with a new guest.
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