Beginner's Guide: How To Make A Pillow With A Sewing Machine

Making a pillow with a sewing machine is a fun and simple project. You can make a basic pillow cover just by sewing a few straight lines. It’s a great way to start using your sewing machine. You pick your own fabric. You decide the size. You can make pillows that match your home. This guide will show you how to do it. We will go step by step. Soon you will have your own handmade pillow!

How To Make A Pillow With A Sewing Machine
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Get Your Materials Ready

Before you start, you need a few things. Gather all your supplies first. This makes sewing easier.

Here is what you will need:

Fabric for the pillow cover.
Stuffing for the inside, like fiberfill. Or you can use a pillow form.
A sewing machine.
Thread that matches your fabric.
Scissors for cutting fabric. Sharp ones work best.
Pins to hold fabric together.
A ruler or measuring tape.
A marking tool, like chalk or a fabric pen.

Optional items:

An iron and ironing board. This helps make seams flat and neat.
A zipper if you want a zipper closure.
Pinking shears to finish fabric edges. These make a zig-zag cut.

Select Your Fabric

Choosing fabric is a fun part. Think about where the pillow will go. Will it be on a sofa or a bed? Will people sit on it?

Different Fabric Types

Cotton: This is easy to work with. It comes in many colors and patterns. It’s good for beginners. It’s soft but strong enough.
Linen: This fabric looks nice. It’s a bit stiffer than cotton. It wrinkles easily.
Velvet: This fabric is soft and fancy. It can be harder to sew because it moves around.
Outdoor fabric: This is good if the pillow goes outside. It won’t fade in the sun. It can handle weather.

Pick a fabric you like. Make sure it is not too thin. Very thin fabric might show the stuffing inside. Cotton or a cotton blend is a good start for your first DIY pillow project.

Figure Out the Size

Now you need to know how big your pillow will be. This helps you know how much fabric you need. This step is all about fabric measurements.

Measuring for a Pillow

First, decide how big you want your finished pillow. Let’s say you want a pillow that is 16 inches by 16 inches.

You need to cut fabric pieces that are bigger than the finished size. You need extra space for the seams. This extra space is called the seam allowance.

For most pillow projects, a seam allowance of 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch works well. A 1/2 inch is easy to measure. Let’s use 1/2 inch for this guide.

You need two pieces of fabric for a simple pillow cover. Or maybe more pieces for an envelope style or zipper style.

If you want a 16-inch by 16-inch pillow, you need to add the seam allowance to each side.
Width: 16 inches + 1/2 inch (left side) + 1/2 inch (right side) = 17 inches.
Height: 16 inches + 1/2 inch (top side) + 1/2 inch (bottom side) = 17 inches.

So, for a simple 16×16 inch pillow, you would cut two squares of fabric that are 17 inches by 17 inches.

If you are using a pillow form (a pre-made pillow insert), measure the form. Cut your fabric pieces based on the form’s size plus the seam allowance. Sometimes, people cut the fabric slightly smaller than the form. This makes the pillow look more full. For a 16-inch form, you might cut fabric 15.5 or 16 inches plus seam allowance. But for your first try, cutting the size plus seam allowance is simplest.

Fabric measurements are key to getting the right size pillow. Measure twice, cut once!

Cut Your Fabric Pieces

Now you will use your ruler and marking tool. You will transfer your fabric measurements onto the fabric.

Steps for Cutting Fabric

Lay your fabric flat. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Use your ruler or measuring tape. Mark the size you need on the fabric. For a 16×16 inch pillow with 1/2 inch seams, mark a 17×17 inch square. Do this carefully. Accuracy helps later.
Use your fabric scissors to cut along the lines you marked. Cut slowly and steadily. This helps you make sewing straight lines. You need nice straight edges for sewing.

If your fabric is folded, you can cut two pieces at once. Make sure the fabric layers are smooth and lined up perfectly.

Cutting fabric well makes sewing much easier. Uneven edges are harder to sew straight.

Get Your Machine Ready

Your sewing machine needs to be set up correctly. This is about sewing machine settings.

