How to Make a Square Decorative Pillow

Square pillows are the most commonly used pillow type in the home. They can be stacked on one end of the sofa or on a chair, lined in rows or used alone. They are good to have around for decorative purposes or to use as a back support. Square pillows can be thrown in the floor for an extra seating area for young adults or children. Easy to make, these pillows can be made from cotton fabric and completed in only a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Muslin fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Polyester stuffing
• Thread
• Needle

Instructions

Make the Pillow Form

1. Determine the size of the square pillow you will make. Add 1 inch to the width and 1 inch to the length.

2. Cut a top and bottom section of muslin to the determined size.

3. Cut a boxing strip the length of the perimeter of the square plus 1 inch for seam allowance. Since this piece will form the sides of your pillow, the width of the strip should be the same as the thickness you want the square pillow to be.

4. Pin the boxing strip to one of the squares, right side together. Begin four inches in from the corner (This will form an edge around the pillow).

5. Stitch the boxing strip and square together all the way around but do not sew over the boxing strip seam.

6. Repeat for the other square except leave four inches open for stuffing. Be certain the squares line up perfectly and that your strip will end at the same location on each square.

7. Trim seams. Clip corners and turn inside out.

8. Stuff the square pillow form with polyester stuffing. Fill until the form is firm and the edge stands up nicely.

9. Hand-sew the opening closed.

Make the Square Pillow Cover

1. Measure the width, length and depth of the pillow form.

2. Add 1 inch to each measurement for the seam allowance.

3. Cut two squares of print fabric the size of your measurements for the top and the bottom. Depending on your print, you may wish to place your fabric before cutting in order to center your motif on the pillow.

4. Cut one boxing strip the size of your measurement.

5. Pin the boxing strip edge around the perimeter of the top square and stitch.

6. Pin the other edge of the boxing strip around the perimeter of the bottom square, being sure to line up the squares.

7. Sew around three sides of the square.

8. Trim edges. Clip corners. Turn inside out. Push out corners so they look crisp.

9. Insert a square pillow form. Position it straight in the cover.

10. Hand-stitch the remaining seam closed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also install a zipper within the pillow's boxing strip to make the cover easier to clean.

• To determine the perimeter, add the measurement of all four sides together.

• Don't measure your cover fabric at the same time as the muslin fabric.

References

• Threads Magazine