DIY Pillow Making: Tips, Tricks and Techniques

Are you tired of buying expensive decorative pillows for your living room or bedroom? Why not try making your own? Making pillows is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, it can be a fun and creative activity that allows you to customize the look of your space through your own unique style.

To start, it’s important to choose the fabric that you want to use. You can select from a variety of materials such as cotton, linen, silk, or even faux fur. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your pillow insert or fill beforehand, so you know how much fabric to purchase. Once you have your fabric, cut it into two equal rectangles, leaving an inch or two of extra space around the edges. From there, all you need is to sew three sides of the rectangle together, fill it with your pillow insert, and sew the final side shut. Simple, right? Keep reading to learn more useful tips and techniques to make perfect homemade pillows.

10 Steps to Make Your Own Pillows

A good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining good health, but did you know that the pillow you sleep on can have a significant impact on the quality of your rest? In fact, studies have shown that the right pillow can reduce neck and back pain, headaches, and snoring. Learning how to make pillows is a fun and rewarding way to ensure you always have the perfect pillow for your needs. Here are the ten steps to making your own pillows:

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric

The first step in making a pillow is selecting the fabric. There are various types of fabric available, including cotton, linen, silk, and polyester. Cotton is a popular choice due to its softness and durability.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric

The next step is measuring and cutting your fabric to the desired size. For a standard pillow, the fabric should measure 20 x 26 inches. If you prefer a larger pillow, adjust the measurements accordingly.

Step 3: Choose Your Pillow Stuffing

Select your pillow stuffing based on your desired level of firmness. Options include feathers, down, memory foam, polyester, and cotton.

Step 4: Cut Your Stuffing to Size

Cut your stuffing to the same size as the fabric pieces. For a standard pillow, each stuffing piece should measure 20 x 26 inches.

Step 5: Sew the Fabric Edges

Sew the edges of the fabric together, leaving one side open. Use a sewing machine or sew by hand if preferred.

Step 6: Stuff Your Pillow

Next, stuff your pillow with the stuffing of your choice. Fill to your desired level of firmness.

Step 7: Pin and Sew the Open Side

After stuffing, pin the open side of the pillow and sew it closed with a sewing machine.

Step 8: Trim Excess Fabric

Trim any excess fabric or loose threads to give your pillow a clean and finished look.

Step 9: Add Decorative Touches

If desired, you can add decorative touches to your pillow by using embroidery, applique, or adding buttons.

Step 10: Enjoy Your New Pillow

Your new pillow is now complete! Fluff it up and enjoy a good night’s sleep knowing you created the perfect pillow for your needs.

In conclusion, learning how to make pillows is a fun and easy DIY project that can save you money and provide a custom-fit pillow specific to your needs. Follow these ten simple steps for a great result every time!

Materials Needed for Making Pillows

Now that we have discussed the basics of pillow making in the previous section, it’s time to dive into the materials needed to create your own beautiful pillows.

1. Fabric – one of the most important things to consider when making a pillow is the fabric. You can use a variety of fabrics including cotton, linen, wool, silk, and more. Just make sure that the fabric is sturdy enough to hold the stuffing and has a pleasant texture.

2. Stuffing – the most common type of stuffing used for pillows is polyester fiberfill. This type of stuffing is easy to find and comes in different densities to accommodate different pillow sizes. You can also use other types of stuffing such as feathers, down, or wool.

3. Thread – make sure to buy a thread that matches the color of the fabric you are using. A high-quality thread is recommended to ensure that the pillow doesn’t easily tear or lose its shape.

4. Scissors – it’s important to use a good pair of scissors when working with fabric. A blunt pair of scissors can make it difficult to cut straight lines and might damage the fabric.

5. Pins – pins are essential for holding the fabric in place while sewing. Make sure to use pins that are sharp enough to pierce through the fabric without damaging it.

6. Measuring tape – accurate measurements are important for ensuring that your pillow comes out correctly. Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your pillow and cut the fabric accordingly.

7. Sewing machine – unless you’re making a no-sew pillow, a sewing machine is necessary for creating a sturdy pillow. You can find affordable sewing machines at your local fabric or craft store.

8. Iron – ironing the fabric before and after sewing can give the pillow a professional and polished look. Make sure to use a low heat setting to avoid burning the fabric.

9. Embellishments – to add a personal touch to your pillow, you can add embellishments such as buttons, ribbons, or embroidery. These can be sewn onto the fabric before the stuffing is added.

10. Optional extras – if you want to add extra features to your pillow, such as a zipper or piping, make sure to purchase these materials before you begin sewing.

With these materials in hand, you’re ready to start making your own pillows. In the next section, we’ll cover the step-by-step process for pillow making and offer some tips and tricks to ensure that your pillows come out perfect every time.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Pillow

If you want to make your pillow look great and feel comfortable, you need to choose the right fabric. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the fabric for your pillow:

Texture

The texture of the pillow fabric can affect its overall look and how comfortable it is to use. If you want your pillow to be soft and smooth, try using a sateen or cotton fabric. These fabrics are good choices for pillows that will be used for sleeping.

If you want the pillow to have a slightly rough texture, consider using linen or burlap fabric. These fabrics are perfect for decorative pillows that will be used on a bed or couch.

Color

When choosing the color for your pillow fabric, think about the room it will be placed in. If the room has a lot of neutral colors, choose a vibrant pillow color or pattern to add some personality.

On the other hand, if the room already has a lot of colors and patterns, choose a plain pillow with a subdued color, such as beige or gray.

Pattern

Patterns can make a pillow more interesting, but it can also be overwhelming. Before selecting a pattern, consider the size of the pillow and the room it will be placed in.

If the pillow is small, use a simple pattern or design. If the pillow is large, choose a larger pattern or design. You can also choose to vary the size of the pillow patterns to add visual interest.

Functionality

Consider what the pillow will be used for before choosing the fabric. If the pillow will be used often, choose a durable and easy-to-clean fabric such as cotton or polyester blend. If the pillow will be used as a decorative object, you can use fancier fabrics such as silk or velvet.

Budget

Fabrics can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to choose a fabric that fits within your budget. Remember that more expensive fabrics are often better quality and will last longer.

Time to rest your head!

Now that you know how to make your own pillows, it’s time to get creative and start making some for your bed, couch, or wherever you like to rest your head. Don’t forget to experiment with different designs, fabrics, and stuffing to find the perfect pillow for your comfort needs. Thank you for reading and I hope you come back soon to learn more about DIY crafting projects! Bye for now, and sweet dreams!