How to hand sew pillow, hand sewing a pillow involves pinning the fabric, threading the needle, and using a ladder stitch for closing. By following these steps, you can hand sew a pillow easily at home.
Learning how to hand sew a pillow can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to choose your fabric and customize the design to perfectly complement your space. We will provide a step-by-step guide on how to hand sew a pillow, along with essential tips and techniques to ensure a professional and polished finish.
Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or a novice crafter, hand sewing a pillow is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that anyone can master. So, let’s get started and bring your creative pillow ideas to life!
Step 1: Pin Fabrics Together
How to Hand Sew Pillow?
In this step, pin the fabrics of your pillow together before sewing. Start at the bottom edge of the fabric and use a simple whip stitch to secure them. This will ensure a neat and secure pillow.
Aligning the Fabrics:
To start hand sewing a pillow, you need to pin the fabrics together properly. Before pinning, make sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Place the fabrics on a flat surface and align them carefully, ensuring that all edges match up perfectly. This will create a neat and professional-looking finish.
Using Straight Pins:
Once the fabrics are aligned, use straight pins to hold them in place. Insert the pins perpendicular to the edges, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the edge. Pin the fabrics together at regular intervals, spacing the pins about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. This will prevent the fabrics from shifting while you sew and make the process easier and more accurate.
Securing the Edges:
Next, secure the edges of the fabric by pinning them together in a straight line. Start at one corner and continue pinning along the edge, making sure the pins are inserted parallel to the edges. By securing the edges, you’ll create a clean and even seam when you sew the fabrics together.
Step 2: Thread Needle And Knot Thread
To thread the needle and knot the thread for hand sewing a pillow, start at the bottom edge of the fabric and bring the needle through. Use a simple whip stitch or backstitch to sew the fabric together. This easy and effective technique will ensure a secure and polished finish to your hand-sewn pillow.
Threading The Needle
In order to hand sew a pillow, the first step is to thread the needle. You should start by cutting a length of thread (about 18 inches) and then using a needle with a large enough eye to comfortably accommodate the thread. To make threading the needle easier, you can also use a needle threader tool. Place one end of the thread through the eye of the needle and pull the thread through until both ends are equal in length.
Making A Knot
After threading the needle, the next step is to make a knot at the end of the thread. To do so, simply hold both ends of the thread together and tie a secure knot at the end. You can also double or triple knot the thread for added security, ensuring that it will not come loose while you are sewing.
Step 3: Hand Stitch Fabrics Together
In the third step of hand sewing a pillow, you need to hand stitch the fabrics together. Start at the bottom edge of the pillow and use a whip stitch or backstitch for a strong hold.
Choosing A Stitch
When hand sewing fabrics together for a pillow, choosing the right stitch is crucial. A whip stitch is a simple and reliable choice, especially for beginners. It’s easy to do and creates a sturdy seam. You can also consider using a running stitch or a backstitch for added strength.
Starting The Stitch
To start the chosen stitch, insert the threaded needle into the fabric at the starting point. Make sure to secure the thread in place with a small knot. If you’re using a backstitch, make the first stitch backward to anchor the thread securely.
Securing The Stitch
As you sew along the fabric, periodically check if the stitches are secure. After reaching the end of the seam or a corner, make a few extra stitches to secure the thread before knotting it off.
Step 4: Finishing The Pillow
To finish the pillow, hand-sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch for a seamless look. Knot the thread securely to keep the seam secure. Then, hide the end of the thread for a professional finish. Get creative with different pillow designs and fabrics for a personalized touch!
Now that you have completed the essential steps of hand sewing a pillow, it’s time to finish it off and add those final touches. In this step, we will focus on three important tasks: clipping corners, turning the pillow right side out, and inserting the pillow form. Let’s dive in!
Clipping Corners
Once you have sewn all the edges of your pillow, it’s important to clip the corners before proceeding. Clipping the corners will help reduce bulk and give your pillow a better shape. Take your scissors and carefully trim close to the corner of each stitched side, making sure not to cut into the seam itself. This will allow the corners of your pillow to be nice and crisp once it’s turned right side out.
Turning The Pillow Right Side Out
After clipping the corners, it’s time to turn the pillow right side out. Gently push the fabric through the opening you left in one of the sides until the entire pillow is turned right side out. Use your fingers or a blunt tool to carefully push out the corners and ensure they are fully formed. Take your time with this step to achieve a smooth and neatly turned pillow.
Inserting The Pillow Form
With the pillow now turned right side out, it’s time to insert the pillow form. Take your pillow form and carefully stuff it into the opening of the pillow cover. Adjust the form as needed to ensure it fills out the corners and edges of the pillow cover evenly. Once the pillow form is inserted to your satisfaction, give it a gentle fluff to distribute the filling evenly throughout the pillow. Closing the Opening: To complete the pillow, you need to close the opening that was left for inserting the pillow form.
There are different techniques you can use to close the opening, such as slip stitching or ladder stitching.
– Slip Stitching: Thread your needle with a matching thread color. Start sewing from one end of the opening to the other, using small, invisible stitches. Take care to sew close to the edge and make sure your stitches are secure.
– Ladder Stitch: If you prefer an even more invisible closure, you can use a ladder stitch. This stitch involves creating small stitches back and forth, alternating sides to create a ladder-like pattern. This technique ensures that the closing stitches are hidden and the pillow looks seamless. Whichever method you choose, make sure to secure your thread with a knot once you finish sewing. Trim any excess thread and give your pillow a final fluff to smooth out any wrinkles or creases. And there you have it!
By following these four steps, you have successfully hand sewn a beautiful pillow. Now you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating something handmade and personalized for your space.
Conclusion
Hand sewing a pillow is a simple and satisfying DIY project. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a beautiful pillow with a handmade touch. From pinning the fabrics together to hand stitching them and finishing off with a hidden stitch, you’ll learn all the techniques necessary for a professional-looking result.
So grab your sewing supplies and get started on making your own hand-sewn pillow today!
