How to Make a Big Pillow

Use medium or heavy-weight fabric for a more durable pillow.

There are two ways to make a large pillow: increasing the amount of material used and adding a gusset. A basic pillow is made by sewing two panels of fabric together. Increasing the length and width of these panels will increase the overall size of the pillow for big projects such as body pillows and pet beds. However a gusset, a rectangular strip that increases the depth of the pillow, is necessary if you wish to make an over-stuffed pillow. Combine the two techniques to make large deep pillows, such as those used as floor cushions.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Cut two panels of fabric; panels can be any shape: square, rectangular, circular, triangular. Add a 1/2 inch seam allowance to all sides of the panel.

2. Cut a strip of fabric to form a gusset. Make the length of the strip equal to the perimeter of the panel -- e.g., a 12-inch square panel requires a 48-inch long strip. Determine the depth of the gusset by the desired height of the finished pillow -- e.g., if you want a 4-inch deep cushion, the width of the strip is 4 inches. Add a 1/2-inch seam allowance to all sides of the strip.

3. Place one panel face-up on a table. Pin the strip face down to the upper-left corner of the panel. Continue pinning the strip to the panel until you return to the original corner.

4. Sew along the edge of the panel and strip joining the material. Use a serger for a more durable seam. Start and finish sewing 1 inch from the edge of the gusset strip; this will maintain a small opening near the upper-left corner.

5. Spread the second panel on the tabletop.

6. Flip over the panel with the gusset so that the corner without stitches is in the upper left. Align the two panels, and pin the loose upper edge of the gusset strip to the upper edge of the panel on the table.

7. Pin along the entire perimeter of the panel, leaving a small section in the upper-left corner separate as before.

8. Sew along the perimeter forming a casing.

9. Invert the casing through the corner of the gusset that is not sewn.

10. Stuff the pillow.

11. Sew the opening closed by hand.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extention; Four Square Pillow; Debra Proctor et al.; 2007
• Embroidery Companion; Berry Border Pillow; 2010
• Pennsylvania State University; Pillowcase Sewing Project; Chris Goodwin, Nora Soliman, and Nathan DiGiacinto; 2003