Making your own pillow is one of the most rewarding and practical DIY projects you can tackle. With just basic sewing skills, some fabric, and filling, you can create custom pillows that perfectly match your decor while saving significant money.
A homemade pillow typically costs $5-15 in materials compared to $30-60 for store-bought options. This comprehensive pillow tutorial for beginners will walk you through every step, from choosing materials to adding professional finishing touches.
Whether you want to make your own throw pillow for your living room or create cozy bedroom pillows, you'll find everything you need to succeed right here.
Contents
Creating your own pillows offers numerous advantages beyond just cost savings. You gain complete control over size, shape, firmness, and fabric choice.
Custom pillows allow you to match your exact decor preferences and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Making pillows also serves as an excellent introduction to sewing, requiring only straight stitches and basic techniques.
The satisfaction of using something you crafted yourself adds special value to your home. Plus, handmade pillows make thoughtful, personalized gifts that recipients will treasure.
Before starting your pillow-making journey, gather these necessary supplies. Having everything ready ensures a smooth crafting experience.
Choose fabrics based on your pillow's intended use and location. For decorative throw pillows, consider these options:
Visit JOANN's fabric selection guide for detailed information about different fabric types. Their comprehensive resources help beginners choose appropriate materials.
The filling you choose dramatically affects your pillow's comfort and longevity. Consider these popular options:
Successful pillow-making requires these basic tools:
Follow these detailed instructions for making a pillow to create your first homemade cushion successfully.
Determine your finished pillow size first. Add one inch to both dimensions for seam allowances. For an 18-inch square pillow, cut two 19-inch squares.
Use a ruler and fabric marker to ensure straight lines. Cut carefully with sharp fabric scissors for clean edges. Consider the fabric pattern direction when cutting decorative prints.
Pre-wash your fabric if it's cotton or linen to prevent shrinkage later. Iron the fabric smooth before cutting for accuracy.
Place fabric pieces together with right sides facing each other. The "right side" is the patterned or finished side that will show on your completed pillow.
Pin around three sides, leaving one side open for turning and stuffing. Place pins perpendicular to the edge, about 3-4 inches apart. This prevents fabric shifting while sewing.
Mark your opening with different colored pins or clips. This visual reminder prevents accidentally sewing the opening closed.
Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with medium length (2.5-3mm). Begin sewing at one corner of your opening, backstitching to secure.
Sew along the pinned edges using a consistent ½-inch seam allowance. Keep the fabric edge aligned with your presser foot or seam guide for straight lines.
Pivot at corners by stopping with the needle down, lifting the presser foot, rotating the fabric 90 degrees, then continuing. Remove pins as you approach them.
Trim corner fabric diagonally, cutting close to but not through your stitching. This reduces bulk for crisp corners when turned.
For curved pillows, make small notches along curves. This helps the fabric lie flat without puckering when turned right side out.
Turn the pillow cover right side out through the opening. Use a chopstick or turning tool to push corners out fully.
Stuff your pillow gradually, starting with corners and edges. Add filling in small amounts to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
For throw pillows, fill firmly for a professional appearance. Bedroom pillows can be softer based on personal preference. Leave some room for the filling to move naturally.
Test the firmness by pressing the center. Add or remove filling until you achieve desired plumpness.
Fold the raw edges inward along the opening, matching the seam line. Pin closed or hold with clips.
Hand-Sewing Method: Use a ladder stitch (invisible stitch) for professional results. Thread a needle with matching thread and work from one side to the other, catching small amounts of fabric.
Machine-Sewing Method: Topstitch close to the edge for a quick finish. This creates a visible seam but works well for casual pillows.
Once you've mastered basic pillow construction, try these professional techniques to elevate your creations.
Piping creates a polished, professional edge on pillows. Purchase pre-made piping or create custom piping using bias tape and cord.
Pin piping along the seam line of one fabric piece before assembly. Use a zipper foot to sew close to the piping cord. Layer the second fabric piece and sew again, encasing the piping.
Envelope closures allow easy cover removal for washing. Cut your back fabric as two overlapping pieces instead of one solid piece.
Hem the overlapping edges first. When assembling, overlap the back pieces to create the envelope opening. This technique is perfect for how to make homemade pillows that need frequent washing.
Invisible zippers create seamless closures for high-end pillows. Install the zipper along one edge before assembling the pillow.
Martha Stewart's sewing encyclopedia offers detailed zipper installation guides. This technique requires practice but yields professional results.
Transform your homemade pillows from amateur to professional with these expert techniques.
Size your pillow covers slightly smaller than stated measurements. An 18-inch insert in an 18-inch cover creates a perfectly plump appearance.
Choose quality filling that won't compress quickly. Polyester cluster fill maintains loft better than regular fiberfill. Fluff pillows regularly to redistribute filling.
Match fabric weight to pillow purpose. Lightweight cottons work for bedroom pillows, while heavier upholstery fabrics suit high-traffic living areas.
Consider fabric care requirements. Choose washable fabrics for frequently used pillows. Pre-wash all materials to prevent later shrinkage issues.
Create crisp corners by trimming excess fabric and using a point turner. Push corners out fully without poking through the fabric.
For extra sharp corners, topstitch around the pillow edge after turning and filling. This defines the shape and prevents corners from rounding over time.
Learn from others' errors to ensure pillow-making success from the start.
Resist the urge to overfill pillows. Excessive stuffing strains seams and creates an uncomfortable, rigid pillow. Aim for fullness without rock-hard firmness.
Test firmness throughout filling. What seems perfect initially may feel too firm once the opening is closed. Leave room for natural compression.
Pay attention to pattern direction when cutting fabric. Directional prints should face the same way on both pillow sides.
