Dress up any room with these creative pillows that are easy on the eyes and effortless to make.
Oh, Sew Simple
The secret to funDIY pillowsis knowing the basics, then getting creative.
Browse the ideas in the next slides for fun embellishments and techniques.
Sew the two squares with wrong facing, leaving a 2-inch opening along one side.
Turn the right side out and fill with stuffing or a pillow form.
Use a hidden stitch or fabric glue to wrap up the opening.
Choose a colorful and/or patterned fabric you love to ensure the pillow looks good for years to come.
Character Counts
Use vintage doilies or lace to add old-fashioned charm to a ready-made pillow.
A tacked-on, crocheted form sweetens the front of this plain pillow.
Be careful when working with vintage fabrics, as their age makes them more delicate and prone to fraying.
A cursive monogram, hand-drawn using a fabric pen, gives the pillow even more character.
Simply gather a collection of mismatched buttons and spray-paint them gold.
Stitch each button onto the pillow, making a heart shape.
Pillow Talk
This pillow definitely has a way with words.
Start with an assortment of glass, iridescent, and pearlized beads in a variety of sizes.
Cut the fabric and stabilizer to your desired pillow size.
Use a dark marker to write a word on butcher paper.
Place the fabric over the paper and use a vanishing fabric marker to trace the word onto the fabric.
Sew the pillow closed, and, if you like, add piping along the edges.
From Paper to Pillow
Throw together thissimple-to-sew pillowin no time at all.
First, use a marbling technique to create a colorful, swirling design on a piece of paper.
After that, scan the image via computer and send your design off to a custom-fabric printing service.
Rock the Block
Make these color-block pillows for a look that’s right on trend.
Stitch the shapes together and press the seams open.
Cut the back of the pillow cover from solid-color fabric.
Stitch the front and back pieces, right sides facing, leaving a small opening.
Turn the right sides out, press, and stuff with a pillow form.
Whipstitch the opening closed.
Stitch It Up
Anembroidered designelevates this plain pillow from blah to beautiful.
With its spindly form and distinctive blooms, the sarsaparilla plant comes to life in textural crewel stitches.
Trace your pattern onto the center of the front of the pillow and follow the outline with embroidery thread.
Choose thread colors that will match or accent your other decor.
Click here to download the pattern.
For a seamless look, use matching fabrics for the pocket and the pillow.
To strike a pleasing balance, pair the vintage-look pillow with throws in modern prints.
Cut initials from a felted wool sweater and secure them to a wool-felt pillow.
Personal Touch
A monogram adds a homemade touch to a plain pillow.
Use felt, or another easy-to-sew fabric, to create the monogram.
Affix the monogram to the center of the pillow using fabric glue.
Dimensional Dots
Put a chair or a sofa in the spotlight with this modern-looking pillow.
Switch the direction of the seams to create another layer of dimension and texture.
Choose patterns and colors to present a look that’s undeniably “you.”
Use a neutral sofa and wall color to create a blank canvas for the collection of colorful throws.
Trim the rain-jacket fabric to pillow size and sew the front and back pieces together.
Leave the zipper and pockets intact to hint at the cover’s previous life.
Easy Does It
Carefree, comfortable, durablewhat more could you ask from outdoor furnishings?
Deck-friendly choices, like these outdoor pillows, stand up to summer weather, while remaining fun and fresh.
Pillows with Fringe
Give store-bought pillows three-dimensional appeal with pleated edges and cute ruffles.
Dress up a solid-color throw with ruffles down the center.
Cut the back piece in half widthwise.
Hem a long edge 1/2-inch under on each half.
Place the back halves on a work surface, right-side-up, with the hemmed edges touching.
Layer the scarf, right side down, so the right sides of front and back are touching.
Turn the cover right-side-out and insert a pillow form through the opening.
To add a flange, topstitch 2-1/2 inches from the outer edges.
