How to Sew a Pillow for Beginners

Pillows are a cheap and easy project, whether you're a beginner at sewing or an expert. Throw pillows can freshen up your room or work as a great last-minute gift idea. Even better, you can make a throw pillow or a bed pillow with or without a sewing machine. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to perfect your pillow-making skills with 4 different options!

How to Sew a Throw Pillow

Cut two 18-by-18-inch pieces of fabric and stack them with the right sides together. Sew a straight stitch by hand or on a machine along 3 sides. Turn the material inside out and fill the pillow with polyester stuffing or a pillow form. Sew the gap closed with a straight stitch.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Sewing a Throw or Bed Pillow

Download Article

1
Cut a piece of fabric into two equal pieces. How big you cut the pieces depends on the pillow size you want. A standard throw pillow is 18 in (46 cm) by 18 in (46 cm). A standard bed pillow is 20 by 26 in (51 by 66 cm). Use a large ruler to trace the measurements onto the back of the fabric. Add ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) to each side of the fabric for seam allowance and cut with a pair of fabric scissors.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you’re using a pillow form as your filling, cut the fabric the same size and shape as the pillow form.
- Use an existing pillow as a template if you’d like. Grab a flexible tape measure and place it seam to seam (horizontally and vertically) to measure.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Use any fabric you’d like, but consider the pillow's purpose. Use soft cotton with a high thread count if you’re using it to rest on. For decorative pillows, try brocade fabric.
- Cost: Cotton fabric costs $1 to $8 per yard, while decorative fabrics may have a higher price point, like $12 to $20 per yard.
2
Stack the two fabric pieces with their right sides together. Pin each of the four corners ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) from the edge. Place pins at the center of three sides. Leave one edge unpinned so you can turn the pillow inside out later.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you’d like, add two pins on the bottom edge of the unpinned side so you know where to start and end your stitches.
Advertisement
3
Straight stitch the edges on a sewing machine. Feed the fabric through the machine until you get to the starting corner. Begin at your ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) seam allowance and backstitch for a secure bond. Then, move forward in a straight stitch. When you’re ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) from the edge, leave the needle down. Raise the foot on the machine and turn the fabric to sew the other edge. Repeat on all three sides.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Use a matching thread color for a nice, clean, polished look.
If you used thick fabric for the pillow, you might want to cut the corners off first; this will help reduce bulk. Trim as close to the thread as possible. Then, turn your pillow right-side out. Use your fingers, a seam turner, or pencil to help push the corners out so they’re nice and sharp.^{[5]
X
Research source}
5
Fold the raw edges in and iron the seams on all sides. Start at the open edge of the pillow, and fold the raw edge in by ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm). Use a hot iron to press the edges flat, making it easier to sew later. Iron the rest of the fabric to smooth out any wrinkles.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you don't have an iron, pin each folded edge separately. Don't pin them together or you won't be able to stuff the pillow.
Polyester stuffing is a popular and accessible option for pillow filling. It can be purchased at fabric and craft stores. However, you can also use filling from an old pillow, a pillow form, and scraps of old clothes or fabric as a substitute. Feed the stuffing through the small opening you left.^{[7]
X
Research source}
7
Pin and sew the opening shut. Squish the filling down. Pinch your fingers to keep the filling in place. Pin close to your finger to keep the filling to the side. Then, pin the open edges together. Feed the edge through the sewing machine. Use a straight stitch and remove the pins as you work along. Once it’s shut, remove the pins holding the filling back.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing.
- To sew the opening by hand, use a whipstitch. Poke your needle up through the top layer of the fabric, then circle up through both layers twice. Then, make another angular stitch and repeat the pattern as needed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Sewing an Envelope Pillowcase

Download Article

1
Cut a square piece of fabric the same size as your pillow. Measure your pillow insert first with a flexible tape measure. Then, cut a piece of fabric according to that measurement. The pillowcase will be slightly smaller than the form itself, so you have a nice, full pillow.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- A standard throw pillow is 18 in (46 cm) by 18 in (46 cm).
- Use any fabric you’d like, depending on what you use the pillow for.
2
Make two smaller pieces of fabric for the back of the pillow. Cut two additional pieces of fabric, each the same width as the pillow but only half the height. Then, add 5 in (13 cm) to create an overlap while accounting for the hem and seam allowances.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- For example: A 18 in (46 cm) pillow’s back pieces would be 18 in (46 cm) for the width, and 14.5 in (37 cm) in height.
- Alternatively, you can make the pieces the same width and two-thirds of the height.
- The back piece can be the same color and pattern as your front piece, or they can be different.
3
Hem one of the long edges on each of the back pieces. Turn one of the back pieces so the wrong side faces you. Fold the long, top edge down twice by ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm). Press it flat once more with a hot iron, then use a straight stitch to sew it down as close as possible to the inside folded edge.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Repeat this step for the other back piece.
4
Pin the back pieces to the front with the hemmed edges overlapping. Lay each back piece faced up. They should slightly overlap each other. Then, lay the top piece (the large square fabric) on top with the right sides together. Then, flip all three layers over so you’re looking at the back pieces. Pin the edges to keep everything in place.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- The raw edges of the back pieces should match the raw edges of the front pieces.
- Ensure the hemmed edges of the back pieces overlap along the middle of the front piece.
5
Use a straight stitch to sew all four edges. Sew a ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) seam allowance with a matching thread color. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing, and remove the pins as you sew.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Do not leave a gap for turning. You will turn the pillow through the opening created by the overlapping back pieces.
If you use thick or bulky fabric, snip off the corners as close to the stitching as possible. If your fabric is prone to fraying, serge or zigzag-stitch the raw edges.^{[14]
X
Research source}
Pull the fabric inside-out from the middle opening. Grab the corners to pull it through. Use your fingers or a pencil to push the corners out so the pillow has a nice, sharp look.^{[15]
X
Research source}
The back pieces of the pillow will overlap across the back of the pillow form to keep it in. There’s no need to add buttons, snaps, or zippers!