Setting Up Your Machine

Put the right needle in your machine. A universal needle works for most fabrics like cotton. A size 12 or 14 needle is good.
Put thread on your machine. Use thread that matches your fabric color. Or pick a color that stands out if you like that look. Put thread on the spool pin. Bring the thread down through the guides. Thread the needle. Put a bobbin with the same thread in the bobbin case.
Choose your stitch. A straight stitch is what you need for sewing seams. Look for a picture of a straight line on your machine.
Set the stitch length. A medium stitch length is good for seams. A setting of 2.5 is usually fine. A shorter stitch is stronger but harder to remove if you make a mistake. A longer stitch is weaker.
Test on a scrap piece of your fabric. Sew a few lines. Check the stitches on both sides. They should look the same. Adjust the thread tension if needed. The machine manual tells you how.

Getting the sewing machine settings right helps your stitches look good and strong.

Choose How to Close Your Pillow

You need a way to get the pillow stuffing inside. You also need a way to close the pillow after. There are a few main ways to do this.

Sewn Shut: Sew three sides, stuff, then sew the last side closed by hand or machine. This is the simplest for beginners.
Envelope Cover: The back has an overlap. You put the pillow form inside through the opening. No hand sewing needed. This is very popular.
Zipper Closure: You sew a zipper into one side. You open the zipper to put the form or stuffing in. Then zip it closed.

We will look at how to make the cover using these methods.

Method 1: Simple Sewn Shut Pillow

This is the easiest pillow cover to make.

Steps for a Sewn Shut Pillow

Take your two cut fabric pieces. Put them right sides together. The pretty sides of the fabric should be facing each other.
Line up the edges neatly. Use pins to hold the layers together. Put pins every few inches.
Go to your sewing machine. Start sewing along one edge. Use your chosen seam allowance (like 1/2 inch). Sew straight. You are stitching seams now.
Sew along the first side, stop when you get close to the corner. Leave the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric, put the presser foot down. This helps make a nice corner.
Sew down the second side. Turn the corner.
Sew down the third side.
Stop sewing after the third side. Do not sew the fourth side shut yet! You need to leave an opening. An opening about 5-6 inches long is good. This is where you will put the pillow stuffing.
Backstitch at the start and end of your stitching. Sewing backward a few stitches makes the seam strong. It stops the stitches from coming undone.
Trim the corners. Cut the extra fabric at the corners but don’t cut the stitches. This makes the corners look sharp when you turn the pillow right side out.

Finishing the Seams

The raw edges of your fabric inside the pillow can fray. You can make them neat. This is called finishing seams.

Zig-zag stitch: Your machine likely has a zig-zag stitch. Sew a zig-zag stitch near the raw edge of the fabric inside the pillow. This stops fraying.
Pinking shears: After sewing the straight seam, you can cut the raw edges with pinking shears. The zig-zag cut helps stop fraying.

You can finish the seams on all four sides before you turn the pillow.

Turn and Stuff

Turn the pillow cover right side out through the opening you left.
Push out the corners gently. A chopstick or dull pencil helps.
Now it’s time for pillow stuffing. Take handfuls of fiberfill. Put it into the pillow cover. Push it into the corners first. Keep adding stuffing until the pillow is as full as you like. Make sure it is even.
Once the pillow is stuffed, you need to close the opening. Fold the raw edges of the opening inside by your seam allowance amount (1/2 inch). Pin the folded edges together neatly.
You can sew this opening shut by hand using a hidden stitch (like a ladder stitch). Or you can sew it very close to the edge on your sewing machine. Sewing by machine is faster but the stitches will show.

You finished your first pillow! This DIY pillow project is simple and rewarding.

Method 2: Envelope Pillow Cover

This method uses overlapping fabric on the back. No hand sewing is needed to close it. It’s great for covers you want to wash.

Calculating Fabric for Envelope Back

You will need one piece for the front and two pieces for the back.
Let’s say you want a 16×16 inch finished pillow.
Front piece: Cut one piece 17 inches x 17 inches (16 inches + 1/2 inch + 1/2 inch).
Back pieces: Each back piece will be the same width as the front (17 inches). The height will be different. They need to overlap. Take the finished height (16 inches). Add extra for overlap (about 4-6 inches) and seam allowances. A simple way: take the finished height (16 inches). Add seam allowance (1 inch total). Add overlap (5 inches). Total height: 16 + 1 + 5 = 22 inches. Divide this between two pieces. So, each back piece needs to be about 17 inches wide by 11 inches or 12 inches tall. Let’s say we make each back piece 17 inches wide x 11 inches tall.

