Making toss pillows is a fun and easy DIY project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to sewing your own toss pillows:
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (enough to make two pillow fronts and backs)
- Pillow inserts (size depends on your desired pillow size)
- Thread (matching the fabric)
- Pins
- Sewing machine (or needle if hand-sewing)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Iron (optional, for pressing seams)
Steps:
1. Choose Your Fabric
- Pick a fabric that fits your style and the room where the pillows will go. Consider cotton, linen, or upholstery fabric for durability.
- Choose two pieces of fabric for each pillow: one for the front and one for the back.
2. Measure and Cut Your Fabric
- Decide on the size of your pillow. A common size for toss pillows is 18″ x 18″ or 20″ x 20″.
- Add 1/2″ to 1″ on each side for seam allowance. For example, if you want an 18″ x 18″ pillow, cut two 19″ x 19″ pieces of fabric (1″ seam allowance on all sides).
- Cut the fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter for clean edges.
3. Pin the Pieces Together
- Place the two fabric pieces right sides together (the sides you want visible should face each other).
- Pin around the edges to hold them in place while sewing. Leave about a 3–4 inch gap on one side of the pillow to turn it inside out later.
4. Sew the Pillow
- Using a sewing machine, sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving the 3–4 inch opening unsewn.
- Use a straight stitch and sew along the edge, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.
5. Clip the Corners
- To make the corners crisp when the pillow is turned right-side out, clip the corners of the fabric (being careful not to cut the stitches). This will help eliminate bulk at the corners.
6. Turn the Pillow Right-Side Out
- Carefully turn the pillow inside out through the gap you left open. Use a blunt object (like a knitting needle or chopstick) to push the corners out to make them sharp and neat.
7. Stuff the Pillow
- Insert the pillow insert into the fabric cover through the opening. Gently stuff it to fill the corners and edges evenly.
8. Close the Opening
- Once the pillow insert is inside, fold in the raw edges of the opening about 1/2″ to match the seam.
- Hand-sew the opening shut using a slip stitch or a simple whip stitch for a neat finish.
9. Press and Fluff
- Press the pillow with an iron (on the appropriate setting for your fabric) to remove any wrinkles and ensure a crisp, polished look.
- Fluff your pillow to give it a full, plush appearance.
Additional Tips:
- Decorative Touches: Add trims, like tassels, piping, or ruffles, to make your pillows more decorative.
- Zipper Option: For a more durable and adjustable option, you can add a zipper instead of sewing the opening shut.
- Envelope Pillow Cover: If you’d prefer a removable pillow cover, you can make an envelope-style pillow cover with overlapping fabric at the back for easy removal and washing.
Now you have a beautiful, handmade toss pillow to enhance your living space!