DIY Pillows: 50 Easy Ideas For Home Decor

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Learn how to make DIY pillows and add a pretty touch to your decor! These homemade pillows are easy and inexpensive to make. Get 50 ideas!

I’ll never forget the first pillow I ever made. It was completely happenstance and random that I ended up making a pillow, because that’s not what I was looking to do and I wasn’t even in the correct retail store for it when I made the decision.

What happened? I went to Urban Outfitters and saw the coolest polka dotted skirt on the clearance rack for $3. I completely understood why no one had bought it.

The skirt was made out of what amounted to home decor weight velvet fabric, and there was no way it was going to look good on anyone. Hence the price tag.

After quickly realizing that the skirt had kind of a lot of fabric given the size and flair, I knew that I could use it to make something. And what popped into my head? A DIY pillow. I bought it, took it home straightaway, and sewed it right up.

The funny thing is that I’m not even sure if I still have the pillow (it could be in storage), but I definitely have a picture of it from 22 years ago in my old Seattle apartment. You can see its brown velvet with polka dots to the right behind my friend Gemma in the pic below:

I was so proud of that handmade pillow, even though I didn’t stuff it enough. When I filled the pillow, just grabbed some polyfill and shoved it in. I had zero clue what I was doing!

Fast forward to current day, and DIY pillows are a regular thing around here. I can’t tell you how many pillows I’ve made over the years! And I never get tired of it.

Pillows are one of those sewing projects that are really satisfying to me because they’re 1) pretty easy and 2) pretty quick. Plus there are no limitations. I usually go for a neutral sofa and let my pillows do the talking, so to speak.

I like that I can design a pillow to be anything I want – any shape, any colors, any size.

If you’re in the mood for an easy home decorating project that also makes a great gift (hello housewarming), try a handmade cushion. In fact, I’ve put together a great collection of DIY pillows together below. You can give your home decor a total makeover in minutes!

Some of them are creations of my own here on the blog, while others are from blogging friends. Some are no sew as well! There’s a little something for everyone on this list, and you’ll find a lot of options perfect

Take a peek at the ideas below and let me know what you think in the comments. Have you ever made a pillow? I’d love to know!

1

Cross Stitch

Use a saying to make this pretty DIY cross stitch pillow cover (with the free printable pattern) – and then add a cute pom pom trim! Fill with a pillow form. Get the Tutorial 2 Rachel Denbow

Quilted Velvet

Adding new envelope pillow covers to your space is one of the quickest ways to give your couch or bed a mini makeover. You can slip them on and off a pillow form with the seasons, but you might never want to put these velvet pillows away! Sews with a simple straight stitch. Get the Tutorial 3 Marissa Fischer

Quick Envelope Pillowcase

I can't believe how easy it is to make these pillowcases, and completely transform a basic pillow! This is a great project for newbies since it’s just a few straight lines and you have something awesome and useful in the end. Each cushion uses one medium-sized piece of fabric. Get the Tutorial 4 shescraftyandsheknowsit.com

Hand Knitted

These hand knit pillows are so soft and cozy, and they’re shockingly easy to make! You'll use chunky yarn, and Sarah has a video to show you how it's done. Get the Tutorial 5 Claire Armstrong

Upcycled Sweater Mountain Cushions

Do you love the mountains? I live in the PNW so it's a normal part of life to see a snow capped mountain here. These pillows that look just like mountains really float my boat! Get the Tutorial 6 fabricartdiy.com

DIY Fabric Succulent

This unique decorative pillow is shaped like a giant succulent cactus, and is the perfect way to spice up any home or bedroom with some natural charm and give it a pop of life. Get the Tutorial 7 acraftedpassion.com

Ombre Dyed

Make this ombre dye pillow to decorate in your living room. This dip dye method is perfect for handmade home decor, and it's hard to get it wrong! Get the Tutorial 8 Melissa Mortenson

Reading Pocket Pillow

Who else likes to kick back with a pillow and read a good book? This is such a cute DIY pillow, because you can store your book in it. Great for kids' rooms and nurseries. Get the Tutorial 9 Kara Whitten

Cozy Pom Poms

If you're looking for a statement piece, a pom pom pillow is going to be right up your alley! Kara will show you how she made hers with a variety of colorful poms. Get the Tutorial 10 Ann Drake

