Free Sewing Pattern Ideas for Throw Pillows

Are you ready to start a new sewing project but unsure of what to make next? With all the paid tutorials and patterns out there, you might have difficulty finding a free one that you like and want to use. There are plenty of free sewing pattern ideas for throw pillows, with Pinterest being a true gem for such a purpose. You can choose from multiple styles, from Boho to Scandi, and get to practice your stitches with simple projects like these. 

Choosing the Right Throw Pillow Fabric

When considering the right fabric for your throw pillow, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. With the wide variety of fabrics available, it’s not always easy to choose the right one, but the answers below will bring you closer to the best choice. 

How Will You Arrange the Pillows?

Do you prefer to maintain the same look for an extended period or do you like to make frequent adjustments to how it looks? It is recommended that you choose covers that can be removed if you are someone who leans more toward the second choice.

Does It Go Well With the Rest of Your Furniture and Accessories?

When deciding on the best material for the pillowcases, you should ensure that the fabric complements the overall design and personality of the room. Make a decision in advance regarding whether you want the fabric to complement the trend that is now in vogue or whether you would prefer to go with an alternative that stands out.

What Do You Want Your Pillow to Look Like?

You have a lot of room for creativity with sewing pattern ideas for throw pillows, and you can keep them updated with the latest trends if you so want. 

It is important to consider the colors, patterns, and textures of the fabric used for the pillows. Selecting the appropriate colors can impart great character into a space and even completely alter its appearance if the furnishings are appropriately coordinated.

Is the Material Long-Lasting?

If you want to choose the best material for your throw pillow covers, you must first determine how much use they will get, as this will guide your decision. You will need to select textiles that are resistant to stains, such as cotton linen if you have children or dogs living in your home.

What Exactly Is the Function of the Decorative Throw Pillow?

What do you hope to do with the decorative pillows that you bought? In what capacity will they be utilized, or will they merely serve as a decorative element? With this info, selecting the ideal material for the pillow cover will be much easier.

What Size and Shape Would Fit the Room?

You can find decorative pillows in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and it is important to select the most appropriate one for the furniture and the overall atmosphere of the space when making your purchase. Generally, square, bolster, round, and lumbar shapes are most frequently seen.

Best Fabrics For Throw Pillows

You will have a lot of alternatives to choose from when it comes to the fabric you use to manufacture pillow covers, and the following are some of the more popular and widely used possibilities.

Cotton & Linen Blend

Cotton, linen, and other natural materials are regarded as some of the greatest options for use in the construction of pillow coverings. They are pleasant to wear on the skin, have a silky smooth texture, and require very little maintenance, which is one of the primary reasons for their widespread use.

Additionally, cotton is a fairly long-lasting material that can be easily cleaned. The material gets even more pliable after being handled and washed several times, in addition to its inherent strength and natural sheen. The best part is that there will be many different prints available for you to select from.

Faux Fur 

The aesthetic of this material can be described as soft and opulent, both of which have contributed to its widespread popularity. They are created from polymeric strands, have a very soft feel to them, and are almost identical in appearance to real fur. This material does not tear easily and allows air to pass through it. 

Faux fur is an excellent option to consider selecting if you are looking for a material that can both add a decorative touch to a space and make it seem cozier. On the other hand, to prevent potential maintenance damage to fake fur, it is recommended that you clean this item using only wire dry cleaning.

Velvet

Velvet, which is a woven fabric that creates a rich feel, is another highly popular option. It has a nice, soft feeling and typically comes in various deep hues. If you treat this cloth with the correct amount of care, it will undoubtedly last for many years. 

Wool

Using wool in whatever form, from cable knitting to needlepoint, gives a space a chilly, mountainous atmosphere. It is best utilized during winter or while vacationing in the mountains.

Tips for Sewing a Throw Pillow

Different throw pillows are sewn differently, depending on the materials you use or what pattern you’re going for. Even so, a few general tips might help you regardless of the sewing pattern ideas for throw pillows you’re tackling. 

• Before turning, trim the corners to lessen the overall size.
• Think creatively and beyond the box when coming up with ideas for pillow covers. 
• To assist you in turning out the corners of your pillow, you can use a blunt item.
• You can give your pillow’s corners more support by stitching a double row of stitches all the way around each corner.
• Consider putting a layer of batting on top of the main fabric of your pillow if you want the surface to be nice and even. 
• Make a statement with a zippered fastener as your focal point.
• Reduce the size of your finished pillow by up to 1 inch compared to the form it was made from. Your pillow will have a fuller appearance due to this, and it will be easier to keep its shape.
• Make a decision regarding the pillow’s closure before beginning work on the pillow. Closure options include a zipper, an envelope, or all of it stitched together using a basic ladder stitch.
• To avoid the appearance of visible stitches along seams, shorten your stitch length just a little bit.

