how to make a chair pillow

3 min read 16-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to make a comfy chair pillow to add a touch of coziness to your home! This easy DIY tutorial provides step-by-step instructions, including choosing fabric, cutting patterns, and sewing techniques for beginners. Transform your living room with a custom-made chair pillow today!

Choosing Your Materials: The Foundation of Your Chair Pillow

Before diving into the sewing, gather your materials. The right fabric and filling make all the difference in comfort and style.

Fabric Selection

Consider the following when choosing your fabric:

Durability: Opt for sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric. These withstand daily wear and tear better than delicate materials.
Texture: Think about the feel you want. Velvet is luxurious, cotton is classic, and linen offers a more rustic look.
Pattern and Color: Choose a fabric that complements your existing decor. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold patterns or colors to add a pop of personality.
Wash care: Check the fabric's care instructions. Pre-washing your fabric prevents shrinkage after you've sewn your pillow.

Filling Options

The filling is crucial for the pillow’s comfort and support:

Polyester Fiberfill: This is a budget-friendly and readily available option. It's soft and fluffy, offering good cushioning.
Down or Feather Inserts: For a more luxurious feel, consider down or feather inserts. However, these can be more expensive and require careful maintenance.
Foam Inserts: These provide firmer support and are a great choice if you want a structured chair pillow.

Tools You'll Need

Measuring tape
Scissors
Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
Pins
Fabric marker or chalk
Pattern (or create your own)
Iron and ironing board

Measuring and Cutting: Crafting the Perfect Shape

Accurately measuring and cutting your fabric is key to a well-made chair pillow. Take your time with this step!

Measuring Your Chair

Before cutting any fabric, carefully measure the seat of your chair. Note the width, depth, and desired height of your pillow. Add extra seam allowance (about ½ inch to 1 inch) to your measurements.

Creating Your Pattern (or Using a Pre-Made One)

You can create your own pattern or utilize a pre-made one. If designing your own:

Draw your pattern: On a large piece of paper, draw the desired shape and size of your pillow, including seam allowance.
Cut out the pattern: Carefully cut out your pattern.

Cutting the Fabric

Pin the pattern: Pin your pattern to the wrong side (the back) of your fabric. Ensure the pattern pieces are laid out to avoid fabric waste.
Cut out the fabric: Carefully cut out two identical pieces of fabric following your pinned pattern.

Sewing Your Chair Pillow: Bringing It All Together

With your fabric cut, it’s time to sew!

Pinning and Sewing the Sides

Pin the pieces: Place the two fabric pieces right sides together (meaning the printed/good sides of fabric are facing inward). Pin along the edges, ensuring they are aligned.
Sew the sides: Using your sewing machine (or needle and thread), sew along the edges, leaving a gap of about 6-8 inches for turning the pillow right side out. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure your stitching.

Turning and Filling

Turn right side out: Carefully turn your pillow cover right side out through the opening you left. Use a blunt object, like a chopstick or pen, to help push out the corners.
Iron the seams: Press the seams flat using an iron. This will create a clean, professional finish.
Stuff the pillow: Fill the pillow with your chosen filling material until it’s firm but not overly stuffed. Distribute the filling evenly.

Closing the Opening

Hand-sew the gap: Hand-sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch or slipstitch. This creates an almost invisible seam.

Adding Extra Touches: Personalizing Your Chair Pillow

Once your basic chair pillow is complete, consider these finishing touches:

Decorative stitching: Add a decorative stitch along the edges for a more polished look.
Piping: Add piping to the edges for a professional touch and visual interest.
Buttons: Sew on buttons for extra flair.
Embroidery: Personalize your pillow with hand embroidery.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Chair Pillow!

Congratulations! You've successfully made a chair pillow. This cozy addition will enhance your home's comfort and style. Remember to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and fillings to create chair pillows that perfectly match your taste and decor. Enjoy relaxing on your newly personalized seating!