How To Make A Pillow - Newton Custom Interiors

Decorative throw pillows are an easy way to update your space. You can quickly change out or add new colors to your decor simply by adding a few throw pillows to your couch, chairs or bedding.

This is a quick and easy sewing project. I’m going to share with you how to make a pillow using this step-by step video tutorial. This is a two-part tutorial – in my next post, I will show you how to hand sew your pillow closed.

Be sure to check out our popular How To Make Pillows page for over 25 pillow ideas, tips & techniques.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

HOW TO MAKE A PILLOW

We are going to be making an 18″ x 18″ pillow using an 18″ x 18″ polyester filled form. (I like my pillow covers to be snug). You can make any size pillow that you would like. Your fabric yardages and pillow form size will need to be adjusted accordingly.

MATERIALS

• Fabric – The amount of fabric needed depends on the pillow size. The fabric yardage I used for this project was 3/4 yard.
• Pillow form – I really like Fairfield’s Soft Touch pillow forms. Whatever size you would like. My pillow form size is 18″ x 18″.
• Thread to match fabric
• Straight pins
• That Purple Thang tool
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

**I’ve created a video that shows step-by-step how to make a pillow. The steps for fabrication are also written out below.

1. Cut out 2 squares of fabric for the front and back sides of the pillow. Squares are cut the same size as the pillow form – don’t add seam allowances. Our pillow form is 18″ x 18″, so our fabric is cut at 18″ x 18″. Mark, with a pin, the bottom edges of the pillow to help keep track of them.
2. (Optional step)If fabric frays easily, serge all four sides of the front and back pieces of fabric. A zig-zag stitch or pinking shears can also be used.
3. Sew a long straight stitch (basting stitch) 3/8″ from the bottom edge. This will help to show where you need to fold fabric when you hand sew the pillow closed.
4. Pin the front and back right sides together.
5. Using a 1/2″ seam allowance, sew the two pieces of fabric together, starting 2″ in from the corner on the bottom edge. Stopping 2″ from the last corner on the bottom edge. Leaving an opening for the pillow form.
6. Trim all 4 corners, at an angle, to reduce bulk. Making sure not to cut too close to the seam stitching.
7. Making sure all pins have been removed, turn pillow right side out. It’s helpful to use something such as That Purple Thang to help turn the corners right side out.
8. Insert pillow form. If needed – add extra polyester fiberfill to fill out corners.
9. Fold fabric of bottom edges over 1/2″ (using the long basting stitch as a guide). Pin the two bottom edges together.

In the 2nd part of this tutorial about how to make a pillow, I will show you how to hand sew a pillow closed.

You Might Also Like:

Custom Bedding Pilllows

How To Hand-Sew A Pillow Closed

How To Make A Pillow With Cording

How To Make A Pillow Form