A bolster is a long, narrow pillow often used to support the back or neck. Our black + white version finishes at over 30″ with a flange at each end. It makes a dramatic statement across a bed or against the back of a couch.
Zippers are the trusty workhorses of the sewing world, going about their job, opening and closing without much fanfare. But it can be fun to let them out from between the seams to shine on their own, like on this fashionable pillow.
The bolster is one of our favorite shaped pillows, we bet you will love it too – especially this classic style with closed, button-tufted ends. We added a touch of luxury with velveteen piping and covered buttons.
Create a fast, patchwork pillow using thin scraps. We dove into our stash for leftover Jelly Roll and Honey Bun strips. A variety of decorative stitching along each seam adds a dash of color and texture. Each one is different.
These eye popping pillows are created in Candy Shag Faux Fur. The long nap starts as pure white at the base with brilliant candy colors at the tips. As the nap shifts, so does the color. Wonder if that would work on my hair?!
We love sewing by machine! It's fast, it's easy, and when you have great machines like the Janome models in our S4H studios, it's almost effortless. But it doesn't mean you can't whip out the hand needle and thread now and then. A few well-placed hand-stitched accents add a unique decorative touch. Today's lovely lumbar
Charm squares are just that: charming little chunks of fabric, 5″ x 5″ squares from all the patterns and colorways within a given fabric collection. Stitch them end-to-end to create the ruffle strip around a fun and colorful pillow.
Two pillows are better than one – especially when they are in two different shapes and sizes. Our Square and Bolster Set also adds great texture and dimension with natural cotton webbing and twisted rope trim.
Our grandma was amazing in the way she could take cast-off bits and pieces and turn them into something so very sweet. These five mix and match pillows are inspired by her inventiveness with a variety of scraps and textures.
What’s faster than a pillow. Well… cheetahs, Italian sports cars, and the time it takes for your kids to age from 2 to 20 to name a few. So, let’s be more specific. When it comes to sewing projects, what’s faster and easier than a pillow? Nothing! This pillow design is certainly quick and easy,
A classic triangle with a unique octopus appliqué plus a companion starfish pillow. Make one or make them both. Their brilliant colors and interesting shapes would be perfect as toss pillows in a sunroom or covered patio.
The box pleat is one of the easiest pleating techniques to master. We’ve used the inverted version to create a pair of simple yet stunning pillows. Use a single or double pleat; we give you measurements for both versions.
If your sofa seems down in the dumps, the solution can be as quick and easy as a new set of pillows. A blast of beautiful fabric makes your whole room (and you) happier. This set is reversible with pretty flange accents.
Many heirloom techniques can be re-imagined by machine. Try some classic stitches to create a unique decorator pillow. We incorporated straight tucks, wave tucks, entredeux, and lush ruffles into this tone-on-tone beauty.
We explain three different decorative stitching options for you to try, and have included three template downloads to re-create our exact designs. Vary the fabric, thread colors, and stitch patterns for dozens of cool combos.
This clever pillow looks complex with its intricate lattice front and peek-a-boo inset, but it’s so easy. We love the splash of color behind the lattice strips. Just imagine all the wonderful fabric combinations you could try!
The graceful crane is a symbol for longevity. Although often depicted in flight, the cascading pleats on the front and back of our pillow simulate the folded wings of a crane at rest. Silk dupioni provides a shimmering finish.
If you’re learning to sew or teaching someone else, this pillow is a great first project. We spend extra time going over tools and techniques, and include links to other articles to help move you further along the learning curve.
Like your favorite pair of sweats, sometimes you gotta have a loose fit. This throw pillow follows suit with a relaxed and roomy cover. We added 15 lines of decorative stitching and custom corner tassels.
We call this a “jewel box pillow” because of its rows of diamonds. But a diamond is just a square turned on point. So the front is really just six simple rows stitched on the diagonal. Piping and covered buttons soften the angles.
This dramatic pillow is what is traditionally called a “statement” pillow, the member of the pillowscape with the strongest flair, the one that anchors the collection. Our striking fleur-de-lis appliqué is a free download.
We provide complete step-by-step instructions for our own woven braid design plus two alternative ideas. The pattern works best in fabric with a variety of smaller motifs in distinct colors to achieve the pretty braided effect.
