Making a knot pillow is a simple and fun DIY project that can add a touch of homemade comfort to any room. In essence, to make a knot pillow, you need to create a long fabric tube, stuff it with filling, and then tie the tube into a knot. Below are the detailed steps, materials needed, and tips for crafting your very own knot pillow.
Materials Needed
- Fabric – a stretchy jersey or fleece material works well
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread for hand-sewing
- Fabric measuring tape
- Polyfill stuffing or pillow stuffing
- Straight pins
- Chalk or fabric marker
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
First, decide on the size of your knot pillow. A standard size to start with could be a strip of fabric approximately 5 inches wide and 150 inches long. This should result in a medium-sized knot pillow. Measure and cut your fabric accordingly, ensuring you leave an extra half inch on each side for seam allowance.
Step 2: Sewing the Fabric Tube
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other and pin along the edge to keep it in place. Sew along the long edge with a half-inch seam allowance, leaving both ends open. Then, turn the fabric tube right side out so that the seams are on the inside.
Step 3: Filling the Tube
Start stuffing your fabric tube with polyfill, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Avoid over-stuffing, as you need a certain amount of flexibility to tie the knot. The tube should be firm but malleable.
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
Step 4: Closing the Ends
Once stuffed, you need to close the ends of the tube. Fold the raw edges of the fabric inside the tube and sew them shut. You can do this either with a sewing machine or by hand with a slip stitch for a seamless look.
Step 5: Tying the Knot
The knot you’ll be creating is known as a “Celtic knot.” Start by forming a loop with one end of your tube. Bring the other end of the tube over the first, then under the loop you just formed. Next, pull the same end through the loop from underneath. Adjust the fabric as you work to create an even-looking knot. Additional loops can be formed by weaving the fabric through in a similar way to create more complex knot patterns.
Step 6: Adjusting and Finishing
Once you’ve tied your knot, adjust the fabric and stuffing as necessary to make sure the pillow is even and plush all the way around. You might need to work with it for a little bit to get the perfect shape.
Additional Tips
- Fabric Choice: Choosing the right fabric is crucial. A stretchy fabric will be more forgiving and easier to manipulate when tying the knot.
- Stuffing: Be consistent with the stuffing to avoid lumps. This will also ensure that the pillow keeps its shape.
- Size Adjustments: If you want a larger or smaller pillow, you can adjust the length and width of your fabric accordingly. Just keep in mind that a longer tube makes a more complex knot, while a shorter tube results in a simpler one.
- Sewing Technique: If you’re new to sewing, practice a bit beforehand. A simple straight stitch is sufficient for this project, but neatness counts.
- Securing the Knot: You might find that your knot shifts a bit with use. If desired, you can secure crossings with small hand stitches to maintain the shape.
- Cleaning: Consider the pillow’s maintenance when selecting fabric. If it’s likely to need washing, choose a fabric that can handle it, or create a slip that can be removed and washed.
Finishing Thoughts
Making a knot pillow is a delightful project that can add a cozy and custom touch to your space. They’re great for propping up your head during a movie night, adding a pop of color to your décor, or even giving as a unique, handcrafted gift. The key is to be patient, especially when it comes to tying the knot and adjusting the final shape. With the right materials and a bit of practice, you can create a chic and comfortable knot pillow that reflects your personal style while providing special comfort.
Remember, handmade items not only bring warmth to a home but also carry the sentiment of time and effort spent – a knot pillow is a perfect example of this. Play with different fabrics, sizes, and colors; the possibilities are endless! And above all, enjoy the process of creating something by hand. It’s an opportunity to relax, express your creativity, and create a functional work of art for your home.
