How to Make Decorative Throw Pillows – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In this tutorial, ZMAKER Lakyn demonstrates how to create a coordinated set of decorative throw pillows using Big Z Fabric's Brown Snow Leopard Faux Fur and Microfiber Passion Suede in Parchment. Rather than following a commercial pattern, each pillow is drafted by hand, making the project easy to customize for different sizes and designs.

The tutorial covers three unique pillow styles, including a classic faux fur pillow, a rectangular suede pillow, and a geometric patchwork accent pillow. Along the way, the instructor explains proper techniques for cutting faux fur, sewing clean seams, stuffing the pillows, and creating professional-looking finishes.

Materials Needed

Gather the following supplies before beginning:

Fabrics

• Big Z Fabric Brown Snow Leopard Faux Fur
• Big Z Fabric Microfiber Passion Suede (Parchment)

Filling

• Polyester Poly-Fil stuffing
• Optional: Pre-made pillow inserts

Sewing Supplies

• Fabric scissors
• Straight pins or sewing clips
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Fabric marker or chalk
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread

Pillow 1: Faux Fur Square Pillow

Step 1: Draft the Pattern

Begin by creating the pattern for the first pillow.

The instructor freehands a simple square measuring:

• 16 inches × 16 inches

After drawing the square, add approximately:

• ¼-inch seam allowance

Because the pillow is a basic square, no commercial pattern is necessary.

Step 2: Cut the Faux Fur

When cutting faux fur, avoid cutting through the fur fibers.

Instead, carefully cut only through the fabric backing.

This preserves the length of the fur and creates seams that blend naturally into the finished pillow.

Cut two identical square pieces.

Step 3: Prepare for Sewing

Place both fabric pieces:

• Right sides together
• Fur pile running in the same direction

Before clipping or pinning the pieces together, gently tuck the fur inward along the seam allowance.

This prevents long fibers from becoming trapped in the stitching and creates cleaner finished seams.

The instructor also aligns the lighter areas of the faux fur so they appear centered on both sides of the finished pillow.

Leave one opening unsewn for turning and stuffing later.

Step 4: Sew the Pillow

Using a straight stitch, sew around the perimeter of the pillow.

Do not sew the opening closed.

The remaining opening will be used to:

• Turn the pillow right side out
• Insert the stuffing

Step 5: Stuff the Pillow

Turn the pillow right side out.

Fill it with Poly-Fil stuffing until the desired firmness is achieved.

The instructor uses Poly-Fil because it was readily available, although pillow inserts may also be used.

Step 6: Close the Opening

Fold the raw fabric edges inward along the opening.

Pin the folded edges together.

Carefully sew the opening closed.

Because the stuffing pushes against the fabric, this step requires extra care to keep the seam neat and even.

The first decorative pillow is now complete.

Pillow 2: Rectangular Suede Pillow

Step 1: Draft the Pattern

For the second pillow, create a simple rectangle measuring:

• 20 inches × 8 inches

Again, the pattern is freehanded.

Add slightly less than:

• ¼-inch seam allowance

around all sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Fabric

Cut two matching suede rectangles.

Place them right sides together.

Clip or pin around the edges while leaving an opening for stuffing.

Step 3: Sew the Pillow

Sew around the perimeter using a straight stitch.

Leave the stuffing opening unsewn.

Step 4: Stuff and Close

Turn the pillow right side out.

Fill with Poly-Fil stuffing.

Fold the opening inward and sew it closed using the same method demonstrated for the first pillow.

Because the suede fabric makes the folds easier to see, the instructor demonstrates the closing technique more clearly during this pillow.

Step 5: Add Decorative Topstitching

To create additional visual interest, sew a second line of stitching around the perimeter of the finished pillow.

This extra seam acts as decorative topstitching while reinforcing the edges.

The rectangular pillow is now complete.

Pillow 3: Geometric Patchwork Pillow

Step 1: Draft the Pattern

The back panel is another:

• 16-inch × 16-inch square

The front panel consists of multiple geometric pieces arranged into a triangle-inspired patchwork design.

When assembled, the completed front also measures:

• 16 inches × 16 inches

Step 2: Arrange the Pattern Pieces

Lay out the triangle pieces before sewing.

Place the right sides together where each seam will be sewn.

Use clips or pins to hold the pieces in position.

This layout helps ensure the geometric design aligns correctly before assembly.

Step 3: Sew the Patchwork Front

Begin by sewing the smaller triangle sections together.

Once completed, attach them to the larger triangle piece using a straight stitch.

Continue assembling the remaining sections until the full decorative front panel has been completed.

Step 4: Attach the Back Panel

Place the completed front panel and back panel right sides together.

Clip or pin around the edges.

Leave one opening for turning and stuffing.

Sew around the pillow using a straight stitch.

Step 5: Stuff and Finish

Turn the pillow right side out.

Stuff with Poly-Fil until evenly filled.

Fold the opening inward using the same technique demonstrated earlier.

Sew the opening closed to complete the pillow.

Tips from the Instructor

• Freehanding simple pillow shapes is an easy alternative to purchasing patterns.
• Always cut only the backing of faux fur to preserve the pile.
• Match the direction of the faux fur before sewing.
• Tuck long fur fibers inside the seam allowance to prevent them from being stitched into the seams.
• Leave an opening in every pillow for turning and stuffing.
• Poly-Fil provides an inexpensive alternative to pillow inserts.
• Fold raw edges inward before closing the stuffing opening.
• Decorative topstitching adds both durability and visual detail.
• Assemble geometric patchwork pieces before constructing the full pillow.

Final Result

Following these steps creates a coordinated set of decorative throw pillows featuring three distinct styles: a luxurious faux fur square pillow, a clean and modern rectangular suede pillow, and a geometric patchwork accent pillow. By combining Big Z Fabric's Brown Snow Leopard Faux Fur with Microfiber Passion Suede, the finished collection offers a stylish mix of texture and pattern that works beautifully as home décor while remaining simple enough for sewists of all experience levels to recreate.