Pom Pom Oversized Floor Pillow Tutorial

This oversized floor pillow tutorial explains how to sew a soft, decorative cushion in either a rectangular or square shape. Both versions use printed fabric, polyester fiber fill, and handmade pom-poms. Choose a fabric suited to how the pillow will be used: quilting-weight cotton offers a wide range of prints, while canvas or upholstery-weight fabric may be a better choice for heavier everyday use.

Table of Contents

Choose a fabric and gather supplies

Consider both appearance and durability before cutting. For a tougher surface, canvas drop cloth fabric is another option; it can be printed or painted to create a custom design. Check that the fabric is wide and long enough for the version you plan to make.

Rectangular floor pillow

1 yard of printed cotton fabric
1 skein of yarn (130 yards)
2 lbs of polyester fiber fill
Sewing machine, straight pins, and scissors
Needle and thread
Pom-pom maker (optional)

Square floor pillow

1 1/2 yards of printed cotton fabric
1/3 skein of yarn (40 yards)
2 lbs of polyester fiber fill
Sewing machine, straight pins, and scissors
Needle and thread
Pom-pom maker (optional)

Make the pom-poms

Make 12 pom-poms for the rectangular pillow, placing them along its two short ends. For the square pillow, make four, one for each corner. Use a pom-pom maker or another method, and leave at least 3 inches of yarn tail on each pom-pom so you can secure it to the fabric. Keep the tails long enough to sew down firmly.

Oversized floor pillow tutorial: rectangular version

Find the shorter end of the 1-yard piece and fold the fabric in half with the wrong sides together.
On the top layer only, pin six pom-poms along each short end. Position each pom-pom about 1 inch in from the edge, with its yarn tail extending toward the edge. Check that the pom-poms point inward and remain clear of the stitching line.
Unfold the fabric. Stitch along each pom-pom edge about 1/2 inch from the edge, sewing over the yarn tails. Backstitch over the tails for a stronger hold, then remove the pins.
Fold the fabric in half again, this time with the right sides facing each other. Match the sides and pin them, keeping the pom-poms tucked inside. Sew a second line between the first seam and the pom-poms so the initial stitching is hidden when the pillow is turned right side out.
Match and pin the two long sides. At each end, sew about one-third of the way toward the center, backstitching at the ends of each stitched section. Leave about 7 inches open near the center for stuffing.

Make the square pillow

Cut two fabric squares, each measuring 27 x 27 inches. Lay one piece right side up and pin a pom-pom at each corner, with the tail facing outward and the pom-pom facing inward.
Backstitch over each yarn tail several times to secure it. It is not necessary to sew around the full perimeter at this stage.
Place the second square on top, right sides together. Match the corners and edges, then pin the layers. Sew around the perimeter about 1/2 inch from the edge, leaving a 6-inch opening for stuffing.

Stuff and finish either pillow

Remove the pins and turn the pillow right side out, taking care as the pom-poms pass through the opening. Gently push out the corners with your thumb. Add polyester fiber fill through the opening and distribute it evenly to shape the cushion. Avoid pulling the pom-poms while adjusting the filling. Close the opening by hand with a blind stitch using a needle and thread, then fluff the pillow to even out its shape.

Using your finished floor pillow

A rectangular pillow can also work as an oversized bolster on a queen- or king-sized bed, or as a decorative cushion on a twin bed. Either shape can provide an extra soft place to sit or lounge. This oversized floor pillow tutorial can be adapted with different durable fabrics and prints; before sewing, double-check the cut sizes and leave the stated openings so the pillow is easy to fill.

—Rachel