Stripes are one of those universal motifs. We turned and sewed them in clever ways to create a unique effect. Our “spun stripes” allow simple triangles and squares to morph into pillow tops that seem almost three-dimensional.
When you think of patchwork, you usually think of quilting cotton. But there’s no rule! We added luxury into the mix with a jewel box blend of silk dupioni in Tiffany blue, glittering silver, burnished gold, and rich ebony.
Tuck a letter to Santa in one pocket, a special treat for him in the other. Then, leave the pillow out overnight and check in the morning to see what Santa has returned. Perhaps a letter back and another special treat!
It’s so sad when Frosty melts away, so we came up with a way to keep him safe year ‘round: a set of three round pillows. The fronts feature a snowman smile, buttons, and scarf. Flip over and they’re plain furry pillows to leave out longer.
We're often asked for more projects that can be done by beginners or used as projects to help teach someone to sew - especially a child. Wish granted. We have three wonderful pillow projects we've dubbed Xtra EZ. Not only are the steps themselves just that: extra easy, we've also made sure there are specific techniques
A great gift idea for grandparents. Classic wool plaid forms the back, white cotton duck for the front, twisted cording around the edges, and black felted wool for the appliqués that mimic the look of vintage shadow silhouettes.
The Pillow Jacket: it’s like an outfit for your pillow. The jacket slips over a complimentary fabric-covered pillow to create a unique, layered look. Our pinafore version of the Pillow Jacket makes an adorable nursery accent.
This pillow features a unique way to make ordinary piping pop. You start with jumbo piping, which requires a wide fabric strip as a wrap. This fabric strip then becomes the base for two rows of bold decorative stitching.
Quilter’s prairie points create a unique edge for this pretty pillow. We used charm squares to make things quick and easy. There are 32 points around the edge; including clever mitered corners, which we show you how to make.
Things that are six sided: snow crystals, the cells of a honeycomb, the Tam Tam (a six-sided matzo cracker) and this delightful star-shaped pillow. Completely proving 1) not all pillows need to be square, and 2) you'll need to get a magnifying glass or microscope to make sure I'm telling the truth about the snow
It’s the classic special touch: adding a little something on top. Pie is great. Pie with whipped cream is awesome. This pretty pillow overlays patchwork with a touch of embroidery. It’s a simple way to make a stunning statement.
This happens. You're minding your own business, browsing with a particular project in mind, when a completely surprising fabric grabs your hand and yanks you over to the side, whispering, "You must have me; I'm so cool." That's exactly what happened with this wonderful pillow pair. The skeleton toile in a bright chartreuse with rich
A horizontal pillow injects an interesting shape into the ordinary pile of pillows. This one features an envelope style opening on the front rather than the back, so you can show off a set of three beautiful cherry wood buttons. The buttons are not only fabulous, they are also keeping the pillow cover closed. Who
Pretty pillow numéro deux in our French Pillow Trio features a French word in its name: appliqué. Derived from the French verb "appliquér," meaning "to put on or apply," appliqué does exactly that, putting one fabric onto another as a decorative embellishment. We've created two free appliqué templates you can download, one for either side
This pillow’s pleated front is embellished with thin belted accents and a bow. With no intricate angles or curves, it’s a great project to practice pleating. Master the fold-and-tuck method, and you can use it again and again.
You needn't be a cowboy or cowgirl to fall in love with this excellent accent pillow. The faux cowhide is 100% polyester with a heavy, velvety feel. Continuing our theme of imitation as the greatest (and humanest) form of flattery, we've paired it with a thick, rich faux suede, also 100% polyester. The design is
Patchwork done in small prints in a coordinated color palette is lovely. But when you want to mix it up, try bold designs + bright colors set against crisp, clean white with hand embroidery on the front and pretty tassels on the back.
Pleats and tucks are a versatile sewing embellishment. We love the Wave Tuck, done with clever folding and stitching in two contrasting fabrics. We use it here on a pillow; bet you can think of lots of ways to add some rippling waves.
All those “special” T-shirts from events, vacations or sports teams… you don’t wear them anymore, but you also can’t seem to part with them. Make them into keepsake pillows! Cut out the motif, stitch, and stuff! It’s as easy as that.