I’ve always had a weakness for pillows. Whenever I visit a store, I’m immediately drawn to the pillow section, and I often find myself leaving with an armful of pillows I probably don’t need. This time, while browsing at Urban Outfitters, I was captivated by their velvet flower pillows, adorned with charming tassels.
Given my love for velvet, especially during the fall and winter months, these pillows instantly caught my eye. However, I decided to practice a bit of self-control and challenged myself to create a similar pillow at home, saving some money in the process. Luckily, I already had most of the necessary supplies on hand, making my DIY Urban Outfitters-inspired velvet flower pillow essentially FREE, compared to the $50 price tag of the original!
Working with velvet can present certain challenges, particularly if the fabric has a significant amount of stretch. Considering the intricate detail involved in sewing around the flower shape, I highly recommend selecting a velvet or velour fabric with minimal stretch. I would classify this pillow DIY project as an intermediate sewing endeavor, primarily because sewing the sides of the pillow can be a bit tricky (at least, that was my experience).
My top piece of advice is to use as many pins as possible to hold the fabric securely in place and to sew at a slow and steady pace, ensuring that you maintain the desired shape of the pillow. This meticulous approach will greatly enhance the final outcome and prevent any unwanted distortions in the flower’s form.
With a generous amount of yellow already incorporated into my home decor, I absolutely adore the cozy, autumnal ambiance that this new tufted velvet flower pillow brings to the room! It’s the perfect accent piece to enhance the warmth and comfort of any living space.
Materials You’ll Need:
- 1/2 yard velvet fabric (low stretch is recommended)
- Sharp scissors
- Pins (lots of them!)
- Matching thread
- Coordinating embroidery thread
- Hand sewing needle
- Sewing machine (recommended for faster and more precise stitching)
- Pillow stuffing
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Velvet Flower Pillow
First, you’ll need to cut out two large flower shapes of equal size. I recommend creating a template by taping pieces of paper together to achieve the desired flower design. For a more symmetrical flower shape, fold two or more layers of your chosen fabric together, then fold them in half. Trace half of the template along this folded side to ensure that your traced flower is perfectly symmetrical. Carefully cut along the traced lines to create two identical flower shapes. This will serve as the front and back of your pillow.
Step 2: Preparing the Side Strip
In addition to the two flower shapes, cut an extra-long strip of fabric that is approximately 3 inches wide. To ensure you have a strip long enough to go around the entire flower, you can cut two long strips and sew them together to create one continuous piece. This strip will form the sides of your pillow, adding dimension and structure to the finished product.
Step 3: Pinning the Side Strip to the First Flower
Begin by starting in between one of the petals of your flower shape. Pin one edge of the 3-inch strip around the perimeter of the flower, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. As you work your way around the flower, you’ll notice that the fabric needs to bunch slightly at the dips between the petals in order to maintain the flower’s natural shape. Continue pinning the strip all the way around the flower, using a generous amount of pins to ensure that the shape remains consistent and secure. The more pins you use, the easier it will be to sew the strip smoothly and accurately.
Step 4: Sewing the Side Strip to the First Flower
Before you start sewing, while the strip is still pinned in place, you can sew the ends of the strip together to form one continuous loop. This will make it easier to sew the strip to the flower in a continuous motion. Once the ends are joined, carefully sew around the pinned edges of the flower, ensuring that you catch both layers of fabric. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the seam and prevent it from unraveling. A sewing machine is highly recommended for this step, as it will provide a more even and consistent stitch.
Step 5: Attaching the Second Flower Piece
Repeat the pinning process by attaching the second flower piece to the other end of the fabric strip, again keeping the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin all the way around the shape, but this time, leave a gap of approximately 5 inches unpinned. Mark this section with two pins placed about 5 inches apart to indicate that this area should NOT be sewn. This opening will be used to turn the pillow right side out and to stuff it later on. Carefully sew the rest of the perimeter, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
Step 6: Turning the Pillow Right Side Out
Carefully reach inside the opening you left and gently pull the fabric through until the pillow is completely right side out. Take your time with this step to avoid tearing any seams. Once the pillow is turned right side out, use your fingers to gently push out the seams and shape the petals of the flower.
Step 7: Stuffing the Pillow
Before you begin stuffing, carefully inspect all of the seams to ensure that they are well-sewn and that the pillow is holding its intended shape. If you notice any weak spots, reinforce them with additional stitching. Once you are satisfied with the structural integrity of the pillow, begin filling it with pillow stuffing. Use your hands to evenly distribute the stuffing throughout the pillow, paying particular attention to filling the petals. Be sure to stuff the pillow firmly, but not so tightly that it becomes distorted. Leave the opening unsewn for now, as you will need it for the next step.
Step 8: Creating the Tassel
Craft a large tassel using your chosen embroidery thread or yarn. There are numerous online tutorials available that can guide you through the process of making a tassel. Once the tassel is complete, thread an additional length of string or yarn through the top of the tassel. This extra string will be used to attach the tassel to the pillow and to create the tufted effect.
Step 9: Tufting and Attaching the Tassel
Thread a needle with a doubled-up piece of thread, and tie a secure knot at the end. Starting from the center back of the pillow, insert the needle through the fabric and push it all the way through to the other side (you may need to place your hand inside the pillow to guide the needle). Bring the needle back through the pillow, a short distance away from the original entry point. Pull the thread tight to create a tufted appearance, and tie the ends of the thread in a tight knot on the back of the pillow. Repeat this process several times to reinforce the tufting and ensure that the thread doesn’t snap. Next, thread the ends of the tassel string onto the needle, and pass the needle through the center of the pillow, bringing it back to the back side. Secure the tassel by tying the ends of the string in a tight knot.
Step 10: Closing the Opening
Finally, carefully sew up the opening using an invisible stitch (also known as a ladder stitch or a slip stitch). This will create a seamless closure and prevent the stuffing from escaping.
Trim any loose threads that may be visible, even out the tassel, or give the pillow a quick roll with a lint roller to remove any stray fibers (especially if your fabric was prone to shedding). Your tufted velvet flower pillow is now ready to be displayed and enjoyed! Velvet pillows are a fantastic choice for the fall and winter seasons, as they add a touch of coziness and luxury to your home decor. If you’re looking for more inspiring sewing projects, be sure to check out this collection of Simple Sewing Projects for All Skill Levels.
Check out our Anthropologie knock-off pillow project!
