Learn how to make DIY pillows and add a pretty touch to your decor! These homemade pillows are easy and inexpensive to make. Get 50 ideas!
I’ll never forget the first pillow I ever made. It was completely happenstance and random that I ended up making a pillow, because that’s not what I was looking to do and I wasn’t even in the correct retail store for it when I made the decision.
What happened? I went to Urban Outfitters and saw the coolest polka dotted skirt on the clearance rack for $3. I completely understood why no one had bought it.
The skirt was made out of what amounted to home decor weight velvet fabric, and there was no way it was going to look good on anyone. Hence the price tag.
After quickly realizing that the skirt had kind of a lot of fabric given the size and flair, I knew that I could use it to make something. And what popped into my head? A DIY pillow. I bought it, took it home straightaway, and sewed it right up.
The funny thing is that I’m not even sure if I still have the pillow (it could be in storage), but I definitely have a picture of it from 22 years ago in my old Seattle apartment. You can see its brown velvet with polka dots to the right behind my friend Gemma in the pic below:
I was so proud of that handmade pillow, even though I didn’t stuff it enough. When I filled the pillow, just grabbed some polyfill and shoved it in. I had zero clue what I was doing!
Fast forward to current day, and DIY pillows are a regular thing around here. I can’t tell you how many pillows I’ve made over the years! And I never get tired of it.
Pillows are one of those sewing projects that are really satisfying to me because they’re 1) pretty easy and 2) pretty quick. Plus there are no limitations. I usually go for a neutral sofa and let my pillows do the talking, so to speak.
I like that I can design a pillow to be anything I want – any shape, any colors, any size.
If you’re in the mood for an easy home decorating project that also makes a great gift (hello housewarming), try a handmade cushion. In fact, I’ve put together a great collection of DIY pillows together below. You can give your home decor a total makeover in minutes!
Some of them are creations of my own here on the blog, while others are from blogging friends. Some are no sew as well! There’s a little something for everyone on this list, and you’ll find a lot of options perfect
Take a peek at the ideas below and let me know what you think in the comments. Have you ever made a pillow? I’d love to know!
1
Cross Stitch
Use a saying to make this pretty DIY cross stitch pillow cover (with the free printable pattern) – and then add a cute pom pom trim! Fill with a pillow form.
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2
Rachel Denbow
Quilted Velvet
Adding new envelope pillow covers to your space is one of the quickest ways to give your couch or bed a mini makeover. You can slip them on and off a pillow form with the seasons, but you might never want to put these velvet pillows away! Sews with a simple straight stitch.
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3
Marissa Fischer
Quick Envelope Pillowcase
I can't believe how easy it is to make these pillowcases, and completely transform a basic pillow! This is a great project for newbies since it’s just a few straight lines and you have something awesome and useful in the end. Each cushion uses one medium-sized piece of fabric.
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4
Easy No Sew Pom Pom
Add pretty details and a pop of color to any room with a simple DIY pom pom pillow – no sewing required! This is such an easy decor project.
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5
shescraftyandsheknowsit.com
Hand Knitted
These hand knit pillows are so soft and cozy, and they’re shockingly easy to make! You'll use chunky yarn, and Sarah has a video to show you how it's done.
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6
Claire Armstrong
Upcycled Sweater Mountain Cushions
Do you love the mountains? I live in the PNW so it's a normal part of life to see a snow capped mountain here. These pillows that look just like mountains really float my boat!
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7
fabricartdiy.com
DIY Fabric Succulent
This unique decorative pillow is shaped like a giant succulent cactus, and is the perfect way to spice up any home or bedroom with some natural charm and give it a pop of life.
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8
acraftedpassion.com
Ombre Dyed
Make this ombre dye pillow to decorate in your living room. This dip dye method is perfect for handmade home decor, and it's hard to get it wrong!
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9
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Using heat transfer vinyl, this tutorial for a decorative pillow cover with tassels is so easy! Just add a pillow insert. Gives such a personal touch to your home.
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10
Melissa Mortenson
Reading Pocket Pillow
Who else likes to kick back with a pillow and read a good book? This is such a cute DIY pillow, because you can store your book in it. Great for kids' rooms and nurseries.
