Chapter one

Introduction to Throw Pillows

Throw pillows, often underestimated in their impact, are a cornerstone of

interior design. These small, decorative cushions not only provide comfort
but also serve as a reflection of your style, personality, and the ambiance
you wish to create in a space. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of
color to a neutral room, bring in texture to a minimalist design, or simply
increase the coziness of your home, throw pillows are an essential accessory.

In this practical, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own throw
pillow—from conceptualizing the design to the final sewing. By the end, you’ll
have a custom piece that not only adds flair to your space but also brings a
sense of accomplishment. This project is suitable for beginners who are new
to sewing as well as those who are more experienced and looking to
experiment with new designs and techniques.

I’ll cover everything from choosing the right fabric and tools, understanding
color theory, and mastering sewing techniques, to adding finishing touches
that will make your pillow look professionally made. By creating your own
throw pillow, you can ensure that it perfectly complements your existing
décor and stands out as a unique element in your home.

Materials

I. Fabric: Consider durability, texture, and color. Choose from options like
cotton for a casual, comfortable feel, velvet for a luxurious touch, or
linen for a natural, airy vibe.
II. Pillow Insert: Choose an insert slightly larger than your fabric cutouts
for a fuller look.
III. Thread: Select thread that matches your fabric color, or use a
contrasting color for a decorative effect. I’ll be using TEAL.
IV. Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for clean cuts.
 V. Sewing Machine or Needle: Depending on your preference for hand
sewing or machine sewing.
VI. Measuring Tape: To ensure precise measurements.
VII. Pins: To hold your fabric in place while sewing.
VIII. Fabric Marker or Chalk: For marking measurements and cutting lines.

Chapter two

Selecting the Fabric

The fabric is the soul of your throw pillow. It dictates not just the look but
also the feel and longevity of the pillow. When selecting fabric, consider
where the pillow will be used. Will it be in a high-traffic area where durability
is key? Or is it more of a decorative piece in a guest room? The function of
the pillow should guide your fabric choice.

In this research I will be using Cotton. Cotton is a go-to fabric for its
versatility. It’s breathable, easy to clean, and comes in countless colors and
patterns. It’s perfect for everyday use and works well in casual settings.

Velvet, on the other hand, is synonymous with luxury. Its rich texture and
deep, vibrant colors make it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance
to any room. However, velvet can be more challenging to work with due to
its nap and tendency to slip while sewing.

Linen, offers a middle ground between cotton and velvet. It’s durable and
has a lovely texture that adds a natural, organic feel to your space. Linen Is
ideal for those looking to create a relaxed, yet sophisticated look.
When choosing the color, think about the mood you want to evoke. Bold
colors like TEAL or CORAL can energize a room and serve as statement
pieces. Neutral tones like BEIGE or GREY are timeless and versatile, blending
seamlessly with most décor styles. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures
and patterns—this can add depth and interest to your space. However in this
work I would be using the TEAL color

Materials:

I. Fabric Swatches: Various options, including cotton (e.g., vibrant teal

which I will be using), velvet (e.g., deep coral), and linen (e.g., soft
beige).
II. Color Samples: Teal, coral, beige, grey.
III. Texture Samples: Swatches that show the difference in feel between
cotton, velvet, and linen.

Chapter three

Cutting and Measuring the Fabric

Precision is key when cutting and measuring fabric for your throw pillow. A
perfectly measured and cut fabric ensures that your pillow will have clean
lines and a snug fit, which is crucial for achieving a professional look. Start
by determining the size of your pillow insert. Standard throw pillows are
typically 18x18 inches, but sizes can vary depending on your design
preferences and where the pillow will be placed. Therefore in this practical I’ll
be using the 18x18 inches.

Once you’ve determined the size, add an extra inch to all sides of your fabric
to account for seam allowance. This ensures that your pillow will have a neat,
secure seam and that the pillow insert won’t be overly tight or loose inside
the cover. Use a measuring tape to mark the dimensions on your fabric with
fabric chalk or a marker, ensuring straight, even lines.
Cutting the fabric requires a steady hand. Use sharp fabric scissors to make
clean, precise cuts along the marked lines. It’s important to cut two pieces of
fabric—one for the front and one for the back of the pillow. If you’re using a
patterned fabric, pay attention to the alignment of the pattern on both
pieces to ensure consistency when the pillow is assembled.

This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the rest of your project. A
well-measured and cut fabric will make sewing easier and result in a better-
finished product.

Materials:

I. Fabric: Pre-selected based on your design choice.

II. Measuring Tape: For accurate dimensions.
III. Fabric Chalk or Marker: To mark cutting lines.
IV. Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors for precise cutting.
V. Ruler or Straight Edge: To help with straight lines.

