Unleash Your Inner Sewing Pro: Mastering the Art of Crafting a Fabulous Floor Pillow

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly buying new throw pillows for your living room? Or do you want to add a personal touch to your home decor? Learning how to sew a floor pillow is the perfect solution for both! Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a unique and comfortable addition to your space. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own floor pillow, from selecting the right fabric to sewing the perfect seams. So grab your sewing kit and get ready to elevate your home decor game with our step-by-step tutorial on how to sew a floor pillow.

Understanding Floor Pillows

Floor pillows, also known as floor cushions or meditation cushions, are a type of large, flat cushion that is placed on the floor to provide comfortable seating. Originally used in Asian cultures for meditation practices, floor pillows have now become a popular home accessory for adding a cozy and relaxed feel to any room. They are typically filled with soft materials such as cotton or foam and come in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile for different uses and decor styles.

The Benefits of Sewing Your Own Floor Pillow

While you can easily purchase floor pillows from home decor stores, sewing your own can be a rewarding experience with several benefits:

1. Cost-effective: Sewing your own floor pillow can save you money compared to buying a pre-made one. You have the freedom to choose affordable fabrics and materials and customize the size and design according to your budget.

2. Personalization: With the ability to choose your own fabric, pattern, and size, you can create a one-of-a-kind floor pillow that reflects your style and personality.

3. Quality control: By sewing your own floor pillow, you have control over the materials used and the construction process, ensuring that you end up with a high-quality product that will last.

4. Customizable support: If you plan on using your floor pillow for meditation or other activities that require proper support, sewing it yourself allows you to adjust the filling to fit your specific needs.

5. Sustainable option: By using recycled or eco-friendly materials for your DIY project, you can contribute towards reducing waste and opting for a more sustainable option.

Materials Needed for Sewing a Floor Pillow

Before starting your DIY project, gather all the necessary materials first:

1. Fabric: You will need enough fabric to cover both sides of the pillow plus an extra 1-2 inches for seam allowance. Durable and sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric work best for floor pillows.

2. Filling: Common filling options include foam, cotton batting, shredded memory foam, or polyester fiberfill. Each filling material has its own pros and cons, so choose one that suits your preferences and needs.

3. Sewing machine: While you can hand sew your floor pillow, using a sewing machine will make the process faster and ensure more uniform stitches.

4. Thread: Choose a strong thread that matches the color of your fabric for a polished finish.

5. Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors will make cutting through thick materials easier and more precise.

6. Measuring tape: Accurate measurements are essential to ensure the pillow is evenly filled and has a professional look.

7. Pins or clips: These will be used to hold the fabric together before sewing.

8. Fabric marker or chalk: These will help you mark out where to stitch before sewing pieces together.

9. Zipper (optional): If you want your floor pillow to have a removable cover for easy washing, you will need a zipper that matches the length of one side of the pillow.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sew a Floor Pillow

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the steps on how to sew your own floor pillow:

Step 1: Prepare your fabric by washing and ironing it beforehand to prevent shrinkage or wrinkles in the final product.
Step 2: Measure and cut two squares or rectangles from your fabric according to your desired size and shape for the pillow cover.
Step 3: With right sides facing each other, pin or clip around three sides of the fabric pieces leaving one side open.
Step 4: Using a sewing machine (or hand-sewing), sew around the three pinned sides, leaving a 1-2 inch seam allowance.
Step 5: If you have opted for a zipper, now is the time to insert it on the remaining open side. Follow the instructions on the zipper packaging for proper insertion.
Step 6: Turn the pillow cover right side out through the open side.
Step 7: Measure and cut your chosen filling material according to your desired size and thickness of the pillow.
Step 8: Stuff the filling into the pillow cover through the open side. Use your hands or a dowel to evenly distribute and fluff up the filling if needed.
Step 9: Once satisfied with the fullness of your pillow, close up the open side by either sewing it shut or attaching the remaining zipper piece.
Step 10: Optional: To add extra durability and prevent bursting seams, you can hand stitch or topstitch along all four sides of the pillow cover.

Tips for Sewing a Perfect Floor Pillow

1. Choose sturdy fabrics that won’t easily rip or wear out with use. Canvas and upholstery fabrics are great options.
2.

Materials Needed for Sewing a Floor Pillow

To make your own floor pillow, you will need the following materials:

1. Fabric – This will be the main material for your floor pillow. You can choose any type of fabric that you prefer, but it is recommended to use a durable material such as canvas or denim.

2. Thread – You will need a good quality thread that matches the color of your fabric.

3. Sewing machine or needle and thread – If you have a sewing machine, it will make the sewing process much easier and faster. However, if you do not have one, you can also sew the pillow by hand using a needle and thread.

4. Scissors – A pair of sharp scissors will be needed to cut your fabric to the desired size and shape.

5. Measuring tape – This will come in handy when measuring and cutting your fabric accurately.

6. Pillow filling – You can use any type of filling for your floor pillow such as polyester fiberfill, foam pieces, or old pillows.

