Throw Pillow Ideas

If you’re into making your own throw pillows or pillow covers to dress up old throw pillows, you’re probably always looking for new ways to sew or decorate your creations.

Here are some ideas for sewing your own pillows:

• Slip stitching. The slip stitch is how you close up the fourth seam on a homemade throw pillow. When done well, it’s as invisible as the sewing machine seams. When done poorly, it’s the puckered, crooked edge that you hide behind other pillows. Visit Keyka Lou’s Sewing blog for instructions on how to get a perfectly straight seam when slip stitching.
• Removable covers. Removability is important for washing your handmade pillow covers, but you don’t have to sew in a zipper to be able to take the covers off. Check out Candace Todd’s directions on making an overlapping pillow cover that goes on and comes off the pillow easy. (If you want, you could even put a zipper in the hidden pocket, but it’s not necessary.)

Sick of the same old two-side square pillows? Here are ideas for something slightly different:

• Dress shirt pillow: Upcycle worn men’s dress shirts into stylish pillows, from Martha Stewart Living.
• DIY Floor Cushion: A great way to add extra seating for company or kids’ rooms, from Apartment Therapy.

Of course, if square pillows are what you like keep doing it! There are so many easy and cheap ways to make your own throw pillows. Adding embroidery, appliques and beadwork or using unusual fabrics, like tea towels or tee shirts, can give you the unique accent you’re looking for in your decor!