Repurposed Shirt

This is a fun, fast project and the only sewing skill you need is the ability to sew a straight line! Get your shirts from dad's giveaway pile or head to the Goodwill. Get the Tutorial 11 www.everydayjenny.com

Rainbow Tassels

This project was made with Cricut Infusible Ink – however, you could use vinyl for fabric, or you could even paint the stripes on! Put tassels at the end and you have a perfect pillow for a kids' room or nursery. Get the Tutorial 12 brit.co

DIY Jumbo Floor Pillows

Now that I've got you swooning over DIY pillows, it’s time to make some coziness of your own! I'd definitely put this in the “weekend project” category as these floor pillows take a little more time. However, the results are worth it. Get the Tutorial 13 Chelsea Coulston

Pretty Placemats

Chelsea found some beautiful placemats while walking through Target and got the idea for making something out of them! It took just a few minutes to turn these two placemats into a gorgeous throw pillow. Get the Tutorial 14 Valérie Eglantine

Delicious Donut

Did you know that donuts can be pillows? This is just about as cute as it gets! It’s a quick and fun project, and still easy enough for your kids to participate. Get the Tutorial 15 Lily Ardor

Old Sweaters

You can choose to make these cushions with a zipper or without – and the pom pom trim just finishes them off so well! You can adapt this idea to almost any size and shape of pillow you like. Get the Tutorial 16 www.twelveonmain.com

Sharpie Pillow

You can make a cute pillow using a Sharpie and a drop cloth! I absolutely love this idea, and Sara shows you the method so you can adapt it to any word you like. Get the Tutorial 17 studiodiy.com

Fruit Slices

I don't have a screened in porch, but if I did, you can get these DIY pillows would be out on my furniture all summer! They are so cute and are also fun for kids' rooms. Get the Tutorial 18 Sonja Stevens

Baby Clothes Keepsakes

Sonja came up with a great idea for baby clothes! Instead of storing them away in the basement, she repurposed some of the outfits into a throw pillow. It's a perfect way to be reminded of those precious moments on a daily basis. Get the Tutorial 19 Stephanie Woodson

Turn a T-Shirt Into a Pillow

Learn how to turn any t-shirt into a unique pillow! This is a great way to recycle clothing, especially those themed t-shirts for holidays and other celebrations. Get the Tutorial 20 www.awwsam.com

No-Sew Pop Tart

If you want a unique pillow, this is it! Why not make a giant version of everyone’s favorite toaster pastry? You can customize the frosting topping. Get the Tutorial 21 liagriffith.com

Faux Fur

If you’re wanting to try something new for your winter decor, or if you think you just need a little more fur in your life, try these faux fur pillows! Fur can be a great home decor accent to add a little texture, and it is especially cozy in the colder months. Get the Tutorial 22 Claire Armstrong

Upcycled Sweaters

Use old wool sweaters to make the cutest autumn pillows! I love these cuties in fall colors, shaped like acorns and an oak leaf. Get the Tutorial 23

No Sew Pillows from Felt

Are you ready for summer craft camp with the kids? Make these no sew pillows in fun shapes. These are SO easy and littles will love them! Get the Tutorial 24 Lantern Lane Designs

No Sew Napkins

I'm a huge fan of cute napkins, and I always see them, especially around the holidays! Learn how to make no sew pillows using your favorite napkins and the most simple tutorial. Get the Tutorial 25 www.awwsam.com

Funfetti Cake Slice

This fun no-sew pillow project will make your sofa a little sweeter! You'll do some painting and hand-sewing; it's so easy to make. Get the Tutorial 26 www.classyclutter.net

Scalloped Felt

All you need to make this unique DIY pillow is a plain pillow cover and some colorful felt! It's a unique no sew idea that you can adapt to a variety of pillow sizes and shapes. Get the Tutorial 27 studiodiy.com

Circus Animal Cookies

What was your favorite junk food growing up? Circus animal cookies are always a favorite! Turn them into pillows the easy way – Kelly even has free templates for you. Get the Tutorial 28 sugarandcloth.com

Cute Knots

I'm excited to be sharing the instructions for one of this season’s best trends, knotted pillows! Here’s how to make your own DIY knot pillow. Get the Tutorial 29 mountainmodernlife.com

No-Sew Boho

Once you have plain pillow covers, all you need are some embellishments like trim fringe and some liquid stitch. It's so easy to make these boho pillows without a sewing machine! Get the Tutorial 30 Tonya Staab