7. Pins – These are essential for keeping your fabric in place while sewing.

8. Iron – A steam iron can be useful for pressing your fabric before and after sewing to give it a professional finish.

Step-by-Step Guide on Sewing a Floor Pillow

1. Measure and Cut Your Fabric: The first step is to determine how big you want your floor pillow to be and then measure your fabric accordingly. You can cut two square pieces of fabric if you want a simple square-shaped pillow or cut four rectangular pieces if you want a longer rectangular shaped pillow.

2. Pin Your Fabric: Once you have cut your fabric to the desired size and shape, place them on top of each other with their right sides facing each other. Pin them together along three sides leaving one side open for stuffing.

3. Start Sewing: Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the three pinned edges. You can use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch for added durability. Remember to leave a small opening on one side for turning the pillow right side out and stuffing it later.

4. Turn Your Pillow Right Side Out: After sewing, turn your pillow right side out through the small opening that you left. Use a pencil or any other tool to push out the corners of your pillow so that they are fully shaped.

5. Stuff Your Pillow: Now comes the fun part! Stuff your pillow with filling of your choice through the opening you left and fluff it up until it reaches your desired fullness.

6. Sew the Opening Closed: Once your pillow is fully stuffed, you can sew the opening closed either by hand or using a sewing machine.

7. Optional: Add a Zipper or Velcro Closure: If you want to have a removable cover for easy washing, you can add a zipper or Velcro closure along one side of your pillow before sewing it shut.

8. Press Your Pillow: To give your floor pillow a neat and professional look, use an iron to press all sides of your pillow including its corners.

Decorating Your Floor Pillow

Now that you have successfully sewn your floor pillow, it’s time to give it some personality! You can decorate your floor pillow in various ways such as:

1. Adding Trim – You can add pom poms, tassels, lace, or any other trimmings to enhance the look of your floor pillow.

2. Embroidery – If you are skilled in embroidery, you can add some beautiful designs or monograms using colorful threads.

3. Appliqué – Another way to decorate your floor pillow is by appliquéing fabric cut-outs onto it. This will give it a unique and personalized touch.

4. Fabric Paint – You can use fabric paint to create designs or patterns on your floor pillow.

5. Patchwork – If you have small scraps of different fabrics, you can join them together to make a patchwork cover for your floor pillow.

6. Sew on Buttons or Beads – For a more whimsical and textured look, sew on buttons or beads in different sizes and colors onto your floor pillow.

Tips for Sewing a Perfect Floor Pillow

– Make sure to choose a durable fabric that can withstand the weight and constant use of a floor pillow.
– Use pins to keep the fabric in place while sewing, especially if you are working with slippery or stretchy fabrics.
– Always cut your fabric accurately for a professional finish.
– Use a long stitch length when sewing thicker fabrics to prevent jamming your sewing machine.
– Pressing your fabric before and after sewing will give it a smooth finish.
– It’s always better to stuff your floor pillow more than you think you need, as the filling tends to flatten over time.
– Leave a small opening for stuffing and make sure it is not too close to the edge for easier sewing later on.
– Practice on scrap fabric first if you are new to sewing in order to avoid mistakes on your actual project.

1) What supplies do I need to sew a floor pillow?
To sew a floor pillow, you will need fabric, pillow stuffing, thread, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine.

2) Is there a specific type of fabric that works best for a floor pillow?
While you can use any fabric you like for your floor pillow, thicker fabrics such as canvas or denim tend to hold their shape better and are more durable for daily use.

3) Do I need advanced sewing skills to make a floor pillow?
No, you do not need advanced sewing skills. As long as you are comfortable with basic stitching and using a sewing machine, you should be able to complete this project.

4) How big should my floor pillow be?
The size of your floor pillow will depend on personal preference and the amount of available floor space. A standard size is around 24×24 inches, but feel free to customize it to fit your needs.

5) Can I wash my floor pillow?
Yes, most fabric can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. However, if your fabric is delicate or has special care instructions, it may be best to spot clean when possible.

6) How can I add extra support or comfort to my floor pillow?
To make your floor pillow more supportive and comfortable, consider using two layers of fabric or adding piping around the edges. You can also include extra stuffing or even insert foam pieces for added cushioning.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew a floor pillow can be a useful skill for those who want to add some personal touch and comfort to their home decor. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined above, anyone can create a beautiful and functional floor pillow for themselves or as a thoughtful gift for others.

We discussed the materials and tools needed, as well as the various sewing techniques that are essential in creating a professional-looking floor pillow. From measuring and cutting the fabric to stitching and stuffing, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a final product that is both visually appealing and durable.

Moreover, understanding the different types of stitches, fabrics, and filling options can help create customized floor pillows that cater to individual preferences. Additionally, incorporating personal touches such as embroidery or embellishments adds a unique touch to the final product.

Aside from practical benefits, sewing a floor pillow also provides an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. The satisfaction of seeing one’s own handiwork is unmatched and can even be therapeutic for some individuals.

Overall, learning how to sew a floor pillow requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. It is a valuable skill that can be honed through time, allowing individuals to continuously improve their sewing techniques. So why settle for store-bought pillows when you can make

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.