How to Replace Large Pillows on a Couch
The large pillows that come with a couch often wear out first. They are moved around, used as floor cushions and in general receive heavy use. A basic replacement pillow is simple to sew and will save money, since replacements from the manufacturer often have a high price tag. Decide what fabric would match the couch upholstery, keeping in mind that lightweight cotton won't look like it came with the couch. Use heavier, more durable fabric. You can reuse the stuffing or foam if it still looks and feels in good condition. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tissue paper
- Drinking glass
- Scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Fabric
- Stuffing
Instructions
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1
Remove the stuffing or foam from the old pillows. Measure the old fabric and add a 1/2" seam allowance to both the length and width measurements. Estimate the amount of fabric you will need to complete the project and add a little extra.
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Consider the type of fabric that would best work with your couch upholstery. If you select a patterned fabric, you will need extra for matching the pattern. For beginning sewers, a solid-color fabric with no pattern will be easier to work with.
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3
Use tissue paper or other lightweight paper to make a pattern. The pillow front will be one piece. The back will require two pieces of fabric two-thirds the length of the front on the long edge and the same width. Place a drinking glass on the corners and trace it so that the corners of the pattern are rounded. The two back pieces should have two rounded corners and two square ones; to get that shape, cut out the front piece first and then pin the pattern over two layers of fabric so it covers as much as you need for the back and the rest hangs off the edge.
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When you're ready to cut, pin the pattern to the fabric using enough pins to hold the pattern and fabric together well. Finish the raw outside edges of all three pieces with a zigzag stitch. The straight edges of the two back pieces should be turned down 1/4 inch, then another 1/4 inch, and sewn down with a straight stitch, since these edges will show.
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Assemble and pin the pieces together, wrong side out. One back piece will line up on three sides with the front piece, with the hemmed side toward the middle. Pin the other back piece so that it also lines up with the front on three sides, its finished edge toward the middle, and overlaps the first piece.
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Sew the pieces together, removing pins as you work, and using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Turn the pillow cover right side out and press until seams and corners are flat. The overlapped pieces at the back will form the opening for stuffing in the middle, and the overlap area will keep the stuffing from showing or falling out.
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Fill the pillow with your pillow form or stuffing. Make sure the corners are filled evenly and neatly.
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Tips & Warnings
You can add fringe or cording to the edges of the pillow by pinning it to the right side of the front piece, with the sewing band facing the outside, before you stitch the pieces together.
Knit fabrics or shiny slippery fabrics will be harder to work with.
If you are using stuffing instead of a pillow form, you have the option to sew two same-size pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening for stuffing that you will hand-stitch together.
Don't run the sewing needle over the pins you have used to put the pieces together. This may damage your sewing machine.
Make sure the fabric is wide enough for your pillow size. Home-decorating or upholstery fabrics often come in wider sizes.
References
Resources
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