How to Make Fancy Pillows

Throw pillows are often the finishing touch for a bed or couch. They can dress up a plain room. Decorative pillows can be expensive and may not be available in the colors you desire. One solution is to make fancy pillows yourself. These pillows do not require a sewing machine or specialized sewing knowledge. Any solid colored or simple patterned pillow can be dressed up. You can even use your existing pillows and give them a new look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Throw pillows
• Tassels
• Beads
• Needle
• Embroidery floss
• Fabric pencil

1. Sew a tassel to each corner of the pillow. Sew your floss through the corner of the pillow leaving a 2-inch tail. Pass the needle through the top loop of the tassel. Tie the two tails of floss tightly together in a strong knot and trim off any extra.

2. Use the fabric pencil to mark where you want to place each bead. You can make your marks randomly over the pillow, or you may wish to create a simple design.

3. Tie a double knot in the end of your thread. Pass the thread into the pillow at your first mark and back out on the other side. Try not to catch the pillow stuffing in your needle. Pull the thread until the knot pulls into the pillow and trim off any protruding tail.

4. Pass the thread through the first bead and back into the pillow. Pull the needle out of the pillow at the next mark. Pull the thread tight so the bead sits snugly against the pillow, but not so tight that it causes the fabric to pucker. Continue sewing the beads on in this way until you reach the last one.

5. Pass the needle back up through the fabric directly underneath the final bead. Tie a knot as close to the fabric as you can. Push the needle into the fabric and back out and pull until the knot slips into the pillow. Trim off any excess thread close to the fabric. The knot is hidden inside the pillow.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabric paints and stencils can be used to further decorate your pillow.
• Do not bead pillows for a small child's room as beads can pose a choking hazard.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens beaded pillow designs.