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Hand-Sewing a Pillow

Download Article

Use a tape measure to calculate the length and width of an existing pillow, or let your imagination run wild and make a shape as big or small as you want. Add an extra inch to the length and width for seam allowance. Cut the fabric out.^{[16]
X
Research source}
Place the fabric with the right sides together—the wrong or dull side of the fabric will face out. Pin ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) away from the edge on three sides, leaving one side unpinned. This is so you can later turn the fabric inside out and stuff the pillow.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
Single-stitch all three sides. Thread a needle with a matching thread. Hold your threaded needle on the wrong side of the fabric and bring the needle up. Push the needle down to make a straight stitch ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) long. Bring the needle back up to make another stitch the same length and repeat.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- To thread a needle, cut a piece approximately 18 in (46 cm) to 24 in (61 cm) long to start with. Dampen the end of the thread with your mouth and feed it through the eye of the needle. Secure the thread with a knot at the end.
Using the open edge, flip the fabric inside out. Use a pencil to push out the corners of the pillow. Then, use Polyfil, a pillow insert, or something similar to stuff the pillow to your desired size and comfort. Use a slip-stitch to close off the gap and secure it with a double-knot.^{[19]
X
Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Tying a No-Sew Pillow

Download Article

1
Cut the fabric into two identical squares or rectangles. Each piece should be 6 in (15 cm) wider and 6 in (15 cm) longer than you want the final pillow to be to account for fringe on both sides. If you want more fringe, cut the fabric longer.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you want a 10 in (25 cm) by 10 in (25 cm) pillow, add 6 in (15 cm) for a total of 16 in (41 cm).
- Opt for non-fraying fabric, such as fleece or flannel.
- Cost: Fleece costs $5 per yard, while flannel costs as little as $3.50 per yard.
2
Cut a 3 in (7.6 cm) square out of each corner. Lay the two fabric pieces on each other, with the wrong sides facing in. Cut a 3 in (7.6 cm) square out of each corner. Make sure that you are cutting through both layers of fabric.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- The cut-out will be the same size, no matter how large your pillow is.
Each tassel should be 3 in (7.6 cm) deep and ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) to 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Again, make sure that you are cutting through both layers of fabric otherwise it won't match up.^{[22]
X
Research source}
Use a tight double knot or a square knot. Tie together three of the edges and only half of the fourth edge. You won't be turning the pillowcase inside out, but you will be stuffing it!^{[23]
X
Research source}
A polyester stuffing will work best, but you can also use a pillow form. Stuff the pillow until it is nice and full, making sure to fill out the corners.^{[24]
X
Research source}
Poke the stuffing into the pillow as you tie the last few tassels together. For extra security, tie the corners together in a double-knot.^{[25]
X
Research source}

Video

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What stuffing works well for homemade pillows?

Lois Wade
wikiHow Crafts Expert
Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007.

Lois Wade

wikiHow Crafts Expert

Expert Answer

You can use pretty much anything that's soft and can withstand being put through a washing machine. I wouldn't recommend paper, but you could use fabric scraps, cotton wool, polyester wool, woolen wool, Kapok, thistledown, mill end thread, or whatever else you have on hand. I’ve had some very useable couch pillows stuffed with plastic shopping bags that had been cut into squares.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

Can you use cotton balls to stuff a pillow?

Community Answer

Yes, but the pillow would lack support and would likely be uncomfortable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 44
Question

How do I prevent cotton stuffing from coming out lumpy?

Community Answer

Gently pull apart the cotton stuffing first, then add it into the pillow. Keep in mind that washing these pillows is not recommended, as it can cause the cotton to bunch up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 19

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Your pillow does not have to be square or rectangular. You can even make a heart-shaped pillow!

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
If you want to make an odd-shaped envelop pillow, make a basic pillow in that shape first, then use that as your pillow form. Don't stuff an envelope pillow with polyester stuffing, or it will come out.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you are making a decorative pillow, use a super-fancy fabric for the front and a simple fabric for the back.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.