Making Throw Pillows

Upholstery shops are great places to shop for pillow-cover materials. Be sure to check the sample and end-piece table for bargains.

Upholstery expert Dave Ross shares ideas for making decorative throw pillows.

When shopping for fabric to make throw pillows, try fabric outlets or upholstery shops. Choose fabrics that match the decor of the room in which the pillows will be used.
Fill throw pillows with either loose polyester or a pillow form. Loose polyester works best for stuffing an irregularly shaped pillow.
Pillow forms are available in standard sizes. Buy a form that's at least one inch larger than the desired pillow size. This will make for a pillow with a well-filled shape.
Choose a favorite rim for the pillows. Fabric stores usually offer a large selection of trim styles. Trim can also be made from the same material used to make the pillows.
Avoid winding up with dog-eared pillows, which have really pointed corners, by cutting the fabric for a pillow correctly. Cut a slightly rounded edge around the corners, not a straight 90-degree cut.
The inseam on a pillow should be 1/2 inch all around the pillow. Sew the pillow by turning it inside-out.
The easiest way to sew shut the opening after filling a pillow is to fold under both edges and sew straight across using a sewing machine.
When sewing heavy fabrics, use a machine designed for heavy upholstery. For home projects, choose light, thin fabrics that a light-duty machine can handle.

Guests
Dave Ross
Master Upholsterer / Upholstery Shop Owner, David's Upholstery
Phone: 715-392-9475
Fax: 715-392-1608
Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-428
•	Making Throw Pillows
•	Using Old Coffee Cans
•	Preparing Pizza
•	Tip of the Day

MOST POPULAR