8 Free Sewing Pattern Ideas for Throw Pillows

Scandi Pillow Tutorial

This totally free tutorial explains how to make the cutest Scandi throw pillow. You can use various fabrics and patterns. Just make sure you have at least 11 x 11 ½ inches of each piece. You’re also going to need some square lining fabric, as well as some backing fabric. You can go with cotton, polyester, linen, or other fabrics that you find suitable for a throw pillow. I would choose all pieces of the same variety, so the pillow offers the same feel across its surface. 

Simple Throw Pillow

This tutorial is worth checking out if you want to make a throw pillow without spending too much money. A pillow like this one will cost you about $12 to make, and the steps are easy to follow. You need about one yard of fabric and go with multiple options, such as cotton or linen. You can find really cheap pillow inserts at IKEA or on Amazon. To sew the cover, you’ll need a sewing machine, some thread, and a few pins. 

Patchwork Gingham Pillows

Make a huge décor statement in your home with these adorable gingham pillows! These are a breeze to put together, and the hand stitching is a lovely addition to finish them off with. The pom-pom trims are a very nice touch. While these two pillows are aqua and pink, you can play around with other color combinations. You’ll need some dark and light print fabric, batting, white fabric, and backing fabric. 

Boho Fringe Throw Pillow

This is a really easy pattern that even a beginner can master! It’s perfect for a Boho living room sofa or even your Boho bedroom! This tutorial uses one skein of Loops and Threads Impeccable in Barley, but you can replace it with other medium-weight yarn. It uses single crochet, slip stitches, chain, and double crochet stitches. You add the fringes diagonally to make the project easier. 

Celtic Stitch Crochet

This gorgeous Celtic stitch throw pillow pattern may be a bit more challenging than others, but it’s still a great one to try if you want to upgrade or test your sewing skills. The project uses medium-weight yarn made with acrylic fibers. It’s best to opt for a washable insert. You’ll also need a crochet hook, a tapestry needle, and some scissors. 

Heart Pillow

Made by combining crochet and cross stitches, this adorable heart pillow is perfect for adding a little bit of detail to your couch or bed. It’s a very easy project that uses medium-weight yarn to render a pillow that measures 27 x 13.5 inches. Because of its soft and cozy design, you can make this pillow using all sorts of fibers, but wool seems to be a very fitting choice. 

Sandy Bobble Crochet Pillow

I love everything about this crochet throw pillow. The backside of this pillowcase features buttons for easy removal. It takes about 600 yards of yarn to finish this, and you need a pillow insert that’s about 16 x 16 inches. Because of the details, this might not be the best project for beginner sewers, as you must master chain stitches, double crochets, slip stitches, and others. 

Fabric & Faux Leather Pillow

The combination of cloth and imitation leather in these gorgeous throw pillows creates a luxury counterpoint to any room’s decor. This fairly easy tutorial shows how to make five reversible pillow covers, adding up to 10 designs to mix and match with different room setups. I love how this project repurposes fabrics such as faux leather, fabrics, and even embellishments. 

FAQ

How many throw pillows can you make with a yard of fabric?

The length of the fabric is measured in yards (36 inches). The width of most yardage measures between 36 to 60 inches, whereas the width of most upholstery textiles measures 54 inches. The length of a square cut from fabric measuring 54 inches across is 1 1/4 yards. That’s enough fabric to make four completed pillows measuring 16 inches square each.

What are the sizes of throw pillows?

The common size for a throw pillow is 18 x 18 inches. However, you can also purchase (or make your own) throw pillows in other sizes. The smallest throw pillows usually start at 16 x 16 inches. 

What kind of fabric is best for throw pillows?

You have a few options, including cotton, linen, faux leather, fur, or wool. However, how you use them in interior design is what makes them such wonderful additions to the room you are working on designing.

Final Thoughts

Making your own throw pillow sounds a bit intimidating, but these sewing pattern ideas for throw pillows guide you every step of the way. If you have just a little bit of sewing experience, you’ll soon find the courage to tackle more complicated stitches and create amazing designs for your home decor. And pop over to our site and have a look at our wide variety of quality fabrics for the job.