Making a round pillow is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that you can complete in an afternoon, even if you have basic sewing skills. All you’ll need is some fabric, stuffing, a sewing machine (although you can do it by hand), and a few other tools like scissors, a needle, and thread. To make a round pillow, you will first cut two circles of fabric, sew them together leaving an opening, turn the pillow right side out, add the stuffing, and then stitch the opening closed. Now, let’s delve into a step-by-step guide to help you create your own cozy, custom round pillow.
Materials Needed
- Fabric of your choice
- Pillow stuffing or polyester fiberfill
- Matching thread
- Sewing needle or sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Straight pins
- Paper (optional for creating a pattern)
- Compass or a round object for tracing (like a plate or bowl)
Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Round Pillow
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Fabric
Decide on the fabric you’d like to use. Cotton, velvet, or fleece are all good choices, depending on the texture and look you want for your pillow. Wash and iron your fabric beforehand to prevent shrinkage or wrinkles after you’ve sewn your pillow.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric
You’ll need two equal-sized circles for your pillow. To create a pattern, you can either use a compass and paper or trace around a round object directly onto your fabric with fabric marker or chalk. Aim for a diameter that matches your desired pillow size, usually anywhere from 12 to 20 inches. Carefully cut out your circles using fabric scissors.
Step 3: Pin and Sew the Circles Together
Place the circles together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Use straight pins to pin the two circles together, which will keep the fabric from shifting as you sew. Then, using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew around the edge, leaving a seam allowance (about a half-inch from the fabric’s edge) and an opening wide enough to insert the stuffing (about 4 to 5 inches).
Step 4: Turn the Fabric Right Side Out
Through the opening you left, carefully turn the pillowcase right side out. Use a pencil, blunt-ended scissors, or a similar object to push out the fabric along the seam so that the pillow’s edge is nicely rounded.
Step 5: Stuff the Pillow
Using pillow stuffing or polyester fiberfill, stuff your pillow to the desired firmness. Break apart clumps of stuffing to ensure an even fill and reduce lumps.
Step 6: Close the Opening
After stuffing the pillow, fold in the edges of the fabric at the opening inward, mimicking the seam allowance, and pin it closed. Use a needle and thread to hand sew the opening shut with a stitch that matches the rest of the pillow’s seam. Stitches like the ladder stitch or slip stitch are commonly used for this step as they can invisibly secure the fabric.
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Step 7: Finishing Touches
If desired, you can add decorative touches to your pillow. This might include sewing on buttons, applying decorative stitching, or attaching tassels or pom-poms. Get creative! Embellishments can add character to your pillow and help it match your decor.
Decorative Options and Personalization
Adding Trim or Piping
For a more finished look, you could add trim or piping between the circles before you sew them together. To do this, pin the trim or piping to the right side of one of the fabric circles along the edge, making sure that the raw edges of the trim or piping align with the edge of the fabric. Then place the second circle on top, right sides facing together, and proceed to sew the circles together, making sure not to catch the decorative elements in your seam.
Embroidery or Appliqué
To personalize your pillow, consider adding embroidery or appliqué before sewing the circles together. This could be anything from a monogram to a favorite quote or design. Embroidery can be done by hand or with a machine, while appliqué involves sewing on pieces of fabric to create patterns or pictures.
Alternative Stuffing and Pillow Maintenance
Choices of Pillow Stuffing
While polyester fiberfill is common, alternatives include cotton batting, down feathers, or even repurposed fabric scraps for a more sustainable approach. Each has its own feel and level of support, so consider what will be most comfortable for you.
Caring for Your Round Pillow
Depending on the material, most round pillows can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent for small stains or hand washed. For pillows that see heavy use, choose a durable fabric and consider making a removable pillow cover. This allows you to freshen up your pillow regularly without worrying about damaging the inner filling.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a round pillow is a delightful project that allows you to add a personal touch to your home decor. It’s a way to express your creativity and to make something that’s truly unique. Plus, it’s simple enough that even beginners to sewing can find success with it. So gather your materials, set aside an afternoon, and enjoy the process of crafting a new round pillow that will bring comfort and charm to any room. Remember, the beauty of DIY lies not only in the finished product but also in the joy of creation. Happy sewing!
