Would you like to try a simple sewing project? Pillow making is one of the easiest starter projects and doesn’t even require a sewing machine to attempt it. If you want to sew a square or round throw pillow for your couch or favorite rocking chair, here is how to do it.
First decide on a color that will match your couch, bedspread or chair. Your throw pillow should accent the style.
Supplies you will need :
- Cloth of the desired color and texture to match the room or setting
- Thread that will match the main background color of cloth. (Use a strong cotton thread.)
- Straight pins
- Sewing needles
- Scissors
- Fiberfill
- Tape measure or ruler
- pencil or cloth marker
Tips on cloth choice:
- Choose sturdy cloth, preferably cotton.
- Most pillows are not washed so washable cloth is not needed.
- For beginners look for designer cloth that is already marked off into pillow making squares. Some designs are decorated with kittens, horses, fish, birds, etc. so your pillow has a theme.
- Filmy, slippery materials are hard to work with.
- Thick material with a pile, like corduroy or velvet, is difficult to sew. Avoid these.
- Buy a piece of cloth at least ½ yard long.
From this length of material, you will be able to cut your cloth to the size you need. Figure an inch around the edges of the cloth for your stitching (called a seam allowance). A pillow is cut larger than you want the finished pillow to be. Fold the cloth so you will cut two layers at once the front and the back of the pillow.
Cutting the Material
To cut a round pillow use an object like a serving platter or a pot lid to lay on the cloth for your circle. Mark the borders with a washable pencil. Cut along the lines you have drawn. Trim carefully the two pieces of cloth you have cut out.
Stitching the Pillow
Lay the cloth out on a table or the floor and turn the pieces so that the right sides of the cloth are facing each other. Use straight pins hold the two pieces of cloth together while you sew them. Place pins with the head out at the edges and sharp points facing center of the circle or square.
You will sew the pieces together and then turn the pillow right side out. This will hide your seam and also prevent unraveling. You will have to remember to leave yourself an opening in the border about three inches long.
Filling and Finishing the Pillow
After you sew and turn the cloth, stuff the pillow with small wads of cotton fiberfill. When it is a little tighter than you want it, take the raw edges at the opening and fold them into the pillow. Next, sew the opening closed using a needle and thread to whipstitch along the opening. Make your stitches close and as carefully as you can, because this seam will show on the finished pillow. When you have stitched up the opening, your pillow is finished.
Sewing a pillow is fun and simple. Choose cloth and matching thread. Cut the shape you want, figuring in an allowance for the seam. Sew the edges together leaving three inches open for turning and filling. Turn the pillow right side out and fill with stuffing. Stitch up the opening and you are finished. Pillows can add contrast and interest to your decorating scheme.
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