Learn to sew custom pillows on your own with this tie closure tutorial. Includes step-by-step directions that are easy to follow. Only straight line sewing required!
Pillows. Who doesn’t love them? They are, in my opinion, the universal go-to decorating accessory. Even if, secretly, you think they are a pain, chances are you still have several on your sofa! One of the prettiest sites ever is a sofa with 4 or 5 perfectly placed and puffed throw pillows. Switching out your pillow covers is a great way to change the look of a room…but it can be pricey. Custom pillows are not cheap…but if you learn to sew your own, the sky is the limit.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
Learn To Sew Custom Pillows
I’m sharing how I make my own custom pillows, so if you have even a lick of sewing skills, you can learn to sew your own. This tutorial is for a 20 x 20 pillow cover, but I am including the measurements for a smaller one at the end of the post. I use twill tape for the ties, but ribbon works very well too.
Basically what you are making is a bag with ties. This is the exact method I use to make my tote bags. Depending on the look you want, you can use two different fabrics: one for the pillow cover body and one for the facing. Coordinate your ties with the facing. The distance between the ties is really a matter of taste. Put them where ever you think they look best. I have also made pillow covers with just one tie in the center.
Measurements for an 18 x 18 pillow cover
- One piece of fabric measuring 19 in. wide x 43 in. long. About 2 yards twill tape or ribbon.
Grain sack sources
- My favorite grain sack seller on eBay
- Antique grain sacks on eBay
- Antique grain sacks on Etsy (the Etsy search filter included other grain sack items so you need to sift through to find the actual sacks.)
- Grain sack inspired new fabric
Ticking sources
Thank you so much! Well, I think I will try but rest assured mine will not be as nice as yours.
I have been wanting to make some covers for my porch pillows and I think this works for me.
Thanks,
Ann
Thanks for the tutorial Ann…..
It’s great to be able to “summerize” some of the wintry looking pillows. Although, in my house, I love living with ticking all year round.
It’s so good of you to share your knowledge and ideas.
You are a great instructor! Thank you, Ann–but I’ll probably still buy some that your expert hands create. ;-)
Ann,
Thanks for the tutorial, so clear and concise. Hope all is well.
Karen
Thank you! You are always so concise on instructions, I think I might be able to do it!
Love tied pillows! Thank you Ann! Pinning!!
THAT is a great tutorial, Ann! Even someone that is not a sewer could follow it. I really need to get back to my sewing machine soon! xo Diana
Thank you for the clear, well-written directions. You always inspire me to sew, cook, decorate, etc! Truly, I enjoy your blog. Also, I look forward to ‘shopping’ again – after you’ve added more items to your online shop. Soon, I hope.
You are so (sew?) right. Pillows can be a real “go-to” décor element. And I plead guilty to ignoring them. It occurs to me that I have piled up in my sewing room probably 5 or 6 old pillows which need rehabbing. There’s no excuse, except lack of inspiration, but with Spring, I’ll be taking down my thermal drapes in the living room, and the sad, old couch desparately needs brightening. Okay, okay, I’ll put pillow covers on my to-do list….
That is fabulous Ann! Perfect tutorial.