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11
Kara Whitten
Cozy Pom Poms
If you're looking for a statement piece, a pom pom pillow is going to be right up your alley! Kara will show you how she made hers with a variety of colorful poms.
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12
Ann Drake
Repurposed Shirt
This is a fun, fast project and the only sewing skill you need is the ability to sew a straight line! Get your shirts from dad's giveaway pile or head to the Goodwill.
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13
www.everydayjenny.com
Rainbow Tassels
This project was made with Cricut Infusible Ink – however, you could use vinyl for fabric, or you could even paint the stripes on! Put tassels at the end and you have a perfect pillow for a kids' room or nursery.
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14
brit.co
DIY Jumbo Floor Pillows
Now that I've got you swooning over DIY pillows, it’s time to make some coziness of your own! I'd definitely put this in the “weekend project” category as these floor pillows take a little more time. However, the results are worth it.
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15
Chelsea Coulston
Pretty Placemats
Chelsea found some beautiful placemats while walking through Target and got the idea for making something out of them! It took just a few minutes to turn these two placemats into a gorgeous throw pillow.
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16
Valérie Eglantine
Delicious Donut
Did you know that donuts can be pillows? This is just about as cute as it gets! It’s a quick and fun project, and still easy enough for your kids to participate.
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17
Lily Ardor
Old Sweaters
You can choose to make these cushions with a zipper or without – and the pom pom trim just finishes them off so well! You can adapt this idea to almost any size and shape of pillow you like.
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18
www.twelveonmain.com
Sharpie Pillow
You can make a cute pillow using a Sharpie and a drop cloth! I absolutely love this idea, and Sara shows you the method so you can adapt it to any word you like.
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19
studiodiy.com
Fruit Slices
I don't have a screened in porch, but if I did, you can get these DIY pillows would be out on my furniture all summer! They are so cute and are also fun for kids' rooms.
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20
Sonja Stevens
Baby Clothes Keepsakes
Sonja came up with a great idea for baby clothes! Instead of storing them away in the basement, she repurposed some of the outfits into a throw pillow. It's a perfect way to be reminded of those precious moments on a daily basis.
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21
Stephanie Woodson
Turn a T-Shirt Into a Pillow
Learn how to turn any t-shirt into a unique pillow! This is a great way to recycle clothing, especially those themed t-shirts for holidays and other celebrations.
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22
www.awwsam.com
No-Sew Pop Tart
If you want a unique pillow, this is it! Why not make a giant version of everyone’s favorite toaster pastry? You can customize the frosting topping.
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23
liagriffith.com
Faux Fur
If you’re wanting to try something new for your winter decor, or if you think you just need a little more fur in your life, try these faux fur pillows! Fur can be a great home decor accent to add a little texture, and it is especially cozy in the colder months.
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24
Claire Armstrong
Upcycled Sweaters
Use old wool sweaters to make the cutest autumn pillows! I love these cuties in fall colors, shaped like acorns and an oak leaf.
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25
No Sew Pillows from Felt
Are you ready for summer craft camp with the kids? Make these no sew pillows in fun shapes. These are SO easy and littles will love them!
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26
Lantern Lane Designs
No Sew Napkins
I'm a huge fan of cute napkins, and I always see them, especially around the holidays! Learn how to make no sew pillows using your favorite napkins and the most simple tutorial.
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27
www.awwsam.com
Funfetti Cake Slice
This fun no-sew pillow project will make your sofa a little sweeter! You'll do some painting and hand-sewing; it's so easy to make.
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28
www.classyclutter.net
Scalloped Felt
All you need to make this unique DIY pillow is a plain pillow cover and some colorful felt! It's a unique no sew idea that you can adapt to a variety of pillow sizes and shapes.
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29
studiodiy.com
Circus Animal Cookies
What was your favorite junk food growing up? Circus animal cookies are always a favorite! Turn them into pillows the easy way – Kelly even has free templates for you.
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30
sugarandcloth.com
Cute Knots
I'm excited to be sharing the instructions for one of this season’s best trends, knotted pillows! Here’s how to make your own DIY knot pillow.
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31
mountainmodernlife.com
No-Sew Boho
Once you have plain pillow covers, all you need are some embellishments like trim fringe and some liquid stitch. It's so easy to make these boho pillows without a sewing machine!
