How to Make a DIY Floral-Themed Throw Pillow Cover

Creating a DIY floral-themed throw pillow cover is a fun and creative way to add a fresh, personalized touch to your living space. Whether you’re looking to refresh an old pillow or make a unique gift, a floral throw pillow cover can be an easy and cost-effective project. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own beautiful floral throw pillow cover.

Materials Needed:

• Fabric (choose a floral print or plain fabric to paint or embroider flowers onto)

• Pillow form or an existing throw pillow

• Scissors

• Sewing machine or needle and thread

• Pins

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Iron and ironing board

• Fabric glue or fabric paint (optional)

• Embellishments (such as lace, buttons, or beads, optional)

Step 1: Measure the Pillow

Start by measuring the size of your pillow or pillow form. Common throw pillow sizes are 16×16 inches, 18×18 inches, or 20×20 inches. Once you know the dimensions, add an additional 1 inch on each side for seam allowance. This ensures the cover fits snugly around the pillow.

For example, if you’re working with a 16×16-inch pillow, cut two squares of fabric that are 17×17 inches each.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Lay your fabric flat on a clean, smooth surface. Using the measuring tape and scissors, cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size. Ensure the floral print is placed in a way that showcases the design, or if you’re using plain fabric, decide where you’ll place your flowers.

If you’re using fabric paint or plan to embroider flowers, it’s best to do this on one of the pieces of fabric before you sew the cover together.

Step 3: Add the Floral Design (Optional)

This step is optional, depending on whether you want a pre-printed floral fabric or want to add your personal touch. There are different ways to incorporate flowers into the fabric:

1. Fabric Paint: If you’re using plain fabric, you can paint flowers onto the fabric using fabric paint. Lay down a piece of cardboard under the fabric to prevent any paint from bleeding through. Use a stencil or freehand your flowers for a unique touch. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Embroidery: You can also embroider flowers onto the fabric. Using embroidery floss, needle, and various stitch techniques, you can create delicate floral patterns. This adds texture and a handmade feel to your pillow cover.

3. Appliqué: For a more textured floral effect, you can use fabric appliqué. Cut out flower shapes from a contrasting fabric and attach them to the pillow cover using fabric glue or by sewing them on with a zigzag stitch.

4. Lace or Embellishments: If you want to add extra detail, lace, beads, or buttons can be sewn or glued onto the fabric to enhance the floral theme.

Step 4: Sew the Pillow Cover

Once your fabric is prepared with the floral design, it’s time to sew the pillow cover.

1. Align the Pieces: Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together (the side with the floral design should be on the inside). Ensure the edges are aligned and pin the pieces in place.

2. Sew the Edges: Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving one side open. Make sure to sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. You can either sew all four sides or leave an opening on one side for an envelope-style closure.

3. Turn the Cover Right Side Out: After sewing, turn the fabric right side out. Use a pencil or a blunt object to push out the corners of the pillow cover so that they look sharp and defined.

Step 5: Insert the Pillow Form

Once the cover is sewn and turned right-side out, insert the pillow form into the cover. If the opening is on one side, make sure to gently stuff the pillow form inside, ensuring it fits snugly into the cover.

If you’re using an envelope-style closure, you can fold the fabric over and tuck the pillow form inside.

Step 6: Close the Pillow Cover

To finish the pillow cover, you can either sew the open edge shut by hand or use fabric glue to seal the opening. If you opted for an envelope-style closure, you can fold over the excess fabric to tuck in the pillow form, ensuring a clean and neat finish.

If you’re adding embellishments like lace or buttons, sew them onto the edges or corners for a final decorative touch.

Step 7: Iron the Pillow Cover

Once the pillow cover is complete, give it a good press with an iron. This will help smooth out any wrinkles and give the cover a polished look. Be sure to follow the fabric manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate temperature to avoid damaging your fabric.

Step 8: Display Your Floral Pillow

Your floral-themed throw pillow cover is now ready to use! Place it on your couch, bed, or favorite chair to brighten up your space with a charming, handmade touch. You can mix and match different floral prints or colors to create a cohesive theme in your room.

Tips for Personalizing Your Floral Pillow:

• Mix Floral Patterns: Combine different floral fabrics for a layered, eclectic look. Use complementary colors or different sizes of flowers to create interest.

• Add Ribbons or Fringe: For an extra flair, sew a ribbon or fringed trim around the edges of your pillow cover.

• Play with Color: Experiment with different floral patterns and color combinations to match your home’s décor. Bright, bold prints can energize a space, while softer pastels create a calm, cozy feel.

• Seasonal Flowers: Use seasonal floral patterns to reflect different times of the year. For example, sunflower prints for summer or poinsettias for the winter holidays.

By following these simple steps, you can create a DIY floral-themed throw pillow cover that will bring a beautiful and personalized element to your home décor. With just a little time and effort, you’ll have a unique, handmade piece that adds charm and warmth to any room.