In celebration of my new fabric collection I thought it would be fun to try something new. I new I wanted to use the Imprint Fabric Collection from Moda Fabrics to make some new throw pillow for the house, but I needed them to have a little extra something. I added a velvet trim to the seam and I'm obsessed with how they turned out. Today I'm sharing how to make your own! Let's jump in.
Supplies to Make Two Pillows:
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Front of Pillows Fabric: (2) 19" x 19" squares (Mine is canvas. See notes under Interfacing to decide what you need if you're using cotton.)
- If Quilting: (2) 20" x 20" squares to give yourself some trimming room to square them up to 19" x 19" after you've quilted them.
- Back of Pillows Fabric: (4) 19" x 12 ½" which will be two per pillow
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Interfacing: (4) 19" x 12 ½" which will be two per pillow
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I added this for more structure to my pillows, but you don't have to.
- You can also add interfacing to the front pieces if you aren't quilting them. My fabric was a heavy cotton canvas so it did not need anymore structure
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I added this for more structure to my pillows, but you don't have to.
- Batting (if quilting): (2) 24" x 24" pieces
- Two 18" x 18" Pillow Forms
- Curved Corner Template
- Decorative Trim: 4 yards, I used this velvet trim I found on Etsy
Assembly Instructions:
Now that you've got all your supplies ready, let's get started. If you're using interfacing go ahead and attach that to any fabric you're adding it to. If you plan to quilt the front of your pillows, bast the fabric to the batting and get that prepped to quilt.
I quilted mine using a 2" x 2" 45 degree crosshatch pattern I marked with my hera marker and ruler.
Next, you'll need to prep your backing pieces. These will overlap by a few inches so first you'll need to create a finished edge. Fold the 19" side of each piece ¼" and then another ¼" (so ½" total) and press it down. You can pin along this edge if that helps too.
Next sew along the turned edge to create a lovely finished side. Take this to your cutting match or wherever you can measure. Lay the pieces right side up so that together they are 19" tall and overap about 3-4" in the center. Then sew a quick stitch down each side to secure and create one 19" x 19" back piece with an envelope opening in the center.
Now it's time to put the trim on. Before you start sewing it down, it is very helpful to round your corners. I used the small side of the curved corner ruler to round all four corners on the back and front pieces. This will help your trim lay much nicer and be easier to sew around.
Ok now let's add the trim. I've got a few images here with some tips. I used by zipper foot. Your machine may have different options. Whichever foot allows you to move your need over to the furthest side is the one you'll want. See below where I used my zipper foot and moved my needle all the way over to the left. The trim will attach to the right side of your front fabric with the trim on the inside and the ribbon on the outside so that it gets buried inside the pillow.
Start sewing your trim down about 1" from the end so that there is a little loose piece that is not attached. You'll see why soon. I tried to use a ½" seam allowance so my trim is about ⅛" from the edge of my fabric. Sew carefully around the perimeter of the pillow. When you get to the corners it is helpful to set you need to stop in the down position so you can ease your way around the corner.
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Free Playroom Pillow Tutorial
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Imprint Fabric Collection with Moda Fabrics
When you get to the beginning of your trim where you started, overlap the pieces in an X like I show below. Then sew over both ends. I backstitched to really secure this.
Finishing Your Pillow:
Grab your pillow back and pin it right sides together with the pillow front.
Here's a peek inside while I sewed around mine. Like I mentioned, I used a ½" seam allowance. However, I aimed to sew either on top of or just inside the previous seam from attaching the trim to the front. This ensures that the trim is RIGHT in the seam and when you turn it right side out you'll see it perfectly peeking out around the perimeter. See below for a visual!
You're done after that! Turn your pillow right side out through the envelope opening in the back. Insert your pillow form and admire your work!
