How to Fix the Edges of Couch Pillows

Machine Reinforced Seams

• 1

  Unzip the back of the couch pillow. If your pillow does not have a zipper, use a seam ripper to open the bottom or underside seam of the pillow. You can identify this seam by looking for trim seams or by observing the way the pillow fits on the sofa.

• 2

  Remove the pillow insert and set it aside. Turn the cover inside out. When seams open it usually means there was a break in the seam or the fabric was inadequate to hold up to the pressure placed upon the fabric in the seam areas. To correct this you need to reinforce the seams.

• 3

  Arrange the cover so that the face sides are together and the seam is closed. Pin 3/8-inch wide twill tape over the existing seam line so that the tape is centered over the seam. Twill tape is a stable herringbone pattern tape sold in fabric stores that is used to reinforce seams.

• 4

  Sew the twill tape to the seam using two parallel seams 1/8-inch apart on both sides of the existing seam line. This will not disturb your existing seam but it will add two additional seams on either side to support the seam more effectively. Repeat for all of your seams. Hand sew your opening closed after inserting your pillow form.

Hand Sewn Seams

• 5

  Repair opening seams on fixed cushions, arm rests or for pillows where you feel uncomfortable seam ripping the seams open by using hand sewing techniques.

• 6

  Push the pillow form away from the seam edge where you will be sewing. Roll the seam deeper so that the seam is 1/8-inch below the fabric on each side. You can use a seam ripper to push the seam inward but usually you can roll it in your fingers and pinch to hold the fabric in place.

• 7

  Thread an upholstery needle with heavy duty thread. Knot the ends. Bring the needle up from inside the seam to the outside. Use a overcast or overhand stitch spaced 1/8-inch apart or smaller to sew tight stitches along the seam line. This adds a second seam over your machined seam and hand sewing tends to be stronger than machine stitches, so this will strengthen the seams.

• 8

  Stabilize very weak fabric by inserting narrow twill tape in the ditch where you have rolled down the seam. Sew through the twill on each stitch. Keep the twill buried in the ditch.