Are you looking to spruce up your living space without breaking the bank? Throw pillows are a fantastic way to add a pop of color and personality to your home decor. While store-bought options are readily available, making your own throw pillows can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating custom throw pillows that match your style and taste. Whether you’re a sewing novice or a seasoned pro, these tips and tricks will help you craft the perfect throw pillows to enhance your home decor.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather the materials you’ll need for this project. Fortunately, you won’t need a ton of supplies to create beautiful throw pillows. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Fabric: Choose a fabric that complements your existing decor. This could be a solid color, a pattern, or even a textured fabric. You’ll need enough fabric to cover the front and back of your pillow, so measure your pillow insert and add an inch or two for seam allowances.
Pillow Inserts: These are the inner cushions that give your throw pillows their shape. You can find them in various sizes and shapes, so pick the ones that best suit your design.
Sewing Machine: If you have a sewing machine, this will make the process much faster and more efficient. However, you can also hand-sew your pillows if you prefer.
Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric.
Needles, Pins, and Scissors: These basic sewing tools will come in handy throughout the project.
Measuring Tape and Ruler: Accurate measurements are crucial for creating perfectly-sized throw pillows.
Iron and Ironing Board: Ironing your fabric before and after sewing will give your pillows a polished look.
Optional Embellishments: If you want to get creative, consider adding embellishments like buttons, ribbons, or embroidery to your pillows.
Now that you have your materials ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making your own throw pillows.
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric
Start by measuring your pillow insert to determine the size of the fabric pieces you’ll need. Add an inch or two to each measurement for seam allowances. For example, if your pillow insert is 18 inches square, you’ll want to cut two fabric squares that are 19 or 20 inches on each side.
Use a ruler and fabric scissors to make precise cuts. If you’re making multiple pillows, make sure to cut enough fabric pieces for each one.
Step 2: Pin and Sew
Place the two fabric squares with their right sides together. Pin them in place along one edge, leaving the other three sides open for stuffing. The pins will help keep the fabric aligned as you sew.
Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the pinned edge with a straight stitch. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure it. Leave about a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Step 3: Trim Corners and Turn Inside Out
To create crisp corners on your pillow, trim the excess fabric at each corner diagonally, being careful not to cut through the stitching. This step will make it easier to achieve sharp corners when you turn the pillow right side out.
After trimming, carefully turn the pillow cover right side out. Use a pencil or the rounded end of a chopstick to gently push out the corners and edges for a clean, neat look.
Step 4: Insert the Pillow Form
Now it’s time to insert the pillow form (or pillow insert) into the cover. Ensure that it fits snugly but not too tightly. Adjust the corners and edges as needed to fill out the pillow cover evenly.
Step 5: Hand-Stitch the Opening Closed
To finish your DIY throw pillow, you’ll need to close the opening where you inserted the pillow form. Fold the raw edges of the fabric inside and use a hand-sewing needle and thread to stitch the opening closed. Make sure your stitches are secure to prevent any unraveling.
Step 6: Optional Embellishments
If you want to add a personal touch to your throw pillows, this is the perfect time to get creative. You can sew on buttons, attach ribbon trim, or even add decorative embroidery to your pillow covers. Let your imagination run wild to match your pillows to your unique style!
Step 7: Enjoy Your Custom Throw Pillows
With your DIY throw pillows complete, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Place them on your couch, bed, or favorite chair to instantly transform your living space. Not only will you have beautiful and personalized home decor, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself.
Conclusion
Creating your own throw pillows is a fantastic way to elevate your home decor while adding a personal touch to your living space. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can craft custom pillows that reflect your style and taste. So, why wait? Grab your materials and start sewing your way to a more stylish and cozy home today!