How to Make a Round Floor Pillow

Place a large, round, dense foam cushion face down over upholstery fabric. Draw a line around the perimeter of the cushion 1/2 inch away from the side. Cut two pieces of fabric to this size. The amount of fabric needed will vary according to the size of your cushion.

Measure the height of the cushion thickness and add 1 inch for seams. Measure the circumference of the cushion and divide that number by two. Add 1 inch. Cut three pieces of fabric for the sides of the cushion to fit this measurement.

Take two pieces of side fabric to make your zipper section. Fold one piece under 1 1/2 inches along its length and iron. Repeat for the second piece. Unfold the crease and place the two pieces face sides together so that the creases line up. Measure four inches from the end of the fabric and pin. Repeat for the second side. Sew a double stitch seam along the crease for 4 inches. Repeat for the second side. A double stitch means sewing the same seam twice for strength.

Place the joined fabric on the ironing board and re-iron the seam and crease. Turn the fabric face down. Center your zipper face down over the opening. The zipper should extend 2 inches from the end of the fabric on each side. Pin the zipper to the fabric. Place a zipper foot on the sewing machine and sew along the sides of the zipper, keeping the fabric centered and butting over the center of the zipper. Start 3 1/2 inches from the end of the fabric and stop 3 1/2 inches from the other end of the fabric.

Turn your fabric 90 degrees toward the zipper and slowly sew over the zipper, reverse and sew back over it a second time. Go forward and sew over it a third time. Turn your fabric 90 degrees. Make sure the center of your fabric is butting all along to cover the zipper. Sew along the side of the zipper to 3 1/2 inches from the end. Turn your fabric 90 degrees toward the zipper and sew across the zipper three times.

Place your zipper panel face up. Center your other side panel over your zipper panel face sides together keeping your zipper in the center and straight. Pin the two pieces together. Trim off the excess fabric along the sides of the zipper panel. Sew the short ends together with a 1/2-inch seam.

Align the top rough edge of your side panel face sides together with the rough edge of the top cover. Pin and sew a 1/2-inch seam all around. Make V-notched cuts 3/8 inch along the seam allowance to ease the curve. Open the zipper. Align the bottom rough edge of your side panel face sides together with the rough edge of the bottom cover and repeat the aforementioned steps used for the top rough edge. Turn your cover right side out through the zipper.

Insert your cushion into the cover and zip it closed.