Throw Pillow Tutorial

After almost a year of staring at the not-so-attractive throw pillows that came with our couches, I finally decided to make new covers for them that were more my style.  Luckily the original covers came with zippers so they were easy to remove.

Here is what our couch looked like with the original pillows.  They’re definitely not the worst pillows I’ve ever seen, but I thought some gray chevron fabric would give the nice modern and chic touch I was looking for.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your new throw pillows:

• 2 yards of fabric
• sewing machine
• rotary cutter or scissors
• cutting mat
• straight edge fabric ruler to run your rotary cutter along
• pins
• 18″ Pillow Insert

Start by cutting a 19″x19″ square from your fabric.  We are going to be sewing with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, so you’ll need your fabric one inch bigger than the size of your pillow.  My pillows are 18″, but if you are using a smaller or bigger pillow, just adjust the measurements accordingly.   If your cutting mat isn’t big enough like mine, you may have to fold your fabric in half to get a straight cut.

Next, cut a 19″x24″ piece of fabric.  This will be for the back of the pillow.  You’ll need it longer than the front piece so that we can create an overlapping pocket opening for the pillow to slide into.

Turn that longer piece of fabric horizontal, measure 8 inches from the right (or about a third of the length of the fabric), and cut all the way through so that you now have two separate pieces for the back.  In total, you will have three pieces of fabric for your pillow.

Press a 1 inch seam on each of the back pieces where they used to meet.

I also pinned the seams I just pressed as an extra precaution, but this isn’t necessary if you are careful when sewing.

Next, sew your seams on the two back pieces of fabric about 1/8 inch from the rough edge.

Lay your front fabric piece right side up.  Then lay the smaller of the two back fabric pieces on top of the front piece, right sides together.  The seam you just sewed should be in the middle, not on the outer edge.  Now lay the larger of the two back pieces down, with right sides together.  The two back pieces should overlap, and the seams will create the pocket for the pillow.

Pin and sew around the entire pillowcase using a 1/2 inch seam.

Cut your corners at a 45° angle to reduce bulk.  Be careful not to cut where you have sewn.

Flip your pillowcase right side out and push out the corners with something pointy, like scissors or a knitting needle.

Now all that’s left to do is insert your pillow!

Ahhh!!!  I like this so much better than the original pillows!  My house is on it’s way to becoming modern and chic!  I might just have to make new throw pillows for all the bedrooms as well!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  Let me know if you have any questions, and I will be happy to help.