How to Hand Sew a Pillow Shut

Finish sewing a pillow by hand stitching the raw edges together.

Making your own pillow is a good beginner project. You begin the project by sewing two pieces of fabric together with the wrong sides facing together. You sew three sides together and leave a large gap on the fourth side so you can stuff the pillow with batting. Once that has been completed, you must hand sew the gap on the fourth side closed to finish the pillow.

Things You'll Need

• Pins
• Needle
• Thread to match the pillow
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Fold the raw edges of the fabric under. If you used a 1/4-inch seam allowance when you sewed the pillow, fold the edges under 1/4 inch. Start on one end and pin the top and bottom pieces of fabric together as you go.

2. Thread the needle with thread that matches the fabric of your pillow. Pull the thread through the needle until it meets the other end of the thread and tie the two ends together in a knot.

3. Push the needle through the top piece of fabric at one end of the gap in the fabric. This hides the knot inside the pillow.

4. Bring the needle down under the pillow and push it up through both pieces of fabric to the top of the pillow. Push it through about 1/8 inch from the edge of the pillow.

5. Repeat Step 4 to make stitches in a straight line until you reach the other end of the gap in the fabric. The stitches should be close together.

6. Push the needle through only the bottom piece of fabric and tie a knot in the thread. Push the knot into the fold between the fabrics to hide it.

7. Remove the pins.

References

• YouTube: Sewing Basics: How to Sew a Pillow Closed