Ideas for Decorative Pillows to Make

Envelope Pillow

• An envelope pillow is the ideal starter pillow for people new to sewing. You'll need a pillow form or cushion to make the pillow, not polyester batting or stuffing. You'll need three pieces of fabric for an envelope pillow. One piece of fabric should measure the pillow form's dimensions and the other two pieces should measure 3/4 of the width of the pillow by its length. For example, if you're using a 20-inch square pillow form, cut one 20 x 20 inch piece of fabric and two 15 x 20 inch pieces of fabric. An envelope pillow is an ideal option if you want to change the cover on your pillow with the seasons or if you have young children who are likely to spill on the pillows. You can remove the inner cushion when needed and launder.

Fringed Pillow

• A pillow with a fringed edge adds a sophisticated touch to a room. Make your life easier by using two tea towels or napkins for the pillow's fabric, or cut two squares from your favorite fabric. Before you sew the squares of fabric together, stitch the fringe along the edge of four sides of one piece of fabric. You'll need to fold the fringe so that it lies against the right side of the fabric before you stitch the pillow or else the fringe will end up inside the pillow. Use polyester batting inside the pillow, not a pillow form.

Bolster Pillow

• A bolster pillow is a cylindrical pillow. It may not be as practical as square pillows, but it looks pretty sitting in the middle of a couch. Since you need to cut two circles of fabric for the ends of the pillow, it is a little more difficult to make than square or rectangular pillows. You can dress up the bolster pillow by adding fringe to either end or by using a mix of fabrics. For example, use a metallic fabric for the middle portion of the bolster pillow and smooth cotton for the ends.

Patchwork Pillows

• A patchwork pillow is a good way to use up fabric scraps or to repurpose worn T-shirts into something new. The project can be quick and simple or very complex, depending on how large you make the patches and the finished pillow. When you sew the patches together, always iron the seams flat so that the pillow doesn't bunch when finished. Use batting inside the pillow, or make it a patchwork envelope pillow and use a pillow form. If you can sew zippers, you can put a zipper on one edge and use a pillow form inside as well.