Sew Your Own Perfect Round Pillow: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Creating your own throw pillows is a fantastic way to personalize your home decor, express your creativity, and save money. And what’s more inviting than a perfectly round pillow? While they might seem intimidating to sew, round pillows are surprisingly simple to make. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, from gathering your materials to adding the finishing touches, ensuring you end up with a beautiful and comfortable round pillow that’s uniquely yours.

**Why Sew Your Own Round Pillow?**

* **Customization:** Choose the fabric, size, and embellishments that perfectly match your style and home decor.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own pillows can be significantly cheaper than buying them pre-made, especially if you find fabric on sale or repurpose existing materials.
* **Therapeutic:** Sewing can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby.
* **Unique:** Create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personality.
* **Gift-Giving:** Handmade pillows make thoughtful and personal gifts.

**What You’ll Need:**

* **Fabric:** Choose a fabric that suits your style and intended use. Cotton, linen, velvet, and upholstery fabrics are all good options. Consider the durability and washability of the fabric, especially if the pillow will be used frequently.

* **Amount of Fabric:** This will depend on the desired size of your pillow. A general guideline is to calculate the diameter of your pillow, add a seam allowance (typically 1/2 inch), and then double that number. You’ll need this amount for both the front and back pieces. For the side gusset, calculate the circumference of the pillow and add seam allowance. The width of the gusset determines the thickness of the pillow.

* **Sewing Machine:** A basic sewing machine will do the trick. Ensure it’s in good working order with a sharp needle.
* **Thread:** Choose a thread color that complements your fabric. All-purpose polyester thread is a good choice for most projects.
* **Scissors or Rotary Cutter:** Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat will make cutting your fabric easier and more accurate.
* **Measuring Tape or Ruler:** Essential for accurate measurements.
* **Pins:** To hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
* **Seam Ripper:** Just in case you make a mistake!
* **Fabric Marker or Chalk:** For marking cutting lines and seam allowances.
* **Compass or Circular Template:** For drawing perfect circles. A large plate or pot lid can also be used.
* **Stuffing:** Polyester fiberfill is the most common and affordable option. You can also use down feathers, cotton batting, or even shredded foam.
* **Iron and Ironing Board:** For pressing seams and achieving a professional finish.
* **Optional:**
* **Piping or Trim:** To add a decorative edge to your pillow.
* **Zipper or Velcro:** For a removable cover (more advanced).

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

**1. Determine the Size of Your Pillow:**

Decide on the desired diameter of your round pillow. Common sizes range from 12 inches to 20 inches. This will dictate the amount of fabric you need and the size of your circular templates.

**2. Create Your Circular Template:**

* **Using a Compass:** Set the compass to half the desired diameter of your pillow (the radius). Place the compass point on a piece of paper or cardboard and draw a circle.
* **Using a Circular Template:** Find a plate, pot lid, or other circular object that is the desired size. Trace around it onto a piece of paper or cardboard.

**3. Cut Out Your Fabric Pieces:**

* **Front and Back Pieces:**
* Fold your fabric in half, right sides together (RST). This will allow you to cut two identical circles at once.
* Place your circular template on top of the folded fabric and pin it in place.
* Using scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut around the template, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This means cutting slightly outside the template line.
* Remove the pins and template. You should now have two fabric circles for the front and back of your pillow.
* **Side Gusset (the Strip that Connects Front and Back):**
* **Calculate the Circumference:** Use the formula: Circumference = π (pi) * Diameter. Pi is approximately 3.14159. So, if your pillow’s diameter is 16 inches, the circumference is approximately 50.27 inches.
* **Determine the Width:** The width of the gusset will determine the thickness of your pillow. Choose a width that you like; for example, 4 inches for a flatter pillow or 6 inches for a fuller pillow. Add 1 inch to the width for seam allowance (1/2 inch on each side).
* **Cut the Fabric:** Cut a strip of fabric that is the calculated circumference + 1 inch long and the desired width + 1 inch wide. For example, using the 16-inch diameter and 4-inch width examples above, you would cut a strip that is approximately 51.27 inches long and 5 inches wide.

**4. Prepare the Side Gusset:**

* Fold the side gusset in half lengthwise, wrong sides together (WST), and press with an iron. This will create a crease that will help you align the gusset with the circles.
* Alternatively, you can leave the gusset as a single layer of fabric. This will give the pillow a slightly different shape.

**5. Pin the Side Gusset to the Front Circle:**

* This is the trickiest part, so take your time and use plenty of pins.
* Start by aligning the raw edge of the side gusset (either the folded edge if you folded it or one of the long edges if you didn’t) with the raw edge of the front circle, right sides together (RST). Pin in place at the starting point.
* Continue pinning the gusset to the circle, working your way around. You’ll need to ease the gusset around the curve of the circle. This means gently stretching the gusset fabric slightly as you pin to avoid puckers or wrinkles. Pin frequently, approximately every inch or two.
* Overlap the ends of the gusset by about 1 inch and pin them in place. This overlap will be sewn together later.
* **Tip:** If you’re finding it difficult to ease the gusset around the circle, try clipping small triangles into the seam allowance of the circle’s edge, being careful not to cut into the seam line. This will allow the fabric to curve more easily.

