Throw pillows can be an attractive (and comfortable) accessory on a sofa. They can also be quite expensive. With this tutorial I'll show you how quick and easy it is to make your own throw pillows for a fraction of the cost of store bought pillows.
I haven't purchased throw pillows in years because once I came up with this design for an easy DIY version, it's been easier to make new covers for the pillow stuffers I bought long ago. Pillow inserts are available at your local fabric store and also online.
1. Choose a pillow size. My pillow insert is 14" x 14".
2. Cut the fabric for the pillow cover. You'll need three pieces to make the cover – one front piece and two back pieces. The front piece will need to be 2" larger than your pillow - for my 14" pillow I cut a front piece that is 16" x 16". The two back pieces will need to be as wide as the front piece and long enough so that they will overlap. In my case, the back pieces are 16"w and 13"long.
3. For the two back pieces, fold the fabric approximately ½" along the long side of the fabric, then fold it over again and pin it. Next, sew this hem.
4. Pin the two back pieces, inside out, to the front piece. Make sure the sewn seam of the two back pieces overlap in the middle of the pillow.
5. Sew around the outer seam with a ½" seam allowance.
6. Turn the pillow sham right side out then stuff with the pillow insert.
7. Throw your new pillow on your sofa, lay down your weary head, and give the pillows a test nap.
See what I mean? This is a very easy pillow that can be thrown together in less than an hour. I made four pillows for my sofa in about 45 minutes. And the best part is that when you tire of the pillows you can simply pull out the inserts and make new covers.
Images: Jason Loper
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I can confirm that this is an easy project, I have made a few of them myself :)
i've done this with hot glue tons of times. it stayed for years (even through washing), and is even simpler. tacky to admit though. i guess.
Wouldn't it be even easier to use a single long piece of fabric rather than 3 pieces?
Just hem the two short ends, fold it into the square inside out, sew up the loose ends, flip it rightside out and stuff the sham?
I don't think these pillows have it but does anyone know how to get the trim around the edges of the pillows? I'm talking about that rolled up long border that comes on most store bought pillows.
I have a handy step by step how-to right here for the one piece sham. http://temporary-nest.blogspot.com/2010/06/diy-project-pillow-sham.html
As for trim, if you go to the fabric store and pick up the corded trim, it will have a tape on one side of the cord. For the novice sewer, once you have your big square piece for the front, baste the cording to the perimeter with the corded part pointing into the center of the square (so the tape is where you will be stitching and will line up with the edge of the fabric.). Once basted, you can stitch the back pieces over it. It will look like a little sandwich: front piece, cording tape, back pieces. When you finish stitching it all together, and turn it inside out, you'll have the cording as trim. If you feel ambitious, you may want to try using the zipper foot that came with your machine to get your stitch line closer to the cording. If you have any other questions visit my blog and you can shoot me an email! Happy sewing!! :)
I make these in one piece, as bepsf describes. They are so easy and look good. If you don't already have forms, check out the clearance pillows at places like Kohl's or TJ Maxx, and either zip off the ugly fabric that came with them or just cover them. I found some pillows that were cheaper than the same sized forms at the fabric store. I also found a few pillows in shapes that my fabric store didn't have as forms.
I honestly thought there wasn't to be a sewing machine involved in this tutorial. :-(
paperkite- that trim is either piping or cording. And it's hard to do unless you are a somewhat experienced sewer.
You can do it by hand, no problem. Might get a sore fingertip if you're not used to pushing the needle.
I suppose you could make it with that iron-a-seam stuff like Stitch Witchery. But in that case definitely handwash and inspect regularly for seams coming loose -- and use a fabric that will take high heat like heavy cotton or linen.
Technically, isn't this making a throw pillow *cover*?
I've made pillows like this. It's sweet too because you can just wash em without the pillow.
If you like doing this sort of thing, then check Instructables [newsletter@instructables.com]
I was taught that the pillow has to be two inches smaller than the shams - so that you get a nice "full' pillow when inserted.
For a little more finished look without having to resort to the cording, turn the finished cover right side out and topstitch 1/4 inch from the edge all the way around. This kind of simulates the look of the cording, but is much easier.
Velcro to hold the overlap. Easy to stitch on before stitching the edges. More firm and less wrinkly pillow.
I've been toying with the idea of making a pair of these for my sister and her husband with their astrological signs appliquéd on the front.
Might really have to do that, now...
---www.bymaggie.com---
Ummm, If this is the easiest throw pillow I'll ever make then we're in trouble.
@LondonDesign --
Don't you mean that the insert should be two inches larger than the sham to get that fuller appearance?
So, this pillow cover is "easy" because it doesn't have a zipper? It involves a sewing machine, uses more fabric than a zippered (or a non-removable) cover, and is not reversible ( a real negative for sofa pillow, in my book).
And girindocs is right--the directions aren't for a "pillow." You buy the pillow. You're making a pillow cover. Is there no editing at all around here?
I LOVE this, recently been pricing throw pillows! this is a great saver!
thanks for the tips:)
Sewing shmewing. Use that iron-on hemming tape and you don't have to sew at all.