When it comes to making your home feel warm, welcoming, and cozy, few things compare to the comfort of soft furnishings like throws and pillows. These items add not only warmth but also personality and texture to any space, making it feel more lived-in and inviting. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create custom pieces that suit your style and your home’s décor. DIY throws and pillows are an excellent way to inject personality into your space while also creating a cozy, personalized atmosphere.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own DIY throws and pillows. Whether you’re looking to update your living room with soft cushions or add a cozy touch to your bedroom with a hand-made throw, these projects will help you make your home feel like a haven.
Why DIY Throws and Pillows?
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore why DIY pillows and throws are such a great idea for home décor:
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Cost-Effective: Instead of buying expensive ready-made throws and pillows, you can create your own for a fraction of the price. You can find affordable fabrics at craft stores, thrift shops, or even repurpose old clothing.
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Customization: DIY projects give you complete control over the design. You can choose colors, patterns, textures, and finishes that perfectly match your space, whether you're aiming for boho chic, farmhouse warmth, or modern minimalism.
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Personal Touch: There’s something special about using handmade items in your home. DIY throws and pillows will always feel more personal, and they make excellent conversation starters.
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Sense of Accomplishment: There's great satisfaction in creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands. Plus, DIY projects are fun and therapeutic!
DIY Pillows: How to Make Custom Cushions for Every Room
Pillows are versatile pieces that can add comfort and style to any space. With just a few simple materials, you can make custom pillows to suit your home’s aesthetic. From modern, minimalist designs to more intricate and decorative styles, we’ve got step-by-step instructions for creating pillows that will add a cozy touch to your décor.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fabric (choose a fabric that suits your desired texture, like cotton, linen, velvet, or faux fur)
- Pillow inserts or stuffing (you can find pillow inserts at most fabric stores, or use an old pillow for a more sustainable option)
- Sewing machine or fabric glue (for no-sew pillows)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins
- Needle and thread (if hand-stitching)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Measure Your Pillow Insert: Start by measuring the dimensions of your pillow insert. You’ll need to cut your fabric to the appropriate size, allowing extra room for the seams (about 1 inch on each side). A typical throw pillow is around 16 inches by 16 inches, but you can adjust the size depending on your preference.
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Cut the Fabric: Cut two identical pieces of fabric to your measured size. If you want a more textured or decorative pillow, you can play with different patterns or colors for the front and back of the pillow.
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Pin the Pieces Together: Place the fabric pieces right sides together (so the printed or decorative side is facing inward). Pin the edges to keep everything aligned.
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Sew the Edges: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the edges of the fabric, leaving about a 1-inch seam allowance. Leave a small gap (around 4 inches) on one side of the pillow cover so you can turn it right-side-out and insert the pillow.
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Turn the Pillow Cover: After sewing, turn the pillow cover inside out, so the right side is facing outward. You can use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners to create a nice, sharp edge.
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Stuff the Pillow: Insert your pillow insert or stuff the pillow with fiberfill, making sure to evenly distribute the filling to avoid lumps.
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Close the Pillow: Hand-stitch the small gap closed using a needle and thread. You can choose to do a simple whip stitch for an invisible finish or a decorative stitch if you want the seam to be a design element.
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Decorate (Optional): Add decorative touches such as embroidery, tassels, or pom-poms to give your pillow a unique flair. You can use fabric paint or stencils to create patterns, or even add a zipper to make the pillow removable for washing.
DIY Throws: Creating Cozy, Warm Textiles for Your Home
Throws are perfect for adding warmth and texture to any room, whether draped over a couch, folded neatly at the foot of the bed, or curled up with during movie night. Creating your own throw is an affordable way to bring personalized style into your home. You can choose from knitted, crocheted, or fabric-based throws, depending on your skill level and the look you prefer.
Materials You’ll Need (for a Fabric Throw):
- Fabric (fleece, cotton, or any soft, cozy material)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins (optional)
- Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Choose Your Fabric: Decide what type of fabric you want for your throw. Fleece is a soft, cozy choice, and cotton is breathable and perfect for warmer months. You can even repurpose an old sheet or fabric scraps for a more sustainable option.
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Cut the Fabric: Measure and cut the fabric to your desired throw size. A standard throw size is around 50 inches by 60 inches, but you can adjust the dimensions to suit your space. Make sure both pieces are the same size.
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Create a Fringe Edge (Optional): If you want a fringe edge for your throw, simply cut 1-inch strips along each edge of the fabric. Use your fingers to pull the threads to create a fringe effect. This step is optional, but it can add texture and make the throw look more polished.
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Sew the Edges: If you prefer a cleaner look without a fringe, fold over the edges of the fabric by about 1/2 inch and pin it into place. Sew along the edges to create a neat hem.
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Add Personal Touches: Consider embellishing your throw with a patchwork design, embroidered initials, or fabric paint to give it a custom, personalized touch. You could also add a decorative border using a contrasting fabric to make it stand out.
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Finishing: Once the throw is complete, it’s time to enjoy! Drape it over a chair, sofa, or bed for an instant cozy vibe.
No-Sew Pillow and Throw Ideas: For Those Who Prefer a Simpler Approach
If you don’t have a sewing machine or you’re just not comfortable with hand-stitching, you can still create beautiful DIY pillows and throws using no-sew techniques. Here are some simple ideas:
No-Sew Pillow:
- Materials: Fabric, fabric glue, scissors, pillow insert.
- Instructions: Cut your fabric into two identical squares, and fold over the edges about 1 inch. Apply fabric glue to the edges and press the fabric together to seal. Insert your pillow form, and glue the final edge closed. Add decorative touches like fabric flowers or a no-sew pom-pom trim for a unique look.
No-Sew Throw:
- Materials: Fleece fabric, scissors.
- Instructions: Cut the fleece to your desired throw size, then cut small slits along the edges. Tie the slits together in knots to create a fringed border without sewing.
Tips for Styling DIY Throws and Pillows
Now that you’ve created your cozy throws and pillows, it’s time to style them in your home. Here are a few tips for incorporating your DIY soft furnishings into your décor:
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Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and patterns. Combine solid-colored pillows with printed ones or different fabrics, such as velvet and cotton, to create a layered, cozy effect.
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Add Throws to the Foot of the Bed: A throw draped across the end of your bed instantly adds coziness and a touch of luxury.
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Create a Pillow Pile: Layer several pillows in various shapes, sizes, and colors on your sofa or bed to create a relaxed, welcoming look.
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Play with Color: Use your throws and pillows to introduce color into a neutral room. Bold hues like mustard, navy, or emerald green can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Conclusion
DIY throws and pillows are simple, affordable, and effective ways to create a cozy, inviting home. Whether you’re adding warmth to a cold evening or enhancing the décor of your living room, these soft furnishings are a perfect way to express your personality while making your home feel more comfortable. With a little creativity, some fabric, and a few basic tools, you can create custom pieces that will bring your space to life and help it feel like a true sanctuary.
So, grab your sewing supplies and get started on your next cozy DIY project today!