You need to finish one long edge on each back piece. This edge will be the overlap.

Steps for Envelope Cover

Prepare Back Pieces: Take one back piece (e.g., 17×11 inches). Along one 17-inch edge, fold over 1/2 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric. Press it flat with an iron. Fold it over again 1/2 inch. Press again. This hides the raw edge.
Sew this folded edge down. Sew close to the inside fold. This is finishing seams neatly. Do this for both back pieces along one long edge.
Lay the front fabric piece right side up.
Place one prepared back piece on top of the front piece. The finished edge of the back piece should be towards the center. Line up the raw edges on three sides (top, bottom, and one side). The finished edge will be sticking inward.
Place the second prepared back piece on top. Its finished edge should also be towards the center. Line up the raw edges on the remaining three sides. The two back pieces will overlap in the middle. The finished edges make the opening.
Pin all layers together around all four outside edges. Make sure the back pieces overlap neatly in the middle.
Go to your sewing machine. Start sewing along one edge using your seam allowance (1/2 inch). Sew all the way around all four sides. Sew straight. This is stitching seams.
Sew slowly over the thick part where the back pieces overlap.
Backstitch at the start and end. Trim the corners.
You can finish the seams on the inside edges if you like (zig-zag stitch or pinking shears).
Turn the cover right side out through the envelope opening on the back. Push out the corners.
Put your pillow form or pillow stuffing inside through the opening. The back pieces overlap to keep the pillow inside.

This DIY pillow project uses an envelope pillow cover. It’s a great skill to learn!

Method 3: Pillow Cover with a Zipper

Adding a zipper gives a clean look. It’s a bit more steps but very useful. This is about adding a zipper.

Steps for Adding a Zipper

You need two pieces of fabric for the front and back. Let’s use our 16×16 inch example. Cut two pieces 17 inches by 17 inches. You also need a zipper that is shorter than the side you will sew it on. For a 17-inch side, a 14-inch or 16-inch zipper works well.
Decide which side will have the zipper. It’s usually the bottom edge.
Put the two fabric pieces right sides together.
On the edge where the zipper will go, mark the start and end points for the zipper. Center the zipper area. If the side is 17 inches and the zipper is 14 inches, you need 1.5 inches of seam on each end (17 – 14 = 3 inches total, 3 / 2 = 1.5 inches per end). Mark 1.5 inches from each corner.
Sew this zipper edge. Start sewing from the corner using your 1/2 inch seam allowance. Sew up to the first mark. Backstitch here.
Change your machine’s stitch to a long basting stitch (a loose stitch, often 4 or 5 on the dial). Sew from the first mark to the second mark with the basting stitch. Do not backstitch here.
Change back to your normal stitch length (2.5). Sew from the second mark to the corner. Backstitch here.
Press the seam open with an iron.
Place the zipper face down on the open seam. The teeth of the zipper should be right on top of the seam line.
Pin the zipper in place.
Now, you will sew the zipper onto the fabric. You usually need a special zipper foot for your sewing machine. This foot lets you sew close to the zipper teeth.
Turn the fabric over so the right side is up. The zipper is underneath, centered on the seam.
From the right side, you will sew around the zipper. Sew about 1/4 inch away from the seam line. Start sewing on one short end across the zipper tape. Then turn and sew down the long side next to the zipper teeth. When you get near the zipper pull, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, and carefully open the zipper past the foot. Put the foot back down and continue sewing down the rest of the long side. Sew across the other short end. Then sew up the other long side next to the other set of zipper teeth. It will look like a rectangle of stitching around the zipper area.
Backstitch at the start and end.
Turn the fabric to the wrong side. Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the basting stitches you made earlier between the two marks. This opens the seam to show the zipper.
Open the zipper part of the way.
Now, sew the other three sides of the pillow cover. Put the two fabric pieces right sides together again. The zipper is on one side. Line up the other three raw edges. Pin them.
Sew along these three sides using your 1/2 inch seam allowance. Make sure the zipper is partly open. This makes it easier to turn the cover later.
Backstitch at the start and end of each seam. Trim the corners.
You can finish the seams on the inside edges (zig-zag or pinking shears).
Turn the cover right side out through the open zipper. Push out corners.
Insert your pillow stuffing or pillow form through the zipper opening. Zip it up.

