No sew projects are always fun. This DIY no-sew reversible pillow is a new favorite. It’s super easy to make, a great way to use old blankets or sheets, and since reversible is ideal for multiple seasons. Best part? All you need is fabric, scissors, and a ruler to make this happen!
No Sew Reversible Pillow
Every sofa needs a nice throw pillow. Mine has several. I use them for when I take a nap, to prop up my laptop, or to put behind my back on the worn-out section of our sofa.
I like changing them out each season to match the holidays, but sometimes I just want a little different look to a room. Being able to make my own pillowcase or pillow saves a ton of money on our home decor.
This easy no-sew option is one that I can make in under half an hour! I can slip this over an old pillow, or stuff with pillow stuffing. Both ways are easy and perfect for your home decor needs on a budget.
If you like this one, you’ll love this huge list of accent pillows you can make in an afternoon. Of course, if you want to personalize a no-sew project, make this no-sew purse!
Will This Work With Any Fabric?
I prefer the fleece style fabric as shown, but you can use this same method for nearly any fabric. Fleece options make the edging look more attractive than a thinner material, but both are great for upcycling.
This is especially handy if you have older blankets or sheets that have holes or stains on an area but are overall in good shape.
Tip: At the end of the winter season, many stores sell cheap fleece blankets for only $3-$5 each. These are typically large enough to make 2-3 pillows as shown. With the right deal and some inexpensive pillow stuffing, you can make a whole set for under $10!
I’ve even had some success making them from these inexpensive flannel blankets from Amazon.
Use those same inexpensive blankets to make these great throw pillows or cushions for your home.
Can I Wash This No Sew Pillow?
Of course! For this, I simply undo one side of the pillowcase and toss the whole thing into the washing machine. Since it is simple to thread back together, it makes a perfect option that is washable, versatile, and easy to create. If you want, you can toss the entire pillow into the washing machine, but I recommend only doing that if you are using this as a pillowcase to an existing throw pillow.
Protip: Take the pillowcase off and throw it into one of these mesh laundry bags to keep it together while washing.
If you want more projects, make sure to check out this list of DIY no-sew craft ideas. There are tons of ways you can use fabric to brighten up a room without the needle and thread. For those who enjoy sewing, this DIY sewing kit pincushion jar is a great addition to your project list and sewing corner.
What Should I Fill My Pillow With?
I prefer using an existing throw pillow and making this as a pillowcase only. This means I only have to invest in the fabric and can reuse what I already have on hand.
However, if you want to make this to gift, you can fill with any pillow stuffing. I often buy this poly-fill on Amazon as a good choice that is inexpensive and works well for pillows. A bag of this can make 4-5 throw pillows, depending upon how large I make them.
Another fun idea is making a bed sewing pillowcases together. Kids love this one to lounge and watch cartoons or movies on!
Supplies Needed
- Basic throw pillow
- Fabric in 2 colors
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Tape
How to Make a No Sew Pillow
Begin by measuring the pillow you are making this case for and making note of the size.
You will need to then measure out the fabric adding 3″ on each side to the measurement of the pillow.
Once you have measured the fabric, you will make marks and cut them into a square. Do this for both colors of fabric.
Once both colors have been cut, you will place the squares on top of each other, then mark a 1″ square on each corner. You will then cut each of these off to create a notch.
Now, use the tape to create a square on your fabric. This will give you a guide to cutting each “fringe” for making the outside of the pillow stay together.
Remember, your two colors of fabric are laying on top of each other, so you will be cutting through two layers.
Now, you will begin cutting through the fabric to create slits/fringe around the entire square of fabric.
I used the ruler and tape as a guide to help me follow and cut the same depth into the fabric. I cut these around 1/” apart. Continue this process around the entire square of fabric.
Now, fold each section of fabric over itself, then cut through a small slit as shown below.
You are simply creating a small slit in the fabric as shown below. Once all slots are created, remove the tape from the fabric.
Now, you will begin weaving this fabric together to create a rope look around the outside of your pillowcase.
To create the braided rope shown above, you will push the fabric through the slit in the section beside it moving around the pillow until 3 sides have been completed.
Now, you will fill the no sew reversible pillowcase with polyfill or with the throw pillow chosen.
Now, you will continue weaving the fabric as before until the last side is closed.
Display your pillow on your couch, bed, or chair.
How Can I Make This a Reversible Pillow?
This pattern uses a dark purple color on one side and a lighter purple or lavender color on the other side. You can use any color combination preferred. This gives the pillow two color options, making it a reversible pillow you can switch sides for different looks.
Another way to use this is to choose a fabric with different colors on each side and then turn the pillowcase inside out for a different look. I love the fact that this pillowcase idea is so easy to adjust for any home decor theme.
Printable Step by Step Photo Tutorial:
30-Minute Fleece DIY No Sew Reversible Pillow
Make this fleece no-sew reversible pillow in under half an hour! A super easy craft project to make a great pillowcase for your favorite throw pillow.
Materials
- Basic throw pillow
- Fabric in 2 colors
Tools
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Tape
Instructions
- First, you will measure the size of the pillow you want to cover. Now, you will use that measurement, and add 3" to it to create a large square of fabric for the pillow;
- Measure and cut the squares of fabric in 2 colors then stack those on top of each other evenly;
- Now, you will mark a square on each corner and cut to create notches in the fabric;
- Add tape to the square of fabric to create a marker for when you cut the fringe along the outside;
- Cut a slit about 1" deep every 1/2" around the outside of the fabric;
- When you have cut around all 4 sides, you will then begin cutting a slit in the middle of each fringe piece to create a keyhole;
- Fold each fringe in half, and cut a slit down the middle as shown;
- When all sides have been cut, you will now take one section of fabric and push through the slit in the fabric next to it;
- Continue doing this around 3 of the edges of the pillow;
- When three sides have been woven together, you will then put the throw pillow or stuffing into the pillowcase;
- Once it is in place, you will continue weaving the fabric on the final side;
- When completed, display as you desire on your couch, chair, or bed.
Notes
This can be done with the same color fabric on both sides, alternate colors of fabric, or with patterned fabric if preferred.
Recommended Products
I earn a commission on purchases made via the links within this post.