Making a pillow is simple and inexpensive, and it's a great way to learn and practice some basic sewing and DIY skills. So why waste money on buying pillows in a store when you can just make your own? The square and rectangular ones are the easiest to make. The instructions in this article will guide you through the process, but once you become familiar with it, you can improvise to make new creations, all of which are cheaper than what you would find on the market.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Fabric
Step 1. Find the fabric
Any type of fabric will do, but consider the purpose you want to give the pillow. If you will use it to rest your face and sleep on it, choose a fabric that is comfortable against the skin. If it's going to be decorative, opt for a fabric that fits the furniture.
Step 2. Cut the fabric into 2 even sized squares or rectangles
A simple pillow basically consists of 2 pieces of fabric sewn and containing soft filling. These 2 pieces should be slightly larger than the length and width you want for the pillow.
- Leave approximately 4 cm of space for the side seams. This portion of fabric that extends beyond the seam is called the seam allowance.
- If the fabric tends to fray, hem the ends with a straight or zigzag seam.
Method 2 of 3: Sew the Pillow
Step 1. Measure the sides of the fabric pieces and determine how much thread you will use
Make sure you don't run out in the middle of work.
Step 2. Join the two pieces of fabric after turning them inside out
Once they are sewn, you will turn them over, then join the parts that will later show on the outside.
Step 3. Sew 3 sides of the fabric pieces
You can do this either by hand or using a sewing machine. The slipped stitch is the best choice. Again, leave a seam allowance of approximately 1.5 cm.
Step 4. Turn the pillow to expose the right side to the outside
At this point, you should see the sides of the fabric you wanted to display, and you will have created a pocket to fill with stuffing.
Step 5. Press the pillow
If you notice creases in the fabric after filling the pillow, it will be almost impossible to get rid of them.
Step 6. Prepare the opening
Fold back approximately 1.5 cm of fabric under the edges of the open part of the pillow; press it with the iron. Now, you are ready to insert the padding and finish.
Method 3 of 3: Stuff and Close
Step 1. Stuff the pillow
Take the filling and insert it into the open side of the pillow. As you go, try to distribute it evenly. Do not stop until you have filled it completely, with no evidently empty areas. The cotton fillings available on the market are the best, but many others are fine too, from feathers to fabric scraps.
Step 2. Sew the open part with the overedge technique
It is a rather dense sewing stitch; it is performed from right to left after overlapping the 2 fabric flaps.
You can also use the blind spot technique to get a cleaner result
Advice
- Make sure you don't stuff the pillow too much. At that point, it may get too thick, you won't be able to close it, or worse yet, it will burst as soon as someone squeezes it.
- Cotton and synthetic fillings can be found in most fabric or DIY stores.
