Are you tired of plain, boring pillows that don’t match your home decor? Do you want to add a personal touch to your living space? Making custom pillows is an easy and fun way to achieve just that!
How to make custom pillows is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your home décor. Whether you want to match your current interior design, commemorate a special occasion, or give a unique gift, custom pillows can be tailored to your preferences. This DIY project is both fun and rewarding, allowing you to unleash your creativity while improving your sewing skills.
In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making your own custom pillows, from selecting the perfect fabric to adding the finishing touches. So, gather your materials and get ready to craft beautiful, personalized pillows that will enhance any living space.
What Will You Need?
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary materials for this project. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric of your choice
- Scissors
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread if hand-sewing)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins
- Pillow stuffing or insert
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to start making your custom pillows!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Custom Pillows
Step 1: Choose Your Fabric
The first step in making a custom pillow is selecting the perfect fabric. This is where you can let your creativity shine and choose a fabric that speaks to you and matches your home decor. You can opt for bold patterns, solid colors, or even mix and match different fabrics for a unique look.
When selecting fabric, keep in mind the size of your pillow and the durability of the fabric. You want to choose a material that is easy to work with and will withstand everyday use.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Fabric
Measure your pillow insert or desired pillow size using your measuring tape or ruler. Add an extra inch on each side for seam allowance. Then, carefully cut out two equal-sized pieces of fabric using your scissors.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also create custom shapes like hearts or stars for your pillows by cutting out the fabric in those shapes instead of a traditional square or rectangle.
Step 3: Place Fabric Right Sides Together
Now that you have your two fabric pieces cut to the desired size place them together with the right sides facing each other. The ‘right side’ is the printed or more visually appealing side of the fabric that you want to show on the outside of your finished pillow. Align the edges carefully to ensure your pillow’s shape is symmetrical and properly aligned when sewn.
Step 4: Pin the Edges
Use your pins to secure the edges once the fabric pieces are in place. Pinning the fabric helps keep everything in place while you sew, preventing any shifting that could result in uneven seams. Start by pinning at the corners and then add pins along the edges, spacing them a few inches apart. This step is crucial for maintaining precision during sewing.
Step 5: Sew the Edges
With your sewing machine or needle and thread, begin sewing around the edges of the fabric, leaving a small gap—approximately 3-4 inches—unsewn. This opening will be used to turn the pillow’s right side out and to insert the stuffing.
Use a straight stitch and maintain an even seam allowance of about 1/2 inch from the edges. If you’re using a sewing machine, be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to secure the thread.
Step 6: Turn the Fabric Right Side Out
After sewing the sides, carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the gap you left. Take your time with this step to avoid accidental fabric ripping or seams. Using a blunt tool, like the end of a pencil or a chopstick, gently push out the corners to ensure they are fully turned out and crisp.
Step 7: Insert the Pillow Stuffing or Insert
Now that your pillow cover is on the right side out, it’s time to add the stuffing. You can use either loose pillow stuffing for a softer, customizable fill or a pre-made pillow insert for a more structured look. If using loose stuffing, make sure to fill the pillow evenly, getting into the corners and edges to create a smooth and lump-free finish.
Step 8: Close the Opening
Once you are satisfied with the pillow’s fullness, it’s time to close the opening. Fold the fabric edges of the gap inward to match the sewn seam allowance and pin them in place. Sew the gap closed with a neat, straight stitch using your needle and thread or a sewing machine. Again, be sure to backstitch to secure the thread.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches
Your custom pillow is almost complete! Now is the time to add any additional embellishments or trims to personalize your pillow further. Consider adding buttons, embroidery, or fabric paint to enhance the design. You can also attach decorative trims like tassels or piping to the edges for a professional finish.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Custom Pillow
Admire your handiwork and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something unique and personal. Your custom pillow is now ready to add a special touch to your home décor. Place it on your sofa, chair, or bed, and enjoy the compliments from friends and family on your beautifully crafted creation.
With these simple steps, you can continue to explore different fabrics, shapes, and embellishments to create a variety of custom pillows that reflect your personal style and creativity.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose Quality Fabrics: Opt for high-quality, durable fabrics that will withstand wear and tear. Consider the pillow’s use; for decorative pillows, luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk can add a touch of elegance, while cotton or linen is ideal for everyday use.
- Master the Art of Cutting: Ensure precise fabric cutting by using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat. Accurate cuts lead to professional-looking pillows and prevent uneven seams.
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in essential tools such as a sewing machine, thread matching your fabric, and good-quality stuffing or foam inserts. An invisible zipper can also be a great addition to a polished finish.
- Experiment with Designs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes. Custom pillows don’t have to be standard rectangles or squares; make round, bolster, or even novelty-shaped pillows to add character to your space.
- Add Decorative Elements: Elevate the design of your pillows by adding decorative elements like piping, tassels, buttons, or embroidery. These small details can transform a simple pillow into a unique decor piece.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can take your pillow-making skills to the next level.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using Poor-Quality Fabric: Low-quality fabrics may wear out quickly, lose their color, or tear easily. This reduces the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your pillows.
- Rushing the Cutting Process: Hasty or imprecise cutting can lead to uneven seams and a misshaped finished product. Take your time to measure and cut accurately.
- Ignoring Proper Measurements: Failing to measure your fabric correctly can result in too much or too little material, affecting the final look and fit of your pillow covers.
- Neglecting to Pre-wash Fabric: Always pre-wash and iron your fabrics before cutting and sewing. This prevents any unwanted shrinkage or distortion after you’ve completed your pillow.
- Overstuffing the Pillow: Adding too much stuffing can make your pillow hard and uncomfortable while also putting undue stress on the seams. Aim for a balanced fill that provides comfort without overstuffing.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your homemade pillows are of the highest quality and will last for years to come.
How Can You Combine Color and Design to Enhance Your Pillows?
When it comes to enhancing your pillows with color and design, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Mix and Match Patterns: Experiment with different patterns such as stripes, florals, or geometric prints. Just make sure to choose patterns that complement each other and vary in scale for a balanced look.
- Play with Texture: Incorporate textures like velvet, faux fur, or embroidery into your pillow designs to add interest. This can create depth and dimension while also adding a luxurious touch.
- Create Contrast: Pair contrasting colors, such as black and white or navy and mustard, to make a bold statement. This can be especially effective when using simple patterns or solid colors.
- Consider the Surrounding Decor: When choosing fabrics for your pillows, consider the color scheme and style of your room. They should complement or accentuate the existing decor rather than clash with it.
- Add a Pop of Color: Use pillows to add a pop of color to neutral spaces. Accent fabrics can also be used in smaller doses, like on piping or as a backing fabric.
Ultimately, combining color and design is a personal preference, and the key is to have fun and experiment until you find a combination that suits your style.
You can check it out to Decorate With Pillows on a Sectional
Conclusion
How to make custom pillows is a fulfilling endeavor that allows you to add a personal touch to your living space.
By carefully selecting quality fabrics, mastering precision in cutting and sewing, and incorporating creative designs and decorative elements, you can craft pillows that enhance your décor and reflect your unique style. Avoiding common pitfalls such as using low-quality materials, rushing the cutting process, and overstuffing ensures that your pillows are both beautiful and durable.
With these tips and techniques at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to embark on your pillow-making journey and produce stunning pieces that will be cherished for years to come.