Adding a zipper makes a clean finish. It allows easy washing of the cover.

Throughout all these methods, practicing sewing straight lines is important. Sew slowly and watch the edge of your fabric or the guide on your sewing machine’s plate.

Put the Stuffing Inside

If you made the simple sewn-shut pillow, you do this before sewing the final opening closed. If you made an envelope or zipper cover, you do this after the cover is finished.

How to Add Pillow Stuffing

Use good quality fiberfill. It comes in bags.
Open the cover (if it’s envelope or zipper).
Grab handfuls of pillow stuffing.
Push the stuffing into the corners first. Make sure they are full.
Keep adding stuffing. Put it in evenly. Break up any big clumps of fiberfill.
Fill until the pillow is as firm as you like. Don’t overstuff if sewing shut by machine, it makes the last seam hard to sew.
If using a pillow form, simply push the form into the finished cover.

This step is key to making your pillow look good and feel comfy.

Close Up the Pillow

Sewn Shut: Fold under the raw edges of the opening. Pin neatly. Sew very close to the edge using your machine. Or sew by hand with a hidden stitch.
Envelope/Zipper: Just insert the form or stuffing and the opening closes itself or zips shut.

Final Touches

Trim any loose threads from your seams.
Press the finished pillow cover with an iron if needed. This makes it look crisp. Be careful with some fabrics like velvet.
Fluff up your new pillow!

You did it! Your DIY pillow project is finished.

Why Make Your Own Pillow?

Making your own pillows lets you:

Pick the exact fabric you want. Match your room perfectly.
Make pillows in any size or shape. Stores might not have the size you need.
Save money. Fabric is often cheaper than buying a finished pillow.
Use up fabric scraps from other projects.
Learn new sewing skills like stitching seams, cutting fabric, or adding a zipper.
Feel proud of something you made yourself! It’s a fun DIY pillow project.

It’s a great way to practice sewing straight lines and using your machine.

Hints for Making a Pillow

Pre-wash your fabric before you cut it. Fabric can shrink.
Use sharp scissors for cutting. It makes straighter lines.
Pin fabric layers well. This stops them from slipping.
Sew slowly, especially on corners and curves.
Use backstitches at the start and end of seams to make them strong.
Press your seams flat as you sew. This helps them look neat.
Don’t be afraid to try different closure methods like the envelope pillow cover or adding a zipper.
Practice sewing straight lines on scrap fabric first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any fabric to make a pillow?
Most woven fabrics work well. Cotton, linen, denim, and home decor fabrics are good choices. Very stretchy or slippery fabrics might be harder for beginners.

What kind of thread should I use?
All-purpose polyester thread is best for most pillow projects. It is strong and lasts a long time.

What kind of needle do I need for my sewing machine?
A universal needle, size 12 or 14, works for most fabrics like cotton. If you use thick fabric like denim, you might need a stronger needle like a denim needle.

How much stuffing do I need?
It depends on the size of your pillow and how full you want it. A 20-ounce bag of fiberfill can usually fill one or two standard throw pillows. It is better to have too much than too little.

Can I wash a handmade pillow?
If you use an envelope pillow cover or adding a zipper, you can take the cover off and wash it according to the fabric’s care instructions. If the pillow is sewn shut, check if the stuffing is washable. Some fiberfills are washable, some are not.

Do I have to finish the seams inside?
You don’t have to, but it is a good idea. Finishing seams stops the fabric edges from fraying inside the pillow. This makes the pillow last longer and look nicer on the inside if you ever open it.

My sewing machine stitches are not straight. What can I do?
Practice makes perfect! Watch the edge of your fabric or the guide on your machine’s plate. Don’t look at the needle. Sew slowly. Draw lines on scrap fabric and try sewing right on the lines. This helps you get better at sewing straight lines.

Conclusion

Making a pillow with a sewing machine is a great way to learn and use sewing skills. You pick your fabric, do the fabric measurements, do some cutting fabric, set your sewing machine settings, practice sewing straight lines while stitching seams, maybe try adding a zipper or making an envelope pillow cover, add the pillow stuffing, and do some finishing seams. It’s a fun and simple DIY pillow project. With just a few basic steps, you can create soft, custom pillows for your home. Give it a try!