Making a bed pillow is a process of designing and assembling a comfortable cushion that will support your head and neck while you sleep. The basic steps include choosing the right materials, cutting them to size, sewing the pieces together, adding stuffing, and then sewing the pillow closed. Let’s delve deeper into each of these steps to help you craft the perfect pillow.
Materials Selection
Fabric Choices
When selecting fabric for your pillow, opt for something that feels nice against the skin since this will be a significant part of your sleep comfort. Cotton and linen are popular choices due to their breathability and softness. Silk and satin can also be luxurious options, while flannel is a cozy choice for colder climates.
Filling Options
The filling you choose will largely affect the pillow’s comfort and support level. Polyester fiberfill is a common choice due to its affordability and ease of care. Memory foam and latex offer more support and shape retention. Down and feathers are prized for their softness and ability to conform to the shape of your head, though some people have allergies to them.
Dimensions and Cut
Standard bed pillows measure around 20 inches by 26 inches, but you can create a custom size if desired. Once you’ve decided on the dimensions, add an extra inch on all sides for the seam allowance.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Preparing Your Materials
Using the dimensions of your chosen pillow size, cut out two pieces of the fabric, remembering to account for the seam allowance. Cut the pieces in equal sizes to ensure symmetry when sewing them together.
Sewing Your Pillow
Assembling the Pieces
Place the two fabric pieces with their right sides – the sides you want to be visible on the finished product – facing each other. Align the edges carefully. Pin the pieces together if necessary to keep them from shifting as you sew.
Stitching the Seams
Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch a straight seam around the perimeter of the pillow, leaving an opening large enough to insert the filling. The opening should be about 4-6 inches wide. Be sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to reinforce the seams.
Trimming and Clipping
Trim the corners diagonally without cutting too close to your stitching. This will help create nice sharp corners when you turn the pillow right side out. Also, consider clipping the seams every few inches along the curves if your pillow isn’t perfectly rectangular. This will prevent the fabric from bunching up and help maintain the pillow’s shape.
Turning the Pillow Right Side Out
Carefully turn the pillowcase right side out through the opening you left, gently poking out the corners with a blunt instrument like a chopstick or the back of a spoon. Iron the seams flat for a more professional finish if desired.
Stuffing Your Pillow
Gradually fill the pillow with your chosen material. If you’re using a loose fill like down or fiberfill, make sure to break up any clumps so the pillow will be smooth. For a firmer pillow, add more stuffing; for a softer pillow, use less. You want to be generous enough with filling so that the pillow is firm but not overstuffed.
Closing the Pillow
With the pillow properly stuffed to the right firmness, it’s time to close it up. Tuck the raw edges of the fabric inward along the opening and pin them together so they hold. The tucked fabric should be in line with the sewn seams.
Hand-Sewing the Final Seam
To create a seamless look, you can use a ladder stitch, also known as an invisible stitch, to close the opening. This hand-stitching technique helps hide the thread and is ideal for a nicely finished product.
Customizing Your Pillow
Adding a Personal Touch
Consider adding personal touches such as piping along the seam edges, a decorative trim, or a personalized patch. You can also create a pillowcase with an envelope or zipper closure for your homemade pillow so you can remove and wash it easily.
Decorative Covers
For an easy update, create several pillowcases in different patterns or colors that suit your bedroom decor or the season. This way, you can enjoy a fresh look without having to make an entire new pillow each time.
Finishing Thoughts
Making a bed pillow at home allows you to personalize your sleep experience and can be a gratifying DIY project. By following these steps, you can create a comfortable, supportive pillow tailored to your preferences. Always remember, the key to a great pillow is in the materials you choose and the love you put into making it. Enjoy crafting your custom pillow and have a wonderful night’s sleep with your new creation.
