How to Back a Silk Scarf Pillow

Pillows made from silk scarves give a plain sofa color.

Add color, pattern and texture to your home decor by sewing pillows out of silk scarves. You can use new or vintage scarves to create these visually appealing accessories. Since silk scarves are thin and delicate, it is important to place material behind them as backing. Choose a material that is sturdy enough to support the scarf and give the pillow shape. Once you add the backing, sew the rest of the pillow together and insert a pillow form into it.

Things You'll Need

• Silk scarf
• Backing material (muslin)
• Fabric for the back of the pillow
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron
• Pillow form

Instructions

1. Lay your silk scarf right-side up on a piece of muslin and cut it 1/4 inch larger than the scarf on all sides. Pin the scarf to the backing using sewing pins. Insert a pin every few inches to keep the fabric secure while you are sewing.

2. Place thread in your sewing machine that matches the silk scarf. Sew the scarf to the backing 1/8 inch from the edge of the scarf, removing the pins as you go.

3. Cut two pieces of fabric for the back of the pillow. The pieces should be three-quarters the length of the muslin backing and the exact same width. The precise measurements will depend on the size of the silk scarf you are using.

4. Pin one long end of each of these pieces of fabric and sew a 1-inch hem. Place the pieces of fabric on the right side of the scarf so that the hemmed sides are facing the center and the wrong sides of the back pieces are facing you. This means that the right sides of the scarf and the fabric pieces are facing each other. The fabric pieces will overlap each other but will be the same width as the muslin backing. Pin in place and sew inside the 1/8-inch seam that you created when you sewed the scarf to the backing.

5. Turn the pillowcase right-side out and iron it. Insert a pillow form into the case.