What you need to make a floor pillow
A floor pillow is two pieces of fabric sewn together, stuffed, and closed—a project that takes an afternoon and needs only basic supplies. You will need fabric (cotton, linen, or canvas work well), thread that matches or complements your fabric, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, pins, and fiberfill or another stuffing material. If you are using a sewing machine, you should also have a seam ripper nearby in case you need to undo stitches.
The fabric pieces should be cut to the same size—common floor pillow dimensions are 24 by 24 inches or 18 by 18 inches, though you can make them larger or smaller depending on your space and how much stuffing you want to use. Two pieces of fabric at 24 by 24 inches will give you a pillow roughly 2 feet square. You do not need expensive or specialty fabric; a basic quilting cotton or home décor fabric from a fabric store works perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two identical fabric pieces, add a half-inch seam allowance on all sides, and pin them together with the right sides facing each other.
- Sew three sides completely closed, then leave one side open for turning and stuffing the pillow.
- Turn the pillow right-side out through the opening, press the seams flat with an iron, and fill it with fiberfill until it reaches the firmness you want.
- Hand-stitch the opening closed using a ladder stitch, which hides the seam inside the pillow and creates a neat finish.
- A sewing machine makes the work faster, but you can sew the entire pillow by hand if you prefer a slower, meditative pace.
Cutting and pinning your fabric pieces
Start by cutting two pieces of fabric to your chosen size. If you want a 24-by-24-inch finished pillow, cut each piece 25 by 25 inches—that extra half inch on all sides is your seam allowance, the space between the edge of the fabric and the line where your stitches will go. This seam allowance is what holds the two pieces together and keeps the stuffing from leaking out.
Lay the two fabric pieces on top of each other with the right sides (the pretty, printed, or finished sides) facing each other and the wrong sides (the back or duller sides) facing outward. This is the position you want for sewing—when you turn the pillow right-side out later, the seams will be hidden inside. Pin the two pieces together around all four edges, spacing pins about 3 to 4 inches apart. The pins hold the fabric steady while you sew and prevent the layers from shifting.
Sewing three sides closed
Using a sewing machine set to a straight stitch, sew along one edge of the pinned fabric, staying a half inch from the edge. Start at one corner and sew to the next corner, then pivot the fabric by leaving the needle down, lifting the presser foot, turning the fabric 90 degrees, and lowering the presser foot again. Continue around the pillow, sewing three complete sides. Stop when you reach the fourth side—this opening is where you will turn the pillow and add stuffing.
If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch: push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull it through, and repeat, keeping your stitches roughly a quarter inch apart and a half inch from the edge. Hand sewing takes longer but gives you more control and requires no equipment beyond a needle and thread. Either way, remove the pins as you reach them and trim any loose threads when you finish.
Turning the pillow right-side out
Once three sides are sewn, reach through the open fourth side and grab the fabric from the inside. Gently pull the pillow through the opening, turning it inside out as you go. The right sides of the fabric will now face outward, and the seams will be hidden inside. This step can feel awkward the first time—go slowly and work the corners out carefully so they are sharp and square rather than rounded.
Once the pillow is turned, use an iron on a medium setting to press the seams flat, paying special attention to the edges. Pressing makes the pillow look neater and makes it easier to see where to stitch the final opening closed. If your fabric is delicate or synthetic, check the care label first or use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to avoid scorching.
Filling and closing the pillow
Stuff the pillow with fiberfill a handful at a time, distributing it evenly into all four corners first. How much you add depends on how firm you want the pillow to feel—a lightly stuffed pillow is soft and flexible, while a densely stuffed one holds its shape better and works well as a seat. Most floor pillows fall somewhere in the middle. Stop when the pillow feels full but still has a little give when you press on it.
Once the pillow is stuffed to your liking, close the opening with a ladder stitch (also called a slip stitch). Thread a needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up through the fold of fabric on one side of the opening, then slide it horizontally inside the fold for about a quarter inch before bringing it back out. Cross to the opposite side of the opening and repeat, creating a zigzag pattern that locks the two sides together. The stitches stay hidden inside the fold, so the seam is nearly invisible. When you reach the end, knot the thread inside the pillow and trim any excess.
Customizing your floor pillow
Once you understand the basic technique, you can add details. Sew a zipper into one side before stuffing if you want to wash the cover or change the filling later—insert the zipper between the two fabric pieces before you sew the sides together, following the zipper package instructions. You can also add piping (a cord sewn into the seam for a finished look), appliqué designs, or patchwork by combining different fabric pieces before you cut and sew.
If you want a more structured pillow, use a pillow form (a pre-made insert available at fabric stores) instead of loose fiberfill. Pillow forms come in standard sizes and hold their shape longer than hand-stuffed pillows. Sew the cover around the form using the same three-sides-open method, then close it with a ladder stitch once the form is inside.
Troubleshooting common sewing mistakes
If your seams are uneven or wobbly, you likely moved the fabric while sewing or did not keep the needle a consistent distance from the edge. Slow down and use the edge of the presser foot as a guide—most machines have markings that show you where the half-inch seam allowance is. If you make a mistake, use a seam ripper to cut and pull out the bad stitches, then sew over the same line again.
If stuffing leaks out of the seams, your stitches may have gaps or holes. Check that you sewed all the way to each corner and that your stitches are close enough together—they should be no more than a quarter inch apart. If the opening you left for turning is too small, you may have trouble pulling the pillow through without tearing the fabric. Leave at least 4 to 6 inches open on one side to make turning easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a serger instead of a regular sewing machine?
Yes. A serger creates a finished edge that looks professional and prevents fraying, which is especially useful if your fabric frays easily. Sew three sides with the serger, then hand-stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch as you would with a regular machine. The serger seam is stronger and more durable than a standard straight stitch.
What fabric is best for floor pillows?
Cotton, linen, and canvas are durable and straightforward to sew. Avoid very stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits unless you have experience with them, as they can shift while sewing. Upholstery fabric and home décor cotton are thicker and hold up better to regular use than lightweight quilting cotton.
How do I keep the corners square and neat?
Sew all the way to the corner, then backstitch (sew backward) a few stitches before pivoting. This locks the corner stitch in place. When you turn the pillow, use a chopstick or the blunt end of a seam ripper to gently push the corners out from the inside, creating sharp points rather than rounded edges.
Do I have to hand-stitch the opening closed?
The ladder stitch hides the seam, but you can also sew the opening closed on a machine if you prefer. Machine stitching is faster and stronger, though the seam will be visible. If you use a machine, sew slowly and carefully to avoid catching the stuffing in the needle.
How much fiberfill do I need for a 24-by-24-inch pillow?
Most 24-by-24-inch floor pillows use between 3 and 5 pounds of fiberfill, depending on how firm you want them. Start with 3 pounds and add more if the pillow feels too soft. Fiberfill is inexpensive and sold by weight at fabric stores, so you can buy extra and use it for future projects.