How to Make a Throw Pillow

Co-authored by Mia Danilowicz

Last Updated: March 17, 2021 Approved

Whether you are new to sewing or an experienced sewer, you can learn how to make a throw pillow to dress up the appearance of your home. A decorative throw pillow strategically placed on a couch or bed can make the furniture and room look like they belong in a magazine. The most basic pillows can be the easiest to construct, or you can challenge yourself and make throw pillows with a fringed edge or zippered opening.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Sew a Pillow

1
Cut 2 pieces of fabric that each measure about 15 -20 inches square.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.} You can make the squares smaller or larger if you'd prefer.
- For a more interesting decorative throw pillow, use 2 different fabrics. You can opt for 1 piece of silk and 1 piece of velvet or 2 pieces of cotton fabric in contrasting colors.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mia Danilowicz
  Master Tailor
  Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}
2
Place 1 piece of fabric on a table, right-side up. Set the other piece of fabric on top of the first, right-side down. Pin the fabrics together on all 4 sides.

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3
Stitch the fabrics together along the 4 edges, .5 inch (1.27 cm) from the edge. Leave a 5-inch (12.7 cm) gap on 1 side of the decorative throw pillow for turning it right-side out and stuffing it.
4
Clip the corners of the pillow before turning it right-side out. Make sure you don't cut through the seam. Trimming the corners will make them sharp instead of rounded when the pillow is right-side out.
5
Turn the decorative throw pillow right-side out, and stuff it with the polyester batting. Use enough batting to make the pillow slightly firm but still soft.
6
Thread the hand sewing needle, and use a slip stitch to sew the gap on the pillow closed.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Sew a Throw Pillow with Fringe

1
Cut 2 squares of fabric that each measure between 18 to 25 inches (45.72 to 63.5 cm). Cut a length of fringe that measures 4 times the width of the fabric.
2
Set 1 piece of fabric on a work surface, right-side up. Lay the fringe along the edges of the fabric square. The fringe should face into the center of fabric.
3
Pin the fringe in place, and sew it to the fabric of the decorative throw pillow with a long basting stitch. Set the second piece of fabric on top of the first, right-side facing down, and pin together.
4
Stitch along the 4 edges of the fabric, .5 inch (1.27 cm) from the edge. Leave a 5-inch (12.7 cm) gap so you can stuff the pillow. Clip the corners of the throw pillow, then turn it right-side out. Stuff the decorative throw pillow with the batting, and hand sew the gap closed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sew a Pillow with a Zipper

1
Cut 2 square pieces of fabric that measure 20 inches (50.8 cm) on each side. Set the 2 pieces of fabric on top of each other, right-sides facing in. Pin the fabrics together only along 1 side.
2
Sew the fabric for the decorative throw pillow together along the pinned edge with a long basting stitch. Remove the pins, and press the basted seam open and flat.
3
Place the zipper on the wrong side of the seam, and center the zipper's teeth over the sewn portion of the seam.
4
Put the zipper foot on your sewing machine. Stitch the zipper to the seam on each side of the fabric.
5
Remove the basting stitches from the seam, and open the zipper. The zipper needs to be open so that you can stuff the pillow when you're finished sewing.
6
Place the fabrics on top of each other, right-sides facing in again, and pin on the 3 remaining sides.
7
Stitch along the 3 sides of the decorative throw pillow, .25 inch (.64 cm) from the edge.
8
Turn the pillow right-side out, and slide the pillow form in through the zippered opening. Close the zipper.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the best fabric to make throw pillows?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

Ideally, you should pick a woven material that will retain its shape over time. Some examples of this type of fabric include linen and cotton broadcloth. You should also avoid fabrics with a stretch or lycra in them, as they can stretch out over time and look saggy.
Question

If I am using a pillow form, how large do I cut the fabric?

Community Answer

1 inch larger than the pillow. So if the pillow is 16 inches, cut the fabric 17 inches to allow for a 1/2 inch seam.
Question

Can I make a new pillow from two old pillows?

Community Answer

You could, but new batting will give you a softer and fluffier pillow. Old batting gets compressed after use.