How to Make a Pillow: Easy DIY Video Tutorial + Free Pattern Guide

Written By Bonnie Barton

Making a pillow cover is both a perfect beginner’s project and also a relaxing and satisfying way to pass some time. With two pieces of fabric, a few straight seams and about 30 minutes - you can sew a pillow cover that looks expensive and also levels up your room style quickly.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to sew a simple pillow from start to finish. You'll also learn how to make your own pillow pattern in any size or shape, so you never have to hunt for the perfect pillow again.

Sustainability note: Pillows are great upcycle projects. Any fabric can become a pillow cover. Try piecing them together for a cool crazy Quilty pillow. And tired pillows often cover perfectly good pillow forms. Just remove the pillow form from the cover and toss it into the dryer for ten minutes or so.

Prefer to watch? The full video tutorial is embedded below.

SUPPLIES:

  • Sewing machine

  • Fabric front and back & pillow form

  • Paper to make a pattern

  • Scissors and snips

  • Ruler

  • Proper machine needle & hand sewing needle

  • Marking tools

  • Pins & pin cushion

  • Proper thread & bobbin

STEP 1: DRAFT YOUR PATTERN

  • Measure your pillow form from side seam to side seam

  • Prepare to draft your pattern.

  • If you want a tight fitting pillow cover, your pattern will measure the size of your pillow form minus 1” + 1/2” on each side as a seam allowance.  (Distance between the raw cut edge and the stitch line)

  • If you want a loose fitting pillow cover, your pattern will measure the size of your pillow form + 1/2” on each side as a seam allowance.  (Distance between the raw cut edge and the stitch line)

  • Add 1/4” notches on the sides and top of your pattern at the mid point.  On the bottom, add 1/4” notches 2” in from both corners. This will mark the opening where you will insert your pillow cover.

  • Check that your pattern is perfectly square

  • Cut your pattern very carefully

STEP 2: PINNING & CUTTING

  • Lie your face (front) fabric flat on a smooth surface.  Make sure there are no wrinkles.  Press if needed

  • Find the straight grain (direction of threads in a woven fabric - refer to THE BASIC SKILLS LEARN TO SEW SERIES - Basic #1 tea towels)

  • Lie your pattern on top of your fabric.  If there is a print to your fabric make sure that your pattern is in line with the fabric design you want to see.

  • Pin your pattern in place at all four corners then fill in pinning every appx. 3”.  Don’t let your pins cross over your cutting line.

  • Cut your fabric very carefully - close to the paper edge without cutting the paper

  • Cut your snips (or mark them if your fabric is loosely woven) no more than 1/4”

  • Repeat on pillow back

STEP 3: PREPARE TO SEW

  • Pin the pillow face (front) to the pillow back with the right side of the fabric touching the right side of the other fabric.  When you sew a seam, you generally sew on the ‘wrong’ side then turn your work right side out.

  • Carefully match the notches on the two fabrics

  • Pin at your four corners, then pin your notches, then fill in with pins every 3” or so

  • Make note of the two notches on the bottom of your pattern.  This is where you will start and stop your seam. Be sure to backstitch so your fabric does not unravel.

STEP 4: SEW

  • Carefully thread your machine top and bottom

  • Make sure you are using the right size needle for your fabric

  • Confirm you are at tension 4 & stitch length 3

  • Test your threading with a piece of scrap fabric

  • Draw your stitch lines with a heat or water erase marker or chalk if that makes it easier

  • Starting at the bottom left notch, sew from that notch to the corner, up the side, over the top, down the side and to the other bottom notch.  Remember to pivot like you did in THE BASIC SKILLS zipper clutch workshop.  ALWAYS remember to do the five before you start every switch.  Presser foot down, hold your thread, plant your needle, three stitches forward, three stitches back

STEP 5: TURN YOUR PILLOW COVER RIGHT SIDE OUT

  • Trim your corners diagonally to reduce seam allowance bulk

  • Turn your work right side out through the opening between the two bottom notches.  (If you forgot to leave the opening don’t worry.  Just pluck out some stitches)

  • Using a corner turner or a pen with the ink retracted, push your corners out to the stitch line

  • Insert your pillow form and settle it in to its pillow cover

STEP 6: SEW YOUR PILLOW CLOSED

  • Turn your raw edges to the inside 1/2” and pin your opening closed to help you while you hand stitch.

  • Thread a needle and knot the end of your thread

  • Sew your opening closed as shown.  It takes practice to learn to handle the thread.  Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to start over.

And ta da! You have just made a one of a kind handmade pillow! If you show off your work on instagram or Tik Tok, be sure to tag @commonsewing. Or just send me a picture. I answer every email and love to celebrate you. Well done!

Bonnie Barton
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