Here’s a simple measuring routine of how I created my 18x18-inch throw

pillow:

1. Prepared my Fabric:

a. I started by laying your fabric flat on a clean, smooth surface. I made

sure the fabric is free of wrinkles or folds.

2. Measure and Mark the Fabric:

a. By using a measuring tape, I measured out a square that is 19x19

inches. This includes a 0.5-inch seam allowance on all sides. (18 inches for
the pillow size + 1 inch total for seams).

b. I marked the measurements with fabric chalk. I then proceeded to draw

straight lines using a ruler or straight edge.
3. Cut the Fabric:

a. I carefully cut along the marked lines with sharp fabric scissors, each
19x19 inches, for the front and back of the pillow.

4. Pin the Fabric:

a. I placed the two fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each
other (the sides that will be on the outside of the pillow). Pin around the
edges, leaving one side open for inserting the pillow form later.

5. Prepare for Sewing:

a. My fabric is now measured, cut, and pinned, ready for sewing.

This routine ensures that my 18x18-inch throw pillow will have a neat and
professional finish. The extra inch added during measurement allows for
seam allowances, ensuring the pillow insert fits snugly.

Chapter four

Sewing the Pillow

With my fabric cut and ready, it’s time to bring the throw pillow to life
through sewing. This step involves joining the two pieces of fabric together
and creating a secure, clean seam that will hold the pillow insert in place. I
began by placing the two pieces of fabric together, with the right sides (the
sides that will be visible once the pillow is finished) facing each other. I
pinned the edges together to keep the fabric from shifting during sewing.
If you’re using a sewing machine, select a straight stitch for a clean, durable
seam. Start sewing about half an inch from the edge of the fabric to create a
strong seam that won’t fray or come apart over time. It’s important to leave
a small opening (about 4-5 inches) on one side of the pillow, as this will allow
you to insert the pillow form later.

For those hand-sewing, use a backstitch for added durability. This stitch is
more time-consuming but will result in a strong, tight seam. As you sew,
remove the pins to avoid sewing over them, which can damage your needle
and affect the seam’s appearance.

After sewing the edges, I trimmed any excess fabric to reduce bulk at the
seams. Also being careful not to cut too close to the stitching. Next, I turned
the pillowcase right side out through the opening. Using a pencil to push out
the corners, ensuring they are crisp and fully formed.

This stage requires patience and precision, but with careful attention, I
created a strong and neatly sewn pillowcase that’s ready for the final
touches.

Materials:

I. Fabric Pieces: Pre-cut and pinned together.

II. Pins: To hold fabric in place.
III. Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread for stitching.
IV. Scissors: To trim excess fabric.
V. Pencil: To help turn the fabric right side out

Chapter five

Inserting the Pillow and Finishing Touches

The final step in creating my throw pillow involves inserting the pillow form
and adding any finishing touches to ensure a professional appearance. After
sewing my pillowcase and turning it right side out, it’s time to insert the
pillow. This step requires a bit of finesse to ensure that the insert fits
perfectly without causing the fabric to stretch or wrinkle.

I started by gently folding the pillow inserting in half and carefully easing it
into the pillowcase. Once inside, I adjusted the insert to fill out the corners of
the case, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This might require a bit of fluffing
and adjusting to get the perfect shape. If the pillow insert is slightly larger
than the case, this will give the pillow a fuller, plumper appearance, which is
often desirable.

With the insert in place, it’s time to close the opening I left earlier. Using a
needle and matching thread, sew the opening shut with an invisible or ladder
stitch. This stitch will ensure that the seam is nearly invisible, giving your
pillow a clean, seamless finish. I ensure to take my time with this step, as it’s
the final touch that will make my pillow look professionally crafted.

Once the opening is closed, I’ll be giving my pillow one last fluff and check
to make sure the seams are tight and the fabric is smooth. If I would like to
add any additional decorative elements, such as buttons, tassels, or
embroidery, now is the time to do so, So I’ll be adding some simple flower
designs. These extra touches will add personality and make my pillow a
unique statement piece in my home.

Finally, I’ll be placing my finished throw pillow on my couch, bed, or favorite

chair. Not only have I created a functional and stylish item, but I’ve also
added a personal touch to my living space that reflects my taste and
creativity.

Materials

I. Sewn Pillowcase: Ready for the insert.

 II. Pillow Insert: Pre-selected and appropriately sized.
III. Needle and Thread: For closing the opening.
IV. Pins: To hold the fabric in place while sewing.
V. Optional Decorations: Buttons, tassels, or embroidery thread.