How To Make A Throw Pillow With Floral Fabric

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I’ll admit it—I’m one of those people who can never have too many pillows. Whether it’s the couch, the bed, or even a random chair, I love piling on the pillows. My husband teases me every night when he has to toss a bunch off the bed just to climb in, but hey, at least it looks good, right? There’s just something about a well-placed pillow that makes a space feel complete.

So whenever I get the chance to make one myself instead of buying yet another, I’m all in. Handmade throw pillows are such an easy way to breathe new life into a room, whether you’re freshening up the living room, adding softness to a bench, or making a bedroom feel extra inviting.

Even better, making your own gives you complete creative freedom—pick the fabrics, colors, and patterns you love and create something that’s totally your style. This is a beginner-friendly project that anyone can jump into. Here’s how:

Supplies

Sewing Machine
1 Yard Floral Fabric (I purchased my fabric from Fabric Wholesale Direct)
White thread
White Fabric for underlaying
Pillow form insert
Sewing Measuring tape
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Pins
Iron and ironing board

How to Make a Throw Pillow Instructions

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

You’ll need three pieces of fabric in total:

Front panel: Cut one piece that is the same size as your pillow insert (e.g., 18″ x 18″).
Back panels (for envelope opening): Cut two pieces that are each the same height (18″) but only about 13″ wide. This allows for a generous overlap in the back to keep the insert hidden and snug.

Tip: Add ½ inch to each edge for seam allowance. So cut one piece at 19″ x 19″, and two pieces at 19″ x 14″ if using a half-inch seam.

I added an extra layer of white fabric, cut the same way as the floral pieces, to give the pillow more weight since the main fabric was a bit thin. This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if your fabric is thick enough.

Step 2: Hem the Back Panels

Take each of the back pieces and fold one of the long edges (the 19″ side) over about ½ inch, then fold it over again to enclose the raw edge. Press flat with an iron.
Sew a straight line along the folded edge to create a clean hem. Repeat for the second back piece.

Step 3: Assemble the Pillow Cover

Lay the front panel face up on your work surface.
Place one of the back panels face down on top of the front panel, aligning the edges.
Lay the second back panel face down, overlapping the first one to create the envelope opening.

Pin or clip all the edges together, making sure the corners are lined up.

Step 4: Sew Around the Edges

Using a ½ inch seam allowance, sew all the way around the perimeter of the pillow cover. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seams.

Step 5: Trim and Turn

Trim the corners diagonally to reduce bulk (but don’t cut into the stitches).
Turn the pillow cover right side out through the envelope opening. Use a blunt tool or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push out the corners.

Step 6: Press and Insert

Give the pillow cover a good press with the iron to smooth out any wrinkles.
Then, insert your pillow form through the back opening and adjust it into place.

Make sure to get the corners in the correct placement. Then fluff your pillow.

Where to find fabric?

For this project, I picked up my floral fabric from Fabric Wholesale Direct—they have a great selection at budget-friendly prices, and I’ve had a good experience with their quality.

However, most local craft or fabric stores carry a wide range of prints and materials, so it’s easy to find the perfect fabric for your pillows close to home.

How to Make a Throw Pillow with Floral Fabric

Supplies