Say Goodbye to Loose Edges: Mastering the Art of Sewing Closed Pillows

Do you have a favorite pillow that you love to cuddle up with at night? Perhaps a decorative throw pillow that adds a cozy touch to your living room? As pillows are an essential part of our everyday comfort, it’s no wonder they may undergo some wear and tear over time. One common issue many people face is when their pillow starts to lose its shape and become lumpy. But fear not, as this can easily be fixed by sewing it closed! In this article, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of how to sew closed a pillow, so you can revive your beloved cushion and keep it looking and feeling brand new. Say goodbye to lumpy pillows and hello to comfort once again!

Sewing a Closed Pillow: The Ultimate Guide

Sewing is a useful skill that allows you to create beautiful and functional items for your home. One of the most common sewing projects is making pillows. While many pillows have an envelope or zippered opening, you may come across the need to sew a closed pillow. Whether it’s because you want to avoid an exposed zipper or you are working with an oddly-shaped pillow, knowing how to sew closed a pillow is a valuable skill to have. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of sewing closed a pillow, along with some helpful tips and tricks.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the steps of sewing a closed pillow, let’s go through the materials and supplies that you will need:

1. Fabric: Choose a fabric that is suitable for your intended use, such as cotton or linen.

2. Pillow Insert: Select an insert that matches the size and shape of your fabric. It can be square, rectangular, circular, or any other shape.

3. Sewing Machine: While it is possible to sew by hand, using a sewing machine will make the process quicker and more precise.

4. Thread: Make sure to use thread that matches the color of your fabric.

5. Straight Pins: These will help keep your fabric in place while sewing.

6. Scissors: Sharp scissors are crucial for cutting fabric accurately.

7. Measuring Tape or Ruler: These tools will help you measure and cut your fabric properly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

The first step in sewing closed a pillow is preparing your fabric by washing and pressing it beforehand. This step ensures that any shrinking or bleeding of colors happens before the project begins.

Next, measure and cut your fabric according to the size of your pillow insert, adding an extra half-inch to each side for seam allowances. If you are using a patterned fabric, make sure to align the pattern properly and cut out both pieces of fabric for the front and back of your pillow.

Step 2: Pin the Fabric

Now it’s time to pin the fabric together. Place the two pieces of fabric with the right sides facing each other and pin them in place. Make sure to leave a small gap on one side, about 4 inches wide, for turning the pillow right-side out.

Step 3: Sew Around the Edges

Using a zigzag stitch, sew around the edges of your pillow with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Leave the gap you pinned open and be careful not to sew over any pins.

Once you have sewn all sides, remove the pins and trim off any excess fabric from the corners with scissors. This step helps create clean and crisp corners once the pillow is turned inside out.

Step 4: Turn It Right-Side Out

Now that all four sides are sewn together, it’s time to turn your pillow right-side out through the gap you left open. Use a pencil or chopstick to push out any corners carefully. Once it’s fully turned right-side out, use your fingers to press along its edges for neatness.

Step 5: Insert Your Pillow

With your pillow now turned right-side out, it’s time to insert your pillow form through the gap that is still open. Adjust it until it sits snugly inside your new pillow cover.

Step 6: Hand Sewing Time

Finally, we have arrived at our last step – hand sewing. Using an invisible stitch (also known as a ladder stitch), carefully close the gap by hand. This stitch creates an invisible seam, leaving your pillow looking seamless and professional.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing a Closed Pillow

– When choosing fabric for your pillow, consider the purpose of the pillow. If it will be used often, make sure to choose a durable and washable fabric.
– Use pins sparingly to avoid leaving noticeable holes in your fabric.
– If you want to add a decorative touch, use contrasting thread or add embellishments like tassels or piping.
– To make sewing around corners easier, cut small notches out of the seam allowance before turning your pillow right-side out.
– If you don’t have a sewing machine, use a tight whipstitch or backstitch when sewing your pillow closed by hand.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a beautiful and functional closed pillow that you can proudly display in your home. With these easy-to-follow steps and some practice, sewing closed pillows will become second nature to you. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating something special with your own two hands. Happy sewing!

What You’ll Need

To sew closed a pillow, you will need a few essential items:

Needle
Thread
Scissors
Pins
Pillow insert or stuffing material
Sewing machine (optional)
Fabric marking pencil or chalk (optional)

Be sure to choose the right needle and thread for your fabric. Generally, a medium-sized needle and polyester or cotton thread work well for most fabrics.

Preparing Your Pillow for Sewing

Before you can start sewing your pillow closed, you need to prepare it first. If you are using an old pillow that needs to be repaired, make sure to remove any old stitches or buttons that may be present on the opening. If you are making a new pillow from scratch, ensure that all the sides of the fabric are cut evenly and there are no frayed edges.

