How to Sew a Pillow: 20 Pillow Sewing Patterns and Projects • Heather Handmade

Learn how to sew a pillow with these pillow sewing patterns and projects. Follow a basic throw pillow tutorial or a fun idea for holidays.

It’s so fun to decorate your own space with fabrics and colors that you love. I have made so many throw pillow covers over the years, and I still enjoy getting them out each holiday to set out on my couch.

Am I often picking up throw pillows from the ground? Yes. I have kids and a dog that love living so my pillows always end up on the ground. It’s worth it having cute and pretty pillows for decorating!

What fabric works best for a throw pillow cover?

The best fabrics to use for pillows are woven fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton canvas, jacquard, silk, and linen. These fabrics will sew up nicely, not stretch, and look nice on your couch and you can choose the fabric based on the look you are going for.

Should I prewash my fabric?

Yes, you should prewash your fabric. Pillow covers don’t get washed as much so this doesn’t matter as much, but I always prewash my fabric.

One reason not to prewash your fabric is if you are using silk or linen and don’t want to lose the look. If you wash silk or linen it gives it a softer lived in look to the fabric.

Tips for Sewing a Throw Pillow Cover

If you find your pillows look wrinkled or stretched out, then add interfacing to the backs of the fabric before sewing the pillow cover.
Interfacing will fix a lot of problems that you might not think about.
Use a pillow form that is larger than the pillow cover to make it look extra puffy.
You don’t have to finish the seams inside the pillow cover so these are great projects to do with just a sewing machine.
If your pillows are prone to getting dirty quickly and easily, then choose darker colors that will hide anything.

Make a Pillowcase with the Burrito Method

What is a PDF sewing pattern?

A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.

I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!

How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?

Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.

Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again.

How to Sew an Invisible Zipper in a Pillow

Do you love to sew? Try one of these fun sewing projects:

Pillow Sewing Patterns

Learn how to sew a pillow with these pillow sewing patterns and projects. Follow a basic throw pillow tutorial or a fun idea for holidays.

Basic Pillow Projects

How to Sew an Invisible Zipper in a Pillow

Learn how to sew an invisible zipper in a pillow to make an easy pillow cover. Use a sewing machine and a regular sewing machine foot.

How to Make a Pillowcase with the Burrito Method

Learn how to make a pillowcase with the burrito method. This is a great beginner sewing project, and it makes a great gift for kids!

How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover

Learn how to make an easy envelope pillow cover that makes the perfect throw pillow. Add a flange or not to this beginner sewing project.

DIY Honeycomb Pleated Pillow

Learn how to make a DIY honeycomb pleated pillow with this honeycomb pleat tutorial. It’s a stunning throw pillow look with lots of texture!

Christmas Pillow Projects

DIY Christmas Pillow Covers

Learn how to make DIY Christmas pillow covers perfect for Christmas decorating. With two fat quarters you can make your own envelope pillow.

How to Make an Advent Pillow

Learn the easy way to make Advent pillow to count down the days until the holidays! It’s a simple pillow cover with ribbon numbered pockets!

DIY Christmas Sweater Pillow

Turn an ugly Christmas sweater into a DIY Christmas sweater pillow for fun holiday decor! This upcycle is a great beginner sewing project!

Valentine Pillow Projects

Pieced Valentine Pillow Tutorial

Make a cute Valentine decor with this “you light up my life” Valentine pillow tutorial. Use the Cricut Maker to cut out all the pieces!

How to Make a Heart Pillow

Learn how to make a heart pillow with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is a great decoration for Valentine’s day!

Spring Pillow Projects

DIY Easter Egg Pillow

Learn how to make a DIY Easter egg pillow cover with rickrack and bias binding. This Easter sewing project is such a fun decoration.

DIY Spring Pillow

Learn how to make a cute DIY spring pillow with the Cricut Maker and Infusible Ink. I love combining sewing and Cricut crafting.

4th of July Pillow Projects

Ric Rac Stars and Stripes

Learn how to make a DIY 4th of July pillow by sewing ric rac into stars and stripes. This beginner sewing project is a great throw pillow!

Eagle and Stripes

Learn how to make a DIY 4th of July pillow with pieced fabric and an iron-on vinyl eagle. This easy sewing project pairs well with a Cricut Maker.

Fall Pillow Projects

DIY Pumpkin Pillow Applique

Learn how to make a DIY pumpkin pillow with scraps of orange fabric. Cut the pumpkin shape with the Cricut Maker and applique with a sewing machine.

DIY Pumpkin Pie Pillow

Learn how to make a soft DIY pumpkin pie pillow to celebrate fall and everything pumpkin flavored. It’s a fun decoration and so comfy to snuggle!