Making hand embroidered pillows is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to add a personal touch to your home décor. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a beginner, creating your own pillows is a simple and enjoyable project. By customizing the size, shape, fabric, and design, you can craft unique pieces that perfectly match your style and needs. Plus, handmade pillows make thoughtful and heartfelt gifts for friends and family. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to make pillows by hand! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
To get started with making your own pillows, gather the following materials and tools:
- Fabric: Choose your preferred fabric type and pattern. Cotton, linen, or velvet are popular choices for pillows.
- Stuffing: Use polyester fiberfill, down feathers, or a pillow insert to fill your pillow.
- Thread: Select thread that matches or complements your fabric.
- Needles or Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the process quicker, but hand sewing is also an option.
- Scissors: Fabric scissors work best for clean and precise cuts.
- Measuring Tape: Essential to ensure your pillow is the right size.
- Pins: Use pins to hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
- Chalk or Fabric Marker: Mark your fabric for cutting and sewing lines.
- Iron and Ironing Board (optional): Pressing your fabric before cutting and sewing can make the process easier.
With these materials and tools in hand, you’ll be ready to start crafting your custom-made pillows!
Choosing the Right Fabric and Filling
Selecting the right fabric and filling is crucial in crafting pillows that are both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. When it comes to fabric, consider the purpose of your pillow and the decor of the space it will occupy. For a soft and cozy feel, materials like cotton or linen are excellent choices, while velvet or silk can add a touch of luxury. Outdoor pillows need durable, weather-resistant fabrics like polyester or acrylic.
For the filling, think about the level of firmness and support you want in your pillow. Polyester fiberfill is lightweight and budget-friendly, making it a popular option. For a more traditional feel, down or feather filling offers a plush texture, though it may require extra care. Memory foam is another great choice if you’re looking for added support and durability. By carefully choosing your fabric and filling, you ensure your pillows are functional, stylish, and tailored to your needs.
10 Methods How to Make Pillows by Hand
1. Choose the Right Fabric for Function and Feel
The first and perhaps most enjoyable part of making pillows by hand is selecting your fabric. This decision influences not just the look but also the feel and durability of the final product. Consider cotton or linen for breathability and ease of sewing—these are great for beginners. For a more luxurious or decorative touch, you might choose velvet, silk, or faux fur. If your pillow will be used often, like on a couch or bed, opt for a strong upholstery fabric that withstands wear and washing. Color and pattern are also crucial; solids create a calm, classic appearance while bold prints can turn a simple cushion into a visual statement piece.
2. Measure and Cut Fabric with Precision
Accurate measurement is key to ensuring your pillow looks polished and fits the insert properly. Use a ruler, measuring tape, and tailor’s chalk or fabric pencil to mark your dimensions. For a standard square pillow, 18×18 inches is common, but you can adjust to suit your needs. Be sure to add a seam allowance—typically ½ inch on all sides—so if your finished pillow should be 18 inches square, cut your fabric pieces to 19 inches square. Lay your fabric flat on a cutting mat or table and use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter for clean, even lines.
3. Sew the Fabric Pieces Together by Hand
Once your fabric is cut, place the two pieces together with the right sides (the outer faces) facing each other. Begin hand-stitching around the edges using a backstitch for strength. This technique creates a secure seam by looping backward slightly with each stitch, reinforcing the line of thread. Start at one corner and sew three sides completely, leaving a gap of about 4–5 inches on the fourth side for turning and stuffing. Keep your stitches close and consistent—approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch apart. This part requires patience, but the hand-sewn detail adds character to your handmade pillow.
4. Clip Corners and Turn the Fabric Right Side Out
Before turning your pillow right side out, clip the corners diagonally, being careful not to cut through your stitches. This reduces bulk and helps create sharp, neat points once the pillow is flipped. Reach into the opening and gently turn the fabric right side out, pushing the corners out fully with your fingers or a blunt tool like a chopstick. Smooth out the seams with your hands or an iron on a low heat setting, and your pillow cover is now ready for stuffing.
5. Select and Add the Right Stuffing Material
Choosing the right filling is essential to the feel and longevity of your handmade pillow. Polyester fiberfill is widely available, affordable, and easy to work with—ideal for most standard pillow projects. For a more natural option, consider wool, kapok, or even buckwheat hulls for support pillows. Gently stuff your pillow through the opening, using small handfuls and pushing into the corners first to prevent lumpiness. Fill until your pillow is full but still slightly squishy, as overstuffing can strain your seams and make the pillow uncomfortable.
6. Close the Opening with a Ladder Stitch
To finish the pillow neatly, close the open seam with an invisible ladder stitch, also known as a slip stitch. Fold the raw fabric edges inward so they align with the rest of the seam. Thread a needle and knot the end. Starting from the inside of one fold, alternate stitches between the two fabric edges, picking up small amounts of fabric and drawing the thread across like the rungs of a ladder. As you tighten the thread, the stitches disappear into the seam, creating a clean, professional finish. Knot the end securely and bury the tail inside the pillow.
7. Add Decorative Elements for Style
If you want to elevate your handmade pillow, consider adding embellishments after it’s sewn and stuffed. You can hand-sew buttons, tassels, or pom-poms onto the corners or center. Use embroidery to personalize with initials, floral patterns, or geometric designs. For a vintage look, add lace trim around the edges, or experiment with patchwork to create a quilted effect. These extra touches turn a basic pillow into a charming piece of decor or a heartfelt gift.
8. Try Envelope-Style Closures for Washability
For a removable and washable pillow cover, try making an envelope-style back. Instead of cutting two identical fabric pieces, cut one full front panel and two overlapping back panels. Sew the three pieces together as described, with the back panels forming an overlapping pocket. This allows you to slip in and remove the pillow insert without any zippers or buttons. It’s an excellent option for throw pillows used in high-traffic areas like living rooms, and it simplifies care since you can easily remove the cover for cleaning.
9. Make Shaped Pillows for a Creative Twist
While square and rectangular pillows are classic, shaped pillows add whimsy and creativity to your project. You can make heart-shaped pillows for Valentine’s gifts, star-shaped pillows for a child’s bedroom, or even animal silhouettes for a themed decor piece. Draw your desired shape on paper to create a template, then cut two pieces of fabric accordingly, remembering to include a seam allowance. Stitch and stuff as you would a square pillow, adjusting your technique slightly for curves or narrow sections. Shaped pillows are especially fun when making soft toys or nursery decorations.
10. Use Recycled Materials for Eco-Friendly Crafting
Handmade pillows don’t have to start from brand-new supplies. Reuse materials like old clothing, fabric scraps, vintage linens, or worn-out curtains for an eco-conscious and budget-friendly approach. Old sweaters can become cozy knit pillows, and jeans can be repurposed into rugged, denim-covered cushions. You can even use fabric from sentimental garments like a loved one’s shirt to create memory pillows. When using recycled materials, inspect for durability and cleanliness, and always wash and press the fabric before cutting. This method reduces waste and gives your pillow a backstory full of character and charm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making pillows by hand is an artful process that combines technique, creativity, and personal expression. Whether you’re sewing a simple square cushion or crafting an elaborate decorative piece, each pillow reflects your unique vision and skill. With a few materials, a steady hand, and a touch of patience, these ten methods can guide you from concept to comfort, resulting in handcrafted pillows that bring both beauty and warmth to any space. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to make pillows by hand! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.