Sew a Fluffy Throw Pillow Cover: Easy DIY Tutorial

Updated at: 17/05/2025

Adding a touch of cozy comfort to your living space is easier than you think! With just a few simple supplies and some basic sewing skills, you can craft a delightful fluffy throw pillow cover that will instantly elevate your home décor. Forget expensive store-bought options; this DIY project lets you personalize your space with textures and colours that perfectly match your style. Imagine sinking into your sofa, surrounded by plush, handmade pillows, each one a testament to your creativity. The soft, fluffy texture is incredibly inviting, promising relaxation and a touch of luxurious comfort.

This tutorial will guide you through each step of creating your own beautiful fluffy throw pillow cover. From selecting the right fabric to finishing those neat seams, we’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring a stunning result regardless of your sewing experience. Let's get started and transform a plain pillow into a cozy masterpiece!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • One yard of fabric
  • Hard ruler
  • Rotary cutter
  • Cutting mat
  • Sewing machine
  • Needle and thread
  • Pillow insert
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp sewing machine needles and pins to prevent fabric snags and injuries. Handle needles with care.
  • Before starting, pre-wash your fabric to avoid shrinkage after the pillow cover is sewn.
  • When using a sewing machine, keep your fingers clear of the needle and presser foot to avoid accidental needle pricks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric Squares

    • Cut two fabric squares matching your pillow insert dimensions.
    • Layer fabric squares with right sides together. Align and pin corners and edges.
    Layer fabric squares with right sides together. Align and pin corners and edges.Layer fabric squares with right sides together. Align and pin corners and edges.
    Prepare Fabric Squares

  2. Sew the Pillow Cover

    • Sew around the perimeter using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a 10-inch opening.
    Sew around the perimeter using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a 10-inch opening.
    Sew the Pillow Cover

  3. Finish the Seams

    • Trim corners at an angle and cut off loose threads.
    Trim corners at an angle and cut off loose threads.
    Finish the Seams

  4. Turn and Shape

    • Turn the cover right side out and push out corners.
    Turn the cover right side out and push out corners.
    Turn and Shape

  5. Insert Pillow Form

    • Stuff the pillow form inside, aligning corners.
    Stuff the pillow form inside, aligning corners.
    Insert Pillow Form

  6. Close the Opening

    • Hand-stitch the opening closed using an invisible stitch (or sew shut if using fabric glue).
    Hand-stitch the opening closed using an invisible stitch (or sew shut if using fabric glue).
    Close the Opening

Read more: Sew a Lined Expandable Storage Bag: Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Matching fabric squares to pillow insert dimensions creates a full, fluffy look.
  • Trimming corners helps create crisp pillow corners.
  • Use an invisible hand stitch to neatly close the opening. This makes the seam nearly invisible from the outside.
  • The pillow can be washed with the insert inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Seam Allowance

Reason: Inconsistent seam allowance throughout the project leads to a misshapen pillow cover.
Solution: Use a seam guide on your sewing machine or carefully measure your seam allowance with a ruler for each seam.

2. Incorrect Fabric Placement

Reason: Putting the fabric pieces together wrong side out, or not matching patterns/prints properly, creates a poorly finished look.
Solution: Carefully check the fabric placement before sewing each seam and double-check your pattern matching.

3. Leaving an Opening Too Small or Too Large

Reason: A gap that's too small is difficult to turn the cover right-side out; a gap that's too large makes an unprofessional-looking finish.
Solution: Follow your pattern instructions precisely for the opening size, or make a test cover first to determine the ideal size.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for a fluffy throw pillow cover?
Faux fur, fleece, or even a plush velvet are excellent choices for a fluffy pillow cover. They provide the desired texture and are relatively easy to sew.