Next, lay the fabric flat on a clean surface with the inside of the pillow facing up. If you are using a sewing machine, make sure it is threaded correctly and ready to use.

Closing Your Pillow with a Hand Stitch

If you do not have access to a sewing machine or prefer hand stitching, follow these steps to close your pillow:

1. Begin by threading your needle with a double strand of thread and tie the end in a knot.

2. Starting at one corner of the opening, fold the edges of the fabric inwards about ¼ inch and pin them together.

3. Using small straight stitches, sew along the folded edges to join them together. Make sure to take small stitches so they are not visible from the outside.

4. When you reach the end of one side, tie off your thread in another knot and repeat these steps for the other side.

5. Once both sides are sewn, remove the pins and turn your pillow inside out. Your pillow should now be closed.

Using a Sewing Machine to Close Your Pillow

If you have a sewing machine and prefer a more secure and quicker method of closing your pillow, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your sewing machine and set it to straight stitch or the stitch you prefer for sewing seams.

2. Lay your fabric with the wrong side facing up on the sewing machine and align the edges of the fabric.

3. Starting at one corner, begin sewing along the edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance. You can mark this with a fabric pencil or chalk if needed.

4. Continue sewing until you reach the end of the opening, making sure to backstitch at both ends for extra reinforcement.

5. Trim any excess thread and turn your pillow inside out to ensure that all sides are securely closed.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encountered any issues while sewing your pillow closed, here are some tips to help troubleshoot:

– If your stitches are visible from the outside, try taking smaller stitches or using a matching thread color.
– If you have gaps in your stitches, make sure to take longer stitches or double up your thread for added strength.
– If there is extra fabric at the corners, carefully trim it off so that it does not cause any lumps.
– If you are having difficulty turning your pillow inside out, use a pencil or chopstick to gently push out all four corners before adding stuffing.

Caring For Your Pillow

Proper care is essential for keeping your newly closed pillow in good condition. Whenever needed, spot clean small stains with mild soap and water instead of throwing it in the washing machine. If necessary, hand washing is preferred for delicate fabrics followed by air drying. For machine-washable fabrics, use a gentle cycle and avoid high heat when drying. Regularly fluffing and rotating your pillow will also help maintain its shape.

By following these simple steps, you can easily sew closed a pillow by hand or with a sewing machine. Make sure to have all the necessary materials ready and take your time to ensure a neat and secure closing. With proper care, your pillow will last for years to come. Happy sewing!

1. What supplies do I need to sew closed a pillow?
To sew closed a pillow, you will need a needle, thread, scissors, pins, and of course, the pillow itself. For best results, it’s also recommended to have a sewing machine.

2. How do I prepare my pillow for sewing?
Before sewing your pillow closed, be sure to remove any stuffing or insert from the case. This will give you a flat surface to work on and prevent any accidental punctures while sewing.

3. What is the best type of stitch for sewing closed a pillow?
The most commonly used stitch for closing a pillow is the ladder stitch. It creates an invisible seam that is strong and secure.

4. Can I use fabric glue instead of sewing the pillow closed?
While fabric glue may seem like an easier alternative, it is not recommended for closing a pillow as it may not provide enough strength and could come undone over time.

5. How do I hide the knots when sewing my pillow closed?
To hide knots when sewing your pillow, start your first stitch inside the folded edge of the fabric and pull the knot inside. Then make your first stitch close to where your thread comes out of the previous stitch and continue until you reach the end.

6. Do I need to backstitch when sewing my pillow closed?
Yes, it’s important to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam when closing a pillow to ensure that it stays securely in place and prevents any unraveling of stitches in the future.

In conclusion, sewing closed a pillow is a relatively simple and straightforward process that can be done by anyone with basic sewing skills. By following the steps outlined above, one can create a beautiful and professionally finished pillow that will add comfort and style to any space.

It is important to remember to choose the right fabric, thread, and needle for your project to ensure durability and a clean finish. Proper measuring, cutting, and pinning techniques are also crucial in achieving precise seams. Additionally, taking the time to properly stuff the pillow will result in a fuller and more attractive appearance.

Furthermore, it is essential to maintain good posture while sewing to avoid strain on the neck or back. Taking breaks as needed and using adequate lighting can also be beneficial for a comfortable and enjoyable sewing experience.

Moreover, by incorporating creativity through various stitching techniques or adding decorative elements such as buttons or piping, one can elevate the visual appeal of their pillows even further.

Sewing closed a pillow not only allows for customization of home decor but also promotes sustainability by utilizing old fabrics or repurposing clothes into functional items. It is an inexpensive yet satisfying form of DIY that can bring joy and satisfaction while creating something useful.

Overall, whether you are a beginner or experienced seamstress, following the steps discussed in this guide will

Author Profile

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.