Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby that can help you create beautiful and personalized decor for your home. Whether you want to add some color and comfort to your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, you can easily make your own pillows, curtains, and throws with some basic sewing skills and tools.
We’ll show you how to sew these three projects step by step, and give you some tips and tricks to make them look professional and stylish. You can thank me later for your new DIY home decor (plus the bragging you’ll get to do that you sewed them yourself)!
Fabric Recommendations
One crucial thing that sets your sewing project apart is the choice of fabric. For pillows, depending on where they will be placed, you might consider weather-resistant fabric for outdoors or softer, cozier fabrics like chenille for bedroom throw pillows.
For bedroom curtains, blackout fabric is ideal, ensuring both privacy and darkness, while a living room might benefit from lighter, sheer fabrics that filter natural sunlight beautifully.
How to Sew Pillows
Pillows are one of the easiest and most versatile sewing projects you can make. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, shapes, sizes, and embellishments to create pillows that match your decor and personality.
Here’s what you’ll need to sew a simple pillow:
- Fabric of your choice (cotton, linen, velvet, etc.)
- Pillow form or stuffing
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Iron and ironing board
- Optional: zipper, buttons, trim, etc.
Step 1: Cut the fabric
First, you need to cut the fabric for the pillow cover. The size of the fabric depends on the size of the pillow form or stuffing you’re using. A general rule is to add 1 inch to the width and length of the pillow for seam allowance. For example, if you’re using a 16 x 16 inch pillow form, you’ll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are 17 x 17 inches each.
If you want to add a zipper or buttons to the pillow cover, you’ll need to cut one piece of fabric that is longer than the other by the length of the zipper or buttons. For example, if you’re using a 14-inch zipper, you’ll need to cut one piece of fabric that is 17 x 31 inches and another piece that is 17 x 17 inches.
Step 2: Sew the fabric
Next, you need to sew the fabric pieces together to form the pillow cover. If you’re not adding a zipper or buttons, simply place the fabric pieces right sides together and pin along the edges. Leave a 4-inch gap on one side for turning and stuffing. Sew along the pinned edges with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end. Clip the corners and turn the pillow cover right side out through the gap. Press with an iron.
If you’re adding a zipper or buttons, follow these steps:
- For a zipper: Place the longer piece of fabric right side up on your work surface. Mark where you want to place the zipper on one of the short edges. Place the zipper right side down on top of the fabric, aligning the teeth with the marked edge. Pin in place. Sew along the pinned edge with a zipper foot, as close to the teeth as possible. Repeat with the other piece of fabric on the other side of the zipper. Open the zipper halfway and place the fabric pieces right sides together. Pin along the remaining edges and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a gap at the end of the zipper. Clip the corners and turn the pillow cover right side out through the gap. Press with an iron.
- For buttons: Place the longer piece of fabric right side up on your work surface. Mark where you want to place the buttons on one of the short edges. Use a buttonhole foot to make buttonholes on the marked spots. Cut open the buttonholes carefully with scissors or a seam ripper. Place the other piece of fabric right side down on top of the first piece, aligning the edges. Pin along the edges and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a gap between two buttonholes on one side. Clip the corners and turn the pillow cover right side out through the gap. Press with an iron. Sew buttons on the opposite side of the buttonholes.
Step 3: Fill and finish
Finally, you need to fill and finish your pillow. If you’re using a pillow form, simply insert it into the pillow cover through the gap or opening. If you’re using stuffing, fill your pillow cover as much as you like through the gap or opening.
To close the gap or opening, you can either hand sew it with an invisible stitch or machine sew it with a topstitch.
To hand sew it, use a needle and thread that match your fabric color and sew along the edge with small stitches that catch both sides of the fabric but don’t show on the right side.
To machine sew it, use a matching thread and sew along all four edges of your pillow cover with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
You can also add some optional embellishments to your pillow, such as trim, pom poms, tassels, embroidery, applique, etc!
How to Sew Curtains
Curtains are another easy and fun sewing project that can transform the look and feel of any room. You can make your own curtains with any fabric you like, and customize them to fit your windows and style.
Here’s what you’ll need to sew curtains:
- Fabric of your choice (cotton, linen, silk, etc.)
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Iron and ironing board
- Curtain rod and hooks or clips
Step 1: Measure and cut the fabric

First, you need to measure and cut the fabric for your curtains. The size of the fabric depends on the size of your window and how much fullness and length you want for your curtains.
A general rule is to multiply the width of your window by 1.5 to 2 for fullness, and add 10 inches to the length for hemming and hanging. For example, if your window is 40 inches wide and 60 inches long, and you want a 2x fullness and a floor-length curtain, you’ll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are 80 x 70 inches each.
Step 2: Hem the fabric
Next, you need to hem the fabric pieces to form the curtain panels. Start by folding and pressing a 1/4 inch hem along all four edges of each panel. Then fold and press another 1/4 inch hem along the top and bottom edges, and a 1/2 inch hem along the side edges. Pin in place and sew along the folded edges with a straight stitch, backstitching at the beginning and end.
