How to Button Tuck a Pillow

Button-tuck a pillow to give it a central focal point of interest.

A button-tucked pillow is a classic home decor accessory. A button-tucked pillow, also sometimes called a button-tufted pillow, is a throw pillow with a button sewn into the center on either side. You can turn any throw pillow in your home into a button-tucked pillow with only basic sewing skills and a few minutes' time. Dig through your button jar to find the perfect adornment for your pillows today.

Things You'll Need

• Throw pillow
• Ruler
• Pen or pencil
• Upholstery thread
• Long embroidery or upholstery needle
• 2 buttons
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose a button that coordinates well with the pillow you will use. There are no specific requirements for the button, but in general a fabric-covered button or one that has a larger diameter (quarter to silver-dollar size) will work best for this project.

2. Use a ruler to determine the exact center of the pillow on the front and back; mark this point with a small pen or pencil marking.

3. Thread a long embroidery or upholstery needle with a few yards of heavy duty thread, such as upholstery thread. Double the thread and knot it at the ends.

4. Poke the needle through the back of the pillow and bring it out the front at the point you marked. Attach a button to this point and sew the button tightly onto the pillow in the center. Pull on the thread as you sew on the button so that the pillow pulls in on itself in the position of the button. Tie a knot in the back when you finish sewing on the button.

5. Sew a second button onto the back side of the pillow. Hide the knot from the first button under the second one. Tie a new knot in the pillow on the front side, concealing it beneath the front button.

References

• Sew 4 Home: Square Button-Tucked Throw Pillow
• Do It Yourself: Tufted Chair Cushion