**6. Sew the Side Gusset to the Front Circle:**

* Using your sewing machine, sew the side gusset to the front circle, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew slowly and carefully, removing pins as you go.
* When you reach the overlap of the gusset ends, sew them together with a straight stitch, then trim the excess fabric to 1/2 inch seam allowance. This creates a continuous loop for the gusset.
* Press the seam allowance towards the side gusset.

**7. Pin the Side Gusset to the Back Circle:**

* Repeat the process of pinning the side gusset to the back circle, right sides together (RST), easing the gusset around the curve. Leave a 6-8 inch opening for stuffing.
* Make sure to leave the opening on a straight part of the gusset seam, not on a curved part. This will make it easier to close the opening later.

**8. Sew the Side Gusset to the Back Circle:**

* Sew the side gusset to the back circle, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave the 6-8 inch opening.
* Backstitch at the beginning and end of the opening to secure the seam.
* Press the seam allowance towards the side gusset.

**9. Turn the Pillow Right Side Out:**

* Carefully turn the pillow right side out through the opening. Use your fingers or a blunt object (like a chopstick or knitting needle) to gently push out the seams and create a smooth, round shape.

**10. Stuff the Pillow:**

* Start stuffing the pillow with your chosen filling material. Use small handfuls of stuffing to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
* Stuff firmly, but not too tightly. You want the pillow to be comfortable and supportive, but not overly stiff.
* Continuously check the shape of the pillow as you stuff it, making sure it’s evenly rounded.

**11. Close the Opening:**

* Fold the raw edges of the opening inwards, creating a clean, even edge.
* Pin the opening closed.
* **Hand Sewing (Blind Stitch):** Use a blind stitch to close the opening invisibly. This involves taking small, hidden stitches along the folded edges, pulling the edges together to create a seamless closure.
* **Machine Sewing:** You can also close the opening with your sewing machine using a straight stitch. However, this will be more visible than a hand-sewn closure.

**12. Finishing Touches:**

* **Press the Pillow:** Give your finished pillow a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and set the seams.
* **Add Embellishments (Optional):** You can add piping, trim, buttons, or other embellishments to personalize your pillow. Piping can be sewn into the seam between the gusset and the circles during the sewing process. Other embellishments can be added after the pillow is complete.

**Tips and Tricks for Success:**

* **Accurate Cutting is Key:** Precise cutting will make the sewing process much easier and ensure a well-shaped pillow.
* **Use Plenty of Pins:** Pinning the gusset to the circles is crucial for achieving a smooth, even seam. Don’t be afraid to use lots of pins!
* **Ease, Don’t Force:** When pinning the gusset to the circles, gently ease the fabric around the curve. Avoid stretching or forcing the fabric, as this can create puckers or wrinkles.
* **Clip Curves:** Clipping small triangles into the seam allowance of the circle’s edge can help the fabric curve more easily.
* **Sew Slowly:** Take your time and sew carefully, especially when working with curved seams.
* **Press as You Go:** Pressing seams after each step will help create a professional finish.
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Overstuffing the pillow can make it uncomfortable and distort its shape.
* **Choose the Right Filling:** The type of filling you use will affect the comfort and appearance of the pillow. Experiment with different fillings to find what you like best.

**Variations and Creative Ideas:**

* **Two-Tone Pillow:** Use different fabrics for the front and back circles, or even for different sections of the side gusset.
* **Patterned Fabric:** Choose a fabric with a bold print to make a statement pillow.
* **Appliqued Pillow:** Add appliqued shapes or designs to the front of the pillow.
* **Embroidered Pillow:** Embroider a design or message onto the pillow.
* **Piping or Trim:** Add piping or trim around the edge of the pillow for a decorative touch. Experiment with different colors and textures.
* **Removable Cover:** Add a zipper or Velcro closure to create a removable cover for easy washing.
* **Different Shapes:** Once you’ve mastered the basic round pillow, try experimenting with other shapes, such as squares, rectangles, or even more complex shapes.
* **Scrap Fabric Pillow:** Use up leftover fabric scraps to create a patchwork round pillow. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a unique and colorful design.
* **Pillow with a Handle:** Add a fabric handle to the top of the pillow for easy carrying.
* **Sectioned Pillow:** Create a round pillow with different sections, each filled with a different type of stuffing or embellished with a different fabric.

**Troubleshooting:**

* **Puckers or Wrinkles:** If you’re getting puckers or wrinkles in your seams, try easing the fabric more gently, clipping the curves, or using more pins.
* **Uneven Shape:** If your pillow is not perfectly round, check your measurements and cutting accuracy. Make sure you are easing the gusset evenly around the circle.
* **Lumpy Stuffing:** To avoid lumpy stuffing, use small handfuls of filling and distribute it evenly. You can also try fluffing the stuffing before you start.
* **Seam Ripping:** Don’t be afraid to use your seam ripper if you make a mistake. It’s better to fix a mistake than to live with a poorly sewn pillow.

**Conclusion:**

Sewing your own round pillow is a rewarding and creative project. With a little patience and practice, you can create beautiful and unique pillows that will add a personal touch to your home decor. So gather your materials, follow these step-by-step instructions, and start sewing! You’ll be amazed at what you can create. Happy sewing!