Mark your fabric pieces to avoid confusion. Nothing ruins a pillow faster than discovering upside-down patterns after sewing.
Maintain consistent seam allowances throughout your project. Varying widths create uneven pillows and sizing issues.
Use seam guides or tape markers on your sewing machine. Consistent seams ensure professional-looking results every time.
Start with these simple projects to build your own throw pillows confidence before tackling complex designs.
Begin with a 16-inch square pillow using cotton fabric. This size is manageable and versatile for most decor styles.
Follow the basic instructions above, taking time with each step. Success with this first project builds confidence for future creations.
Rectangular lumbar pillows offer variety while maintaining simple construction. Try a 12x20-inch size for accent seating.
These pillows showcase beautiful fabrics wonderfully. Consider adding piping for an elevated look on this easy shape.
Perfect for absolute beginners or kids' projects. Cut two fleece squares with 3-inch fringe borders. Tie the fringe pieces together, leaving an opening for stuffing.
While not as polished as sewn pillows, this technique introduces pillow-making concepts without equipment requirements.
Proper care extends the life of your create your own pillows significantly. Follow these maintenance tips for lasting beauty.
Create removable covers whenever possible for easy cleaning. Wash covers according to fabric care instructions, typically in cold water on gentle cycle.
For spot cleaning, use appropriate cleaners for your fabric type. Test in inconspicuous areas first to prevent damage or discoloration.
Store seasonal pillows in breathable containers to prevent moisture damage. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets for freshness and pest deterrence.
Maintain pillow shape during storage by not compressing excessively. Proper pillow care ensures longevity.
Fluff pillows regularly to redistribute filling and maintain shape. Place in dryer on low heat with tennis balls for thorough fluffing.
Replace filling when pillows no longer recover their shape. Quality construction allows easy filling replacement through the original opening.
Explore endless possibilities for unique pillow designs that reflect your personal style.
Combine different fabrics for visual interest. Pair smooth cottons with textured linens or add velvet accents to canvas bases.
Follow the pillow arrangement guide for styling multiple pillows together. Create cohesive collections using coordinating colors.
Design pillows for different seasons using appropriate fabrics and colors. Lightweight linens for summer, cozy flannels for winter.
Create reversible pillows with seasonal fabrics on each side. This doubles your decor options without extra storage needs.
Add personal touches through embroidery, appliqué, or fabric paint. Simple monograms or geometric designs elevate basic pillows significantly.
Consider trim additions like tassels, fringe, or pompoms. Better Homes & Gardens pillow styling tips showcase creative embellishment ideas.
Create beautiful pillows without breaking your budget using these money-saving strategies.
Shop fabric store remnant bins for quality materials at reduced prices. One yard typically makes two standard throw pillow covers.
Repurpose materials like vintage tablecloths, shower curtains, or clothing. Ensure fabrics are sturdy enough for pillow use.
Save money by recycling filling from old pillows. Wash and fluff thoroughly before reusing in new covers.
Consider alternative fillings like shredded foam from packaging or clean fabric scraps for casual pillows. These work well for decorative pieces.
Hand-sewing works perfectly for pillow-making if you lack a machine. The process takes longer but produces equally beautiful results.
Borrow tools from friends or check local maker spaces. Many communities offer sewing machine access for small fees.
Solve common pillow-making problems with these helpful solutions.
If filling clumps in certain areas, remove some stuffing and redistribute. Work filling into corners using a chopstick or wooden spoon handle.
Prevent future clumping by choosing quality filling and fluffing pillows regularly. Some fillings naturally maintain distribution better than others.
Practice sewing straight lines on fabric scraps before starting projects. Use seam guides or painter's tape as visual guides.
If seams veer off course, carefully remove stitching and resew. Taking time for accuracy prevents frustration later.
Ensure even fabric tension while sewing. Don't pull or push fabric through the machine; let the feed dogs move it naturally.
Press seams flat after sewing to eliminate puckers. Proper pressing makes enormous differences in final appearance.
Cut fabric pieces 19x19 inches to allow for ½-inch seam allowances on all sides. This ensures your finished pillow measures exactly 18 inches square.
Absolutely! Hand-sewing creates beautiful pillows using basic running stitches or backstitches for seams and ladder stitches for closures. The process takes longer but produces professional results with practice.
Choose quick-dry polyester filling specifically designed for outdoor use. These resist mildew and maintain shape despite weather exposure. Consider water-resistant fabrics for covers too.
A standard 18-inch square pillow requires approximately 16-20 ounces of polyester fiberfill. Larger pillows need proportionally more, while personal preference affects final amounts.
Yes, prewash cotton and linen fabrics to prevent shrinkage after construction. Skip prewashing for upholstery fabrics or when using polyester materials that won't shrink.
Trim corner fabric diagonally before turning, use a point turner to push corners out fully, and consider topstitching around edges after filling for defined corners.
Hand-stitching with a ladder stitch creates invisible closures perfect for beginners. Envelope closures offer removable covers without visible stitching but require more fabric cutting precision.
Yes, combining fillings creates custom firmness levels. Try memory foam pieces surrounded by polyester fill for supportive yet soft pillows. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
You now have all the knowledge needed to create beautiful, professional-quality pillows at home. Start with a simple square throw pillow to build confidence, then explore more complex designs as your skills develop.
Remember that pillow-making is forgiving – minor imperfections add handmade charm. Focus on enjoying the creative process while developing your sewing abilities.
Visit our pillow arrangement guide for styling inspiration once you've created your pillow collection. Transform your living spaces with custom pillows that perfectly reflect your unique style and comfort preferences.
Ready to begin? Gather your materials today and create your first handmade pillow. Share your creations with friends and family – handmade pillows make cherished gifts that showcase your creativity and care. Happy sewing!