Step 3: Hang the curtains
Finally, you need to hang your curtains on your window. There are different ways to do this, depending on the type of curtain rod and hooks or clips you have.
Here are some common methods:
- Rod pocket: This is the simplest method that doesn’t require any hooks or clips. Simply slide your curtain rod through the top hem of your curtain panel and adjust it to fit your window.
- Tab top: This method requires you to make tabs or loops out of fabric or ribbon and attach them to the top edge of your curtain panel. You can either sew them on or use fusible web or velcro. Then, slide your curtain rod through the tabs or loops and adjust it to fit your window.
- Grommet: This method requires you to make holes in the top edge of your curtain panel and insert metal rings or grommets. You can either buy a grommet kit or use a hammer and a punch tool. Then, hang your curtain panel on your curtain rod by hooking the grommets over the rod.
- Clip ring: This method requires you to use metal rings with clips that attach to the top edge of your curtain panel. You can either buy clip rings or use binder clips or clothespins. Then, hang your curtain panel on your curtain rod by sliding the rings over the rod.
You can also add some optional embellishments to your curtains, such as tiebacks, valances, swags, etc.
Troubleshooting Tips
One common issue you might encounter while sewing, especially as a beginner, is fabric puckering. This often happens if the thread tension is too tight. Always test your tension on a scrap piece of fabric before starting the main project. Another issue is thread jamming. If this occurs, rethread your machine, ensuring that the machine is off or unplugged while doing so, and check for any small bits of thread or lint in the bobbin case.

How to Sew Throws
Throws are cozy and decorative blankets that you can drape over your sofa, bed, or chair. They’re also very easy to sew with just one or two pieces of fabric. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, such as fleece, flannel, faux fur, etc., and add some details like fringe, pom poms, tassels, etc.
Here’s what you’ll need to sew a throw:
- Fabric of your choice (fleece, flannel, faux fur, etc.)
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Iron and ironing board
- Optional: fringe, pom poms, tassels, etc.
Step 1: Cut the fabric
First, you need to cut the fabric for your throw blanket. The size of the fabric depends on how big you want your throw to be. A standard throw blanket size is about 50 x 60 inches, but you can make it bigger or smaller as you like.
If you’re using one piece of fabric, simply cut it to the desired size. If you’re using two pieces of fabric (one for the front and one for the back), cut them both to the same size.
Step 2: Sew the fabric
Next, you need to sew the fabric pieces together to form the throw. If you’re using one piece of fabric, simply hem all four edges by folding and pressing a 1/2 inch hem twice and sewing along the folded edge with a straight stitch.
If you’re using two pieces of fabric, place them right sides together and pin along all four edges. Leave a 6-inch gap on one side for turning. Sew along the pinned edges with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end. Clip the corners and turn the throw right side out through the gap. Press with an iron.
Step 3: Finish the throw
To close the gap, you can either hand sew it with an invisible stitch, similar to the method used for the pillow, or machine sew with a topstitch.
For an added touch, you can topstitch all the way around the throw about 1 inch from the edge. This not only closes the gap but also gives the throw a finished look.
Optional: Adding Embellishments
To give your throw a more personalized touch, consider adding some embellishments:
- Fringe: You can add fringe to the edges of your throw. Simply cut equal lengths of yarn or fabric strips and attach them to the edges using a simple knot or by sewing.
- Pom Poms: Pom poms can be added to the corners or all along the edges of your throw. They can be bought pre-made or you can make your own with yarn.
- Tassels: Tassels can also be added to the corners of your throw. They can be long or short, depending on your preference.
- Quilting: If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and have some quilting skills, consider adding some quilted designs or patterns to your throw. This not only adds a design element but also helps to keep the front and back pieces of the throw together.
- Applique or Embroidery: Add some designs, patterns, or even monograms to your throw using applique or embroidery techniques.
Budget-Friendly Tips
DIY projects don’t have to break the bank! Here are some money-saving ideas:
- Upcycle Old Materials: Before you rush out to buy new fabric, take a look around your home. Old sheets, clothes, or curtains can be repurposed into new creations. It’s eco-friendly and gives new life to something you might have thrown away.
- Discounts and Sales: Keep an eye out for sales at local fabric stores or online. Signing up for newsletters often gets you an immediate discount, and they’ll keep you updated on upcoming sales.
- Bulk Buying: If you plan to take on several projects, consider buying thread, pins, and other recurring materials in bulk. It’s usually cheaper than buying items piecemeal.
Conclusion: DIY Sewing Projects for Home
Sewing basics like pillows, curtains, and throws can greatly enhance the decor of your home. Not only do these projects save money, but they also allow for personalization, ensuring each piece perfectly reflects your style and taste. Remember, the key to these projects is patience and creativity. So, get your sewing machine out, gather your materials, and start creating some beautiful additions to your home! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it and leave a comment below!