easy-sew throw pillows

I’ve been on a DIY rampage this week, probably because my BF’s gone to India for work and I have all this me-time on my hands. Guaranteed my roommates think I’m crazy, and that they’ll come home one day to metallic spray painted dogs. What? I would never do that, that would be cruel!

A few months ago, when I reupholstered my French queen chair, I used the extra fabric and made a matching throw pillow. I had full intentions at that time to write a tutorial on how to make an easy throw pillow, but after 4 hours of wrestling with the seamless zipper, and realizing it was NOT easy, I concluded sewing tutorials aren’t for me.

Well, I thought I’d try again, with a truly easy sewing tutorial (no zippers!!!)

I call them “easy-sew” because you literally only need to sew 6 straight lines. There’s no zipper involved, there’s no velcro, there’s no rounded edges – there’s just you, sewing in a straight line. Easy peasy.

I bought two Ralph Lauren grain sac pillows from Marshall’s last summer for ~$20. They’re amazing, and the pillow inserts are filled with super fluffy down feathers, so I decided I’d borrow the inserts for the new easy-sew covers, and used the Ralph Lauren covers as a template.

Follow these 8 steps to make your own easy-sew throw pillows

STEP 1 – grab a pillow insert, I used one I already owned, which measured to 18″ x 18″

STEP 2 – make a template for your pillow cover, I used the cover that was previously on the pillow insert as a template for the new pillow

STEP 3 – Lay your fabric down, wrong side out (so the right sides are facing each other), then place the template on top of your fabric. There should be 2 layers of fabric beneath your template. Cut the bottom layer the exact shape of the template. We want the top layer to have extra fabric, about 4″, because we are going to create something that resembles an envelope.

STEP 4 – pull the top layer of fabric 2″ to the right, so about 2″ hang off on the left and right sides of the bottom layer. Once it’s centered, cut down the middle with your scissors.

STEP 5 – Now, take the 2 top pieces you just cut, and re-position the pieces so they line up with the bottom layer. The inside pieces will overlap. Fold the inside pieces back about 1″ to 1.5″, and pin. Next, sew in a straight line along your pins, removing the pins as you sew of course.

STEP 6 – step 5 may be confusing, but image 6 is what you’ll see after you’ve pinning and sewing. Now, sew along the 4 edges, with about a 1/4″ hem.

STEP 7 – Once all sides are sewn, turn that sucker inside out!

STEP 8 – Stuff your new envelope case with your pillow insert

These pillows were so easy, I actually think I’ll go back and make more soon, versus waiting 6 months like I did the last time! Zippers are scary for newbies like me. I’m sure Velcro wouldn’t be too difficult to use either, although Velcro never washes well, I personally hate it and I don’t think it’s pretty, but it’s up to you!

Tomorrow’s post is going to be a doosey, so get ready!