The first step to making your own pillows is to have all the tools you'll need on hand.
You'll need:
2 decorative napkins or handkerchiefs
needle
pins
thread
pillow stuffing
iron/ironing board
Instructions
Pick out your napkins keeping your room's color scheme in line. To give the pillow more pop, choose two different napkins that compliment each other but are not the same color or pattern.
Iron out the wrinkles from both napkins and lay them out on the floor on top of each other. Make sure that the patterned sides or the more colorful sides of each napkin are facing each other. This means that the pillow will be inside out while you are sewing it. Pin the two pieces together so they stay in place while you're sewing.
Sewing thread, or floss, generally comes as 6 individual strands grouped together. You'll only want to use three of these strands to sew your pillow with. Split the ends so you've got your three threads in each hand and pull apart the two groups of strands. It's easier to pull them apart if you put the thread between your knees and pull them apart from there; this prevents it from getting tangled as you pull them apart.
Thread your needle and tie a knot in the longest end. Make sure you don't tie the two ends of the thread together or you won't be able to get your needle off the thread. Start sewing your pillow up using a simple stitch or running stitch (See images). Take the pins out as you sew the edges of your pillow together.
When you get towards the end of your pillow, make sure you leave at least a hand's width of space that you do not sew up. Tie off your thread and double check to make sure all your pins are out.
Turn your pillow right side in. Now your stitches are hidden and it's time to stuff your pillow! Pillows take more stuffing than you would think so make sure you have enough stuffing to fill the pillow. Keep pressing the stuffing into the corners and pack it in nice and tight so the pillow doesn't have a deflated look to it when you sew the rest of the corner together.
Now, you're going to sew the rest of your pillow together. This is tricky because you need to try to hide the stitches while you're sewing. Thread your needle like you did before and try to keep the stitching inside the pillow as much as you can. This step takes practice and it's okay to have a little bit showing as you can keep this part down and hidden.
Tie the thread off and fluff your pillow. You're done!
Corrine Hendrickson - An avid researcher and Literature major, Corrine's writing focuses on health, cooking, and crafting.
