How To: Sew a throw pillow

You hunt and you hunt, but you can never find the right pillows to go with you couch. Even your reupholstered chair needs a little pillow love, but it seems impossible to find the right color and design to make a perfect match. That's when you know it's up to you save the day. Why settle for simple decor when you can make your own chic throw pillow to match any room?

Step 1: Wash fabric
Wash the fabric to remove any finishing and to preshrink it.

Step 2: Cut front
Cut a piece of fabric to the same size as the front of the pillow form. If the pillow is firm, add 1 inch to the width and length for seam allowance.

Step 3: Cut back
Cut another piece of fabric just as wide as the front piece, but 4 inches longer, for the back piece.

Step 4: Cut the back in half
Fold the back piece in half lengthwise and cut along the fold to make it two pieces.

Step 5: Fold the width and pin
Fold the edge of one of the back pieces ¼-inch along the side that is the same width as the front piece. Then fold it over one more time to hide the raw edge and pin it in place. Repeat with the other back piece.

Step 6: Sew pinned edge
Sew the pinned edges into place, removing the pins as you go.

Step 7: Lay pieces together and pin
Lay the front piece down with the right side up. Lay the back pieces on top of the front with the right sides down and the edges lined up. Pin the edges of the pieces together.

The back pieces will overlap one another by 1½ inches. The opening will allow the pillow form to be removed for cleaning later on.

Step 8: Sew pieces together
Sew the front and backs together along the pinned edges. Remove the pins as you go and then trim away any excess fabric or thread.

Step 9: Turn inside out and fill
Turn the cover inside out. Place the pillow form inside and take it for a test drive.

Historically, many women in Japan used wooden neck supports as pillows so as not to muss up their elaborate hairstyles during sleep.