adminThis woven pillow DIY turns a small loom project into a useful piece of home décor. A combination of cotton and wool yarn creates texture, while a fabric backing and soft stuffing make the finished weaving into a cushion. The instructions below cover the weaving, shaping, and sewing stages, with options for finishing the pillow by hand or with a sewing machine.
Materials for a Woven Pillow DIY
A lap loom or handmade loom about 12 inches across from peg to peg is suitable for the example project. Choose cotton yarn for the warp and natural-fiber yarn, such as cotton or wool, for the woven design.
- A lap loom or handmade loom, approximately 12 inches wide from peg to peg
- Cotton yarn for the warp
- Cotton or wool yarn for weaving
- Two fabric pieces, each about 2 inches longer and wider than the finished weaving
- Poly-fil or natural stuffing
- Scissors and a tapestry needle
- A shed stick, if desired
- A sewing machine, or a needle and thread for hand stitching
A fat quarter can work well for a project of this scale. One fabric layer sits behind the weaving to prevent stuffing from showing through any gaps; the second forms the visible back of the pillow and contains the filling. Before starting, plan the design in the orientation you want the pillow to sit, since the loom’s dimensions may affect the shape.
Weave the Pillow Front
1. Warp the loom and establish the edges
Warp the loom, then weave about half an inch of cotton across the bottom. This base helps stabilize the weaving and adds contrast. Plan the pattern with the pillow’s horizontal layout in mind, and allow for the edge that will be folded under when the front is sewn to the backing.
For the example design, the dark outer edges were shaped by weaving ten warp rows on each side, then reducing one warp row after every two weft rows. When three warp rows remained, the edges were widened again by adding one warp row after every two weft rows. Work on both sides in turns to help keep the points aligned and the edges symmetrical.
Finish the top with another half inch of white cotton to echo the bottom edge. Keep the rows snug by pressing them down with a weaving fork or your fingers as you work.
2. Add the central design and rya knots
A contrasting diamond in the center adds color. If you prefer a busier pattern, smaller diamonds can be added on either side, but consider how much detail will remain visible once the pillow is stuffed.
To add texture, cut cotton yarn into three-strand bundles and tie rya knots where desired. The example uses eight knots. Fill some of the surrounding open spaces with weaving before adding the knots, then continue weaving around the design. A looped white outline made by stitching around each warp row can define the diamond; this is a counter soumak stitch.
When adding knots at the opposite end, turning the loom upside down can make it easier to position them facing the other direction. Afterward, turn the loom back, fold the knots into their intended position, and weave the remaining gaps. Trim the ends for a neat finish, or leave them longer for a looser look.
3. Secure and remove the weaving
Secure the yarn ends on the back. For a pillow front that will be covered, double knots can hold the ends in place without adding much bulk. If the weaving will remain exposed, stitch the ends down along the back of a row and trim them neatly. Remove the weaving from the loom and tie the long warp strands close to its top edge.
Sew and Stuff the Pillow
4. Prepare the fabric layers
Cut two pieces of fabric about 2 inches larger in both length and width than the weaving. Place the white fabric down first and the printed fabric on top, with the printed side facing up. Center the weaving on the printed fabric with its finished face pointing down, then pin around the edges.
5. Stitch, turn, and fill
Starting near the middle of a long edge, sew around the weaving, keeping the presser-foot edge alongside the weaving. This leaves approximately a quarter-inch seam allowance. Stop when about 4 inches remain before the starting point, leaving an opening for turning and stuffing. Trim the fabric corners without cutting into the weaving or seam.
If sewing by hand, use short, even stitches for a secure, tidy seam. Turn the pillow right side out and gently push the corners into shape with a blunt, pointed tool. Check that the white fabric lies against the back of the weaving; the stuffing should sit between the two fabric layers, not directly between the weaving and its backing.
Add the stuffing through the opening, then close it with a blind stitch. If you want a light scent, a small amount of crushed lavender or rosemary can be mixed with the filling. Avoid anything that could stain the fabric or yarn.
Finishing Your Woven Pillow DIY
Fluff the finished cushion and place it where a small accent of color and texture would be welcome. A lap loom can create a compact decorative pillow, while a larger loom may be needed for standard 14-by-14-inch or 16-by-16-inch pillow sizes. For best results, choose yarns suited to regular handling and check that the seams are secure before using the pillow.
— Rachel
