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Learn To Sew Custom Pillows: Tie Closure Tutorial

ByAnn Drake

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!

learn to sew custom pillows tie closure grain sack

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.

*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.

learn to sew grain sack custom pillows with tie closure

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.

learn to sew custom pillows with tie closure

learn to sew custom pillows with tie closure

learn to sew custom pillows with tie closure

learn to sew custom pillows with tie closure

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.

learn to sew custon pillows one tie closure

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.

Click for more pillow tutorials!

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:

Blue striped cotton ticking

Red striped cotton ticking

front porch decor with white rocker

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. See you soon!

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24 Comments

  1. Charlotte says:

    Your tutorial of the pillows are clear enough even I could make them!!! Thanks for your desire to help those of us get the ole sewing machine out and make these lovely pillows.

    Reply

  2. Ann, thank you so much for the clear instructions! And thank you too for the weekly inspiration!

    Reply

  3. Thank you for your tutorial, I usually make my pillows with zippers but this is a great way with ties foe a different look. I usually use the feather, down inserts, do you use those or the synthetic down, they seem more economical but don’t know how they bounce back after being squished.
    Have you had experience using those?
    Betty

    Reply
    1. Ann Drake says:

      Hi Betty…I don’t use the synthetic down. I am somewhat of a insert snob, and only use real down inserts. I wish I could be more helpful!

      Reply
  4. Shirley@housepitality designs says:

    I so love these pillows with the tie closures! Your pillows are indeed stunning Ann! Have a great week!

    Reply
  5. Dori Troutman says:

    Ann, your pillow tutorials are always the very best. I love to make pillow covers and I find myself referring back to your tutorials frequently. I made some covers out of old grain sacks for my porch bed and I did the tie closures but that before this tutorial and I was kind of winging it. I think, after reading this, I may need to re-do them! :-) – Dori –

    Reply
  6. Susan Martin says:

    I usually make the envelope style pillows (mostly because I hate zippers!) so I made this one of yours the other day and love it! I used rope to tie it off since it was nautical themed fabric and I think it turned out great. I’ll be doing more this way. Many thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  7. Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

    I am going to make several of these for summer! Thanks so much for the great tutorial, Ann! Pinning!

    Reply
  8. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says:

    Geez! I wish I had a sewing machine because I want to make some of these pillows! I adore the tie closures!

    Reply

  9. Love this tutorial! Can’t wait to make some pillows!

    Reply

  10. Perfect directions Ann, and I also love the contrasting facing fabric you used.

    Very inspiring and for my money easier than a zipper. Although, I’m a bit lazy and use an envelope back most of the time. But am make my next summer pillow your way.

    Reply
  11. Jill Flory says:

    Great tutorial Ann! Love your pillows :)

    Reply

  12. I have this ticking material in my closet not knowing what to do with it…Now I know & it’s such a wonderful idea…Thank you so much for sharing!!

    Reply

  13. Thank you so much Ann for sharing this well-written information. You work is always so nice.

    Reply
  14. Jeanette Duke says:

    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

    Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

  16. You are a great instructor! Thank you, Ann–but I’ll probably still buy some that your expert hands create. ;-)

    Reply

  17. Ann,
    Thanks for the tutorial, so clear and concise. Hope all is well.

    Karen

    Reply
  18. Peggy Zortman says:

    Thank you! You are always so concise on instructions, I think I might be able to do it!

    Reply

  19. Love tied pillows! Thank you Ann! Pinning!!

    Reply
  20. Nana Diana says:

    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

    Reply

  21. 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.

    Reply

  22. 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….

    Reply
  23. Debbie Manno says:

    That is fabulous Ann! Perfect tutorial.

    Reply