How to Make a Round Throw Pillow and Best Fabrics to Use

Are you tired of having to browse throw pillows and not finding anything you like? Making a round throw pillow is a fun way to add a touch of personality to any room. In this post, we’ll discuss the best fabrics for your project and provide a tutorial on making your pillow. Let’s get started!

Best Fabrics for Throw Pillows

There are only a few fabrics that are best for pillows, and I’ll break them down here for you. Each has pros and cons, so choose one that works best for your project.

Cotton

Cotton is typically considered a fabric for more casual or everyday items, and many people associate it with inexpensive textiles. However, when considering the properties of cotton as a material for pillows, it becomes clear that this versatile fabric can be an excellent choice. 

For one thing, cotton is highly breathable, which makes it comfortable and cool to lie on in hot weather. Cotton is comfortable against the skin and holds up well over time due to its inherent softness and durability. Cotton is relatively easy to wash and maintain compared to other fabrics.

Linen

There is no doubt that linen is a versatile and durable fabric, making it an ideal choice for various purposes. From clothing to home decor, this natural material has long been prized for its looks and functionality. And when it comes to making throw pillows, many people feel that linen is a perfect choice. 

Unlike other fabrics like cotton or polyester, linen excels at maintaining its shape over time. Regular use allows your pillows to never lose their form or become misshapen. Linen also provides great body support and helps keep the skin cool and comfortable. 

Velvet

The debate around whether velvet fabric is suitable for making throw pillows can be a tricky one to navigate. Some argue that velvet’s delicate, smooth texture makes it a poor choice for such an item, as constant use and washing can quickly wear down the fabric. 

However, others point to velvet’s luxurious feel and soft drape, arguing that these qualities make it valuable for creating comfortable and stylish throw pillows. 

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that has become popular in recent years as a replacement for materials like cotton. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to stretching and pilling, making it popular for use in many different types of textiles, including clothing and upholstery. 

Given its many desirable properties, it might seem like a logical choice for making throw pillows. However, microfiber tends to absorb more moisture than natural fibers like cotton, so it can get lumpy and stiff when wet. This stiffening effect can be exacerbated by frequent washing or exposure to excessive heat. 

Leather

While many fabrics can be used to make throw pillows, leather is one material that has some distinct advantages. First of all, leather is highly durable and can withstand the stress of daily use without showing signs of wear. 

Since the surface of the leather is smooth and flexible, it resists pilling and fraying better than most other fabrics. And perhaps most importantly, leather is comfortable to the touch and provides soft support for the neck and head.

Canvas

There is no shortage of fabrics for making throw pillows, including synthetic and natural materials. Although cotton is a popular choice among many interior design enthusiasts, many argue that canvas represents a better fabric for creating throw pillow covers. 

While it’s not as soft to the touch as cotton, the canvas is extremely durable and can maintain its shape and appearance even after years of use. In addition, this strong and versatile material can withstand heavy washing without developing any unsightly pilling or wear.

How to Make a DIY Round Throw Pillow

My tutorial will show you how to make a 16-inch wide round throw pillow with a velvet cover.

What You Need

  • The fabric of your choice (about half a yard)
  • Matching color thread
  • Pillow insert
  • Straight pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Measuring tape
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pencil

Step One: Settling on a Fabric Cover

When trying to choose the best fabric for a throw pillow cover, there are several factors to consider. First, you will want to consider the style and decor of the space where you intend to use the pillow. For example, if your living room has a modern or minimalist aesthetic, you may opt for a plain woven fabric like cotton or linen. 

On the other hand, if your living room is more traditional or bohemian in style, you may want to go with a bolder pattern or textured fabric that stands out. 

It is important to consider how frequently you will clean your pillow covers and how much use they will get in terms of wear and tear. For example, if you have many guests over and need to wash the covers often, a heavier-duty woven fabric may be more suitable than something fragile and dainty. 

Step Two: Cut the Fabric

Fold the fabric in half and use your pins to secure the two folds. Take a pencil and draw a circle on the fabric. Alternatively, you can use a round cardboard cut-out as a template to cut the pieces directly. After making the cut, you should have two identical circles.

Step Three: Divide the Pillow

Grab a tape measure or a ruler and draw a straight line down the middle backside of one of your circles. Draw another line to divide the circle into four equal parts. Repeat the line drawing process until you have 16 equal parts (think of it as cutting a pizza into 16 even slices). 

Step Four: Stitch the Pillow

Thread your sewing machine using thread in the same color as the pillow. Sew every one of the lines you previously marked. When you flip the fabric over, you should have a pinwheel design. 

Step Five: Add the Insert

Place the two sides of the pillow on top of each other and sew around the edges, leaving a three-inch gap for the fill. Stuff the pillow with the fill of your choice and use a blind stitch to sew the remainder three inches.

Step Six: Thread the Center

Thread a needle right through the backside center of the pillow. It has to come out through the center on the front side. Pass through the same spot again, from the front to the back. Gently pull the thread and make a knot. 

FAQs

How much fabric do I need for a round pillow?

It depends on what size you want the pillow to be. For example, if you’re making a round throw pillow with a 16-inch diameter, then half a yard of fabric should suffice.

Where can I get buttons for the center of a round pillow?

You can find buttons for the center of a round pillow anywhere, starting with Amazon, Etsy, crafting stores, and many other online and brick-and-mortar stores. 

How big should a round-throw pillow be?

Round pillows usually have 18 or 22 inches in diameter, but you can make them as small or as large as you want. 

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the best fabrics for throw pillows and how to make a DIY round throw pillow, it’s time to get crafty! With a few simple supplies, you can add some personality (and comfort) to any room in your home. So, what are you waiting for? Shop our fabrics and get started on your DIY project today.

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