Materials and Tools
To make beautiful throw pillows without a sewing machine, you will need some basic materials and tools. Depending on the design of your desired pillow, you will need various types of fabrics, stuffing materials, and some helpful tools. Cotton fabrics work especially well for a traditional pillow shape, plus your desired stuffing. General crafting tools such as scissors, tape measure, and a ruler are essential for accurately cutting the fabric to size. Optional tools such as safety pins and appliques can also be helpful depending on the design. It is important to use the right supplies to ensure the longevity of your handmade pillows.
In addition to the basic materials, consider using adhesives, hot glue, and foam scissors for a more complex design. Hot glue is especially useful for button detailing and starting a seam. Self-adhesive Velcro is also helpful for allowing access to the stuffing inside a pillow. Further, you may also want to purchase fabric primer, seam binding, and bias tape for additional seam support.
Preparing the Design
Before starting a project, it is essential to plan and outline the design of the pillow. Consider the exact measurements and the type of fabric to be used. Taking accurate measurements is particularly important when creating a cushion-style pillow. If you are feeling creative, consider using multiple fabrics, decorative details, and adding a zipper to make a unique look.
When it comes to cutting the fabric, make sure to use sharp fabric scissors. Measure and cut the fabric to the desired size, and make sure to have allowances for the seam and zipper. After cutting, test the fit on the pillow form or stuffing to make sure it is the right size.
Joining the Seams
Once the fabric is cut, you can join the seams. To keep the fabric from fraying, double fold it and join the edges together by ironing them or pressing them down with a hand iron. Pin the edges together and then use either an adhesive or glue to bond the fabric. Note that glue may make the fabric lumpy, so use sparingly.
You can also use hand stitch or buttons to join the seams together. Hand-sewn seams are ideal for lightweight fabrics, but you will need to use wide stitches for added stitch strength. Hand-sewn seams can be done with straight and curved stitches, as well as basic running, blanket, and buttonholing stitches.
Adding a Zipper
If your design includes a zipper, it can be added to the edge of the seam before connecting the edges of the fabric. Make sure to leave enough room for the zipper when measuring the fabric, leaving an allowance of at least four inches. It is important to use a heavy-duty zipper, as light-weight zippers may easily break. Sewing a zipper onto the fabric is not required, and can instead be joined with adhesive or glue.
To ensure a smooth zipper path, you may need to lay out a piece of double-sided tricot tape or bias tape. This can help secure the zipper and avoid the fabric from bunching. Once the zipper is in place, glue the edges of the seam together or secure with stitch or buttons.
Stuffing the Pillow
After joining the seams, the pillow is ready for stuffing. Depending on the design, you can use a range of materials to give the desired firmness and shape. For traditional cushions, pillow stuffing and padding material are usually used. If a more designer look is desired, consider using an insert – this option gives a full and bouncy look. Alternatives to regular stuffing include batting, foam and cotton balls, wool, and pellets.
Before stuffing, make sure the fabric has been turned right side out. Thread and hand-sew the opening, making sure the thread is not too tight. Add a generous amount of stuffing, and adjust to your desired look. Then, hand-sew the opening with a hidden stitch.
Finishing
Your pillow is now ready for the finishing touches. Sew decorative details like ribbons and appliques to enhance the design. To protect the materials, spray the outside with a fabric protector. Hot glue or stitch on buttons or ornate pieces to add a decorative touch. If necessary, use steam or a damp cloth to fix any wrinkles. When complete, show off your homemade pillow and enjoy a cozy accent piece for your home.
Pillow Cases
If you want to give your pillow an extra special touch, consider adding a pillow case or pillow cover. For a simple pillow case, use a fabric remnant from the same fabric you used to make the main pillow. Cut the fabric to size, double fold the edges, and sew the opening shut using a hand stitch. Make sure to leave an opening for the stuffing before sewing closed.
Alternatively, there is a wide range of pillow covers available in stores and online. Whether you prefer modern patterns, muted colors, or neutral tones, there is sure to a cover that perfectly complements your handmade pillow. Pillow covers are a great way to change up your home décor with seasonal trends.
Care Instructions
To keep your handmade pillows in the best condition, be sure to follow the appropriate care instructions. Handmade pillows may require some special care as they are delicate and can become damaged easily. Hand wash the fabric with a cleaning solution to avoid damaging the stitching and fabric. Additionally, cold water works best when washing handmade pillows to avoid shrinkage and fading.
For storage, keep the pillows in well-ventilated areas. Avoid leaving the pillows in direct sunlight and make sure they are completely dry before packing them away. Keep the stuffing fresh remember to fluff and fluff the pillows regularly to keep them in good condition.
Alternative Pillow-Making Techniques
For experienced crafters, there are many ways to make a pillow without a sewing machine. Paper-piecing, crochet, and embroidery are all popular methods of making pillows by hand. Paper-piecing involves folding and gluing fabric pieces together, while crochet and embroidery involve looping and stitching the edges of the fabric. These methods do require some patience and creativity, but you can create stunning pieces with this hands-on approach.
Other no-sew pillow ideas include using fabric glue or iron-on tape to join the seams. These products make crafting pillows by hand more straightforward and give more creative possibilities. Further, another option is to use pre-made shapes such as circles or hearts as templates and using adhesive to attach them together. With some fabrics, no-sew techniques work well and make the process easier.
Creating Pillows with Kids
Children are natural crafters and making pillows without a sewing machine is the perfect family activity. Most of the techniques outlined above can be used with older children, such as age 8 and up. Younger children can join in with paper piecing and fabric gluing for simpler designs that involve minimal sew. Before starting the activity, make sure to provide kids with a few safety suggestions such as always using scissors with adult supervision.
Creating throw pillows from scratch is a fun and educational activity for kids. Not only does it encourage creativity, but it also teaches children about the basics of crafting and lets them enjoy a sense of accomplishment from completing the project.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
If you are feeling stuck and need some inspiration, there are many sites and books full of creative pillow design ideas. Utilize colors, textures, and patterns to make unique pillows that stand out in a room. Choose colors that will fit the overall aesthetics and mood of a room. Monochrome colors with subtle patterns are great for a cozy atmosphere, while vibrant colors and bold patterns create a modern look.
Photos and videos online are a great way to get ideas for your project. Look to popular home décor sites, Pinterest, and Instagram to find inspiration. Even if you don´t intend to recreate the exact look, you can draw from the colors, textures, and ideas as a source of inspiration. Home décor magazines are also a great source of design inspiration.