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32
Tonya Staab
Sewn Letters
I'll be honest, I love my initials. If I could have everything be "AA" I would! These cute letter pillows are easy to sew, and you can make them for your kids or all your initial loving friends (like me!).
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33
sustainmycrafthabit.com
Colorful Crochet
Everyone says that changing up your throw pillows is a great way to update your living room look, and I agree! You can completely change the color palette. And if you know how to crochet, you can do it using this simple pattern.
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34
Angela Muir
Sew a Starfish Pillow
You don't have to guess at how to make this darling starfish pillow. It's so freaking cute, and Angela has a pattern! I love how she made it using soft fabrics, so it's perfect for hugging.
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35
farmhouseonboone.com
Ruffle Linen
Add a beautiful and cozy touch with this DIY ruffle linen pillow. For this variation on the classic pillow cover, you are going to pretty it up with a delicate ruffle going all the way around the outside.
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36
thediymommy.com
Plush Unicorn
This adorable plush unicorn pillow is a fun DIY that makes for a cute kid's bedroom decoration or a unique gift.
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37
bellewoodcottage.com
Drop Cloths with Lace
For these DIY drop cloth pillows, Ellen used bleached drop cloths, antique lace, and a fun technique that makes one pillow cover look like two.
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38
Melissa Mora
Pretty Bolsters
Melissa made these pretty pillows for her screened-in back porch, and they go so well with her furniture! You can use her tutorial to make them any size you like.
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39
liagriffith.com
Hand Sewn Felt Cloud
Some say it’s a nap, I say it’s a horizontal life pause. Either way, siesta in style with this adorable felt cloud DIY pillow! You can create your own dreamy pillow with this easy-to-follow tutorial.
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40
mypoppet.com.au
Shaggy Latch Hook
Have you noticed that shaggy cushions, pillow covers, and rugs are really trendy right now? Interior stylists call it ‘texture’, I call it fun! It’s a throwback to the 70s where shag was all the rage. You can follow the trend with this unique DIY cushion.
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41
www.diynetwork.com
No-Sew Knot
Change the look of any room in minutes (and for little money) with this easy, no-sew pillow tutorial. It's almost like wrapping a present, and the results are pretty cool.
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42
kippiathome.com
Furry Llama
This easy llama pillow adds so much whimsy to any room. I absolutely love the felt and fur that make this DIY pillow so unique.
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43
Hannah Bruneman
Geometric Wedge
Ideal for couch corners, these triangular pillows are the perfect beginner's sewing project. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make your own!
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44
Kim Purvis
Boho Moroccan
Looking for a fun way to update your decor? Try this DIY Moroccan pillow! Just add some color pom poms and yarn for a fun pop of color to a throw pillow.
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45
Leigh Anne Wilkes
Valentine Heart
All you need is a burlap pillow cover, and you can use it as a template for "sewing." Make your ribbon any pattern you like – I love this heart for Valentine's Day.
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46
oldsaltfarm.com
Burlap Stars and Stripes
Celebrate the Fourth of July in style! Make this easy and darling burlap flag pillow for all of the patriotic holidays, or even year round!
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47
thecraftingchicks.com
Halloween Boo
I love the idea of adding bright colors in with the black and white for Halloween decor! This BOO pillow looks great on a mantle hearth, alongside black and white buffalo plaid pillows.
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48
www.happinessishomemade.net
Buffalo Check
These awesome DIY buffalo check plaid holiday pillow covers are made from a $3 Target Dollar Spot blanket, and they only take 10 minutes to make!
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49
theproperblog.com
Holiday Sequins
Sequins are pretty special, especially during the holidays! Learn how to apply sequins to your pillows without a sewing machine, in the phrase of your choice.
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Did you enjoy these DIY pillows? Take a peek at these other posts I also think you’ll enjoy:
Kristi
Tuesday 17th of October 2023
I couldn't find the tutorial for the no sew pillow (looks twisted on one side).
Amy
Sunday 22nd of October 2023
It was broken but I updated it - found it! https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-a-no-sew-pillow-cover Thank you :)
Samantha
Friday 21st of July 2023
In the images at the top all of the pillows are found below except for the cactus with pom-poms. Do you have the pattern for that somewhere?
Thanks!
Amy
Sunday 22nd of October 2023
@Samantha, unfortunately that pattern is gone :/