Sewn Letters

I'll be honest, I love my initials. If I could have everything be “AA” I would! These cute letter pillows are easy to sew, and you can make them for your kids or all your initial loving friends (like me!). Get the Tutorial 31 sustainmycrafthabit.com

Colorful Crochet

Everyone says that changing up your throw pillows is a great way to update your living room look, and I agree! You can completely change the color palette. And if you know how to crochet, you can do it using this simple pattern. Get the Tutorial 32 Angela Muir

Sew a Starfish Pillow

You don't have to guess at how to make this darling starfish pillow. It's so freaking cute, and Angela has a pattern! I love how she made it using soft fabrics, so it's perfect for hugging. Get the Tutorial 33 farmhouseonboone.com

Ruffle Linen

Add a beautiful and cozy touch with this DIY ruffle linen pillow. For this variation on the classic pillow cover, you are going to pretty it up with a delicate ruffle going all the way around the outside. Get the Tutorial 34 thediymommy.com

Plush Unicorn

This adorable plush unicorn pillow is a fun DIY that makes for a cute kid's bedroom decoration or a unique gift. Get the Tutorial 35 bellewoodcottage.com

Drop Cloths with Lace

For these DIY drop cloth pillows, Ellen used bleached drop cloths, antique lace, and a fun technique that makes one pillow cover look like two. Get the Tutorial 36 Melissa Mora

Pretty Bolsters

Melissa made these pretty pillows for her screened-in back porch, and they go so well with her furniture! You can use her tutorial to make them any size you like. Get the Tutorial 37 liagriffith.com

Hand Sewn Felt Cloud

Some say it’s a nap, I say it’s a horizontal life pause. Either way, siesta in style with this adorable felt cloud DIY pillow! You can create your own dreamy pillow with this easy-to-follow tutorial. Get the Tutorial 38 mypoppet.com.au

Shaggy Latch Hook

Have you noticed that shaggy cushions, pillow covers, and rugs are really trendy right now? Interior stylists call it ‘texture’, I call it fun! It’s a throwback to the 70s where shag was all the rage. You can follow the trend with this unique DIY cushion. Get the Tutorial 39 www.diynetwork.com

No-Sew Knot

Change the look of any room in minutes (and for little money) with this easy, no-sew pillow tutorial. It's almost like wrapping a present, and the results are pretty cool. Get the Tutorial 40 kippiathome.com

Furry Llama

This easy llama pillow adds so much whimsy to any room. I absolutely love the felt and fur that make this DIY pillow so unique. Get the Tutorial 41 Hannah Bruneman

Geometric Wedge

Ideal for couch corners, these triangular pillows are the perfect beginner's sewing project. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make your own! Get the Tutorial 42 Kim Purvis

Boho Moroccan

Looking for a fun way to update your decor? Try this DIY Moroccan pillow! Just add some color pom poms and yarn for a fun pop of color to a throw pillow. Get the Tutorial 43 Leigh Anne Wilkes

Valentine Heart

All you need is a burlap pillow cover, and you can use it as a template for “sewing.” Make your ribbon any pattern you like – I love this heart for Valentine's Day. Get the Tutorial 44 oldsaltfarm.com

Burlap Stars and Stripes

Celebrate the Fourth of July in style! Make this easy and darling burlap flag pillow for all of the patriotic holidays, or even year round! Get the Tutorial 45 thecraftingchicks.com

Halloween Boo

I love the idea of adding bright colors in with the black and white for Halloween decor! This BOO pillow looks great on a mantle hearth, alongside black and white buffalo plaid pillows. Get the Tutorial 46 www.happinessishomemade.net

Buffalo Check

These awesome DIY buffalo check plaid holiday pillow covers are made from a $3 Target Dollar Spot blanket, and they only take 10 minutes to make! Get the Tutorial 47 theproperblog.com

Holiday Sequins

Sequins are pretty special, especially during the holidays! Learn how to apply sequins to your pillows without a sewing machine, in the phrase of your choice. Get the Tutorial

Did you enjoy these DIY pillows? Take a peek at these other posts I also think you’ll enjoy:

Bookends • DIY Coffee Tables • Globe Projects • How to Display Succulents • How to Make Rugs • Photo Frames • Plant Stands • Simple DIY Chair Cushion • Wall Hangings • Wood Wall Art • Wood Lamps • Wooden Crate Decor

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