How to Make a Pillow

By Shari Hiller

During our10 years as hosts of Room by Room, there is only one topic that my decorating partner, Matt Fox, and I can't seem to agree on — pillows. I believe you can never have too many pillows, but Matt's theory is "Two pillows are one too many!"

Pillows add color, pattern and texture to a room. They soften hard edges of furniture and create a much warmer space. They can be elegant, or just plain fun.

Matt Fox and I decorated a teenage girl's bedroom. Like most teens, she seemed to change her mind regularly, so her parents were hesitant to make too many permanent changes to her bedroom decor. Since pillows are an inexpensive way to change the look and theme of a bedroom, even Matt thought they were an appropriate accessory for this teen.

I added a number of pillows to her bed, including three different solids, a stripe, a check, and an animal print. To add texture, I also made a fluffy white fur pillow, and finished off with a purchased applique pillow.

You can create the same kind of look for your home very inexpensively, since pillow covers are a quick and easy sewing project. When shopping for fabric to make throw pillows, try fabric and upholstery stores. Look for fabrics that enhance the decor of your room and provide color, pattern, and texture. You'll be amazed how a few throw pillows can brighten up your home.

Materials and Tools:

pillow form
fabric
trim (if desired)
matching thread
scissors
straight pins

Steps:

1. I like to make pillow covers that can be removed for washing. Since virtually any type of fabric can be used to make a pillow cover, check the cleaning instructions on the end of the bolt of fabric before purchasing.

If you intend to wash the pillow cover, you must preshrink the fabric and any trims. Many fabrics can be preshrunk using the washer and dryer. Trims cannot be washed in the washer as they will tangle. Preshrink trims by filling a basin with very warm water and soaking the trim for a few minutes. Remove the trim from the basin and squeeze out any extra water. Hang to dry.

If you are not planning to wash the pillow cover, it is unnecessary to preshrink the materials.

2. To create the front of the pillow cover, cut one piece of fabric the same size as the pillow form. Because the fabric should fit snugly over the pillow form, this measurement includes a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If the pillow form is very firm, it may be necessary to add 1 inch to both the length and width of the pillow.

3. To create the back of the pillow cover, cut one piece of fabric the same width as the front piece of the pillow and 4 inches longer than the length of the pillow front. Fold the piece in half lengthwise and cut along the fold. Turn this edge, which measures the same as the width of the pillow, under 1/4 inch and press. So that no raw edges will be exposed, turn under again and stitch. Repeat with the other back piece. (If the fabric you have chosen is very thick or stiff, you may want to simply cut the back piece of fabric exactly the same size as the front. This pillow cover will not be easily removed as it will be slip stitched closed.)

4. If you are using a trim, attach it in this manner. With raw edges together and beginning in the middle of a side, place the trim so that 1 inch extends beyond the seam allowance and is against the right side of the pillow front. Pin in place. When the ends of the trim meet, the second end should also be extended 1 inch into the seam allowance. Sewing very closely to the trim, use your zipper foot to sew the trim in place.

5. Lay down the pillow top with the trim side up. With right sides together, lay one half of the pillow back on the pillow front and pin in place. Pin the other half of the pillow back in place. The two pillow backs will overlap each other by 1 1/2 inches. Using the stitching line that attached the trim as a guide, stitch the back and front together. (If the back of your pillow is a single piece of fabric, sew as directed, but leave an opening in which your pillow form can be inserted.) Trim the excess fabric from the corners.

6. Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert the pillow form. Slip stitched closed if necessary.
Once you discover how easy it is to make pillows, you'll find uses for them everywhere. After all your hard work, reward yourself with a long nap on your softest pillow. Even Matt will approve of that.

(Shari Hiller and Matt Fox co-hosted the Home & Garden Television show Room By Room)