Sew Easy Throw Pillow

I don't know about the rest of the world, but Americans seem to have a fascination with throw pillows. We load up our couches and beds with all these pretty little pillows. I'm not sure why really, because they don't leave much room to sit or lay down unless you take them off! They do add a nice decorative touch though. 
Throw pillows are very easy to make, and their decorative appeal is directly related to the patterns and textures of the fabrics you choose. For today's project, I chose cotton fabrics with a fun pattern and smooth texture. I wanted to make a throw pillow for my daughter, because she's a throw pillow kind of girl : )

Here's what you'll need to make your throw pillow:

• 1 - 18 inch by 18 inch pillow form
• 8 - 10 inch by 10 inch squares of fabric (I used two bundles of fat quarters and cut them to size)
• Cutting mat
• Scissor or rotary cutter 
• Thread
• Sewing needle
• Pins
• Iron
• Sewing machine is optional - this project can easily be sewn by hand

I prepared the fabric by washing, drying and ironing it before cutting and sewing. This way it shouldn't shrink after it's on the pillow.

Pin the right sides of two fabric squares together. Repeat this step four times until you have four two-square pieces. 
*The "right side" of fabric is the side that looks finished and shows.*

Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew straight down the side you pinned. Repeat this step with the other three two-square pieces.

Press the seams open flat with an iron.

Now you are going to put together the pillow front by pinning and sewing together the right sides of the two, two-square units to make one four square unit. The most important part in this step, is to make sure the center seams are lined up. This will allow the points of the four corners of your square to meet perfectly in the center of your pillow.
Repeat this step with the pillow back.

Now you have the four-square pillow front and four-square pillow back complete. Make sure all the seams are pressed flat and open.

Place the right sides of the pillow front and pillow back together. Pin and sew three sides of the square. Then pin and sew half of the fourth side to leave an opening to insert the pillow form through.

Turn pillow cover right side out, push out the corners with your finger and press with an iron. Turn under and press the 1/2 inch seam allowance at the opening for easier sewing.

Insert the pillow form through the opening and hand-stitch the opening closed. Some people can do this part with a sewing machine. I could not - so I hand-stitched it : )

Even though I'm somewhat intimidated by sewing, this throw pillow turned out fantastic! It was an easy, fun project and I can't wait to make one for my son.

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My goal is to take the whole world on a creative journey, one project at a time! Thanks for coming along.

Many Blessings,

Jana : )