DIY VIDEO TUTORIAL – How to Sew Toss Pillow Covers

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!

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