DIY Anthropologie-Inspired Throw Pillows: A Stylish & Affordable Home Decor Project

Do you adore the eclectic and beautifully embellished throw pillows at Anthropologie but cringe at the price tag? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of filling our homes with unique and stylish decor but want to avoid spending a fortune. That’s why I decided to create my own version of these gorgeous pillows, offering a simplified and budget-friendly way to achieve the same bohemian vibe. Get ready to transform your living space with these DIY Anthropologie throw pillows!

DIY Anthropologie throw pillows - Woven Knockoff Pillow — A glimpse of the finished DIY Anthropologie-inspired woven pillow.

For inspiration, let’s take a look at the original Anthropologie pillow that sparked this project:

Anthropologie throw pillows - bohemian woven — Photo: Anthropologie

While my version is less intricate, it captures the essence of the original’s bohemian charm without the hefty price tag. Ready to get started and create your own stunning throw pillows? Let’s dive in!

Creating Your Own Bohemian Chic: A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Anthropologie Throw Pillows

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating your own Anthropologie-inspired throw pillows. From gathering the necessary materials to adding the final embellishments, you’ll learn how to craft a unique and stylish piece that reflects your personal taste.

DIY Woven Anthropologie Knockoff Throw Pillows materials list — Gather all your materials before starting this exciting DIY project.

Materials You’ll Need to Craft Your DIY Throw Pillow

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. This will streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.

17 x 17 inch pillow insert (provides the cushion for your pillow)
18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric (serves as the main front panel)
(2) 18 x 15 inch pieces of dark blue fabric (these form the back panels of the pillow)
18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric (adds a contrasting and stylish element to the front)
1.5 yards of orange ribbon (used for creating decorative lines and adding a pop of color)
Thick cream colored yarn (essential for creating the woven and textural embellishments)
Scissors (for cutting fabric, ribbon, and yarn)
Black embroidery floss (used for attaching the yarn strips securely)
Black and orange thread (for sewing fabric pieces together and securing ribbon)
4×4 inch piece of cardboard (used as a template for creating consistent yarn tassels)
Pins (to hold fabric pieces in place before sewing)
Embroidery needle (for threading embroidery floss and sewing yarn strips)
Measuring tape (ensures accurate measurements for fabric and ribbon)

Begin by making the front panel — Starting the front panel – the foundation of your beautiful throw pillow.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Anthropologie-Inspired Pillow

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own unique and stylish throw pillow. Each step includes helpful tips and visual references to guide you along the way.

Step 1: Creating the Front Panel Foundation

We’ll start by constructing the front panel, which serves as the base for all the embellishments. Center the 18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric on the 18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric. Fold the edges of the striped fabric over by a half an inch and pin them down, as shown in the image above. Sew along those edges with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. This will create a neat and secure border for the striped fabric.

Sew along the edges with 3/8 seam allowance — Secure the striped fabric to the dark blue panel with a precise seam.

Step 2: Adding Ribbon Accents

Next, cut the orange ribbon into three pieces of equal length. Place the first one 1 inch from the edge of the lighter blue fabric panel and sew down the length of it using orange thread and a zig-zag stitch. Repeat this process on the other side of the panel and right down the middle as well, using the two remaining pieces of ribbon. The zig-zag stitch will add durability and a decorative touch to the ribbon attachment.

Cut the piece into three equal sections — Dividing the ribbon and preparing to sew it onto the pillow front.

Step 3: Marking Yarn Strip Locations

Now, use a straight edge and a pencil to mark off the locations for some of the yarn strips. Mark the center of the orange ribbon on the right, then place the ruler from that point to the top of the opposite ribbon on the left side, and mark the spot where the ruler crosses over the middle ribbon. Do the same on the bottom. Mark the center of the left ribbon as well. These markings will help you create a balanced and visually appealing yarn design.

add the decorative yarn strips — Strategically marking the fabric to guide the placement of the yarn strips.

Step 4: Attaching the Yarn Strips

It’s time to start sewing on the yarn strips. Begin with the longest strip, in the center of the panel at the pencil marks. Cut three pieces of yarn that are 12 inches long and pin them on either end so they are positioned across the center of the pillow, from the center of the left ribbon to the center of the right ribbon. Thread the embroidery needle with a piece of black embroidery floss, knot the end, and begin sewing the yarn to the panel by bringing the needle up and over the yarn using vertical stitches. Tie off the end on the back side. These vertical stitches will securely attach the yarn while adding a subtle texture.

Step 5: Adding Shorter Yarn Strips

Next, attach a short strip of yarn to the spot where you made a pencil mark on the middle ribbon. You’ll only need two embroidery floss stitches for this one. Make another one of these same small strips on the other pencil mark opposite that one on the middle ribbon. Then fill in the space in between the strips with additional strips in ascending and descending lengths. Check out the final images for visual reference on the final pattern.

create the yarn tassles — Preparing to create the playful yarn tassels for your pillow.

Step 6: Crafting the Yarn Tassels

Now it’s time to create the tassels for the sides of the pillow. Wrap yarn around the cardboard 12 times and then cut it on one side. Lay them out on your work surface. This will give you uniform strands for the tassels.

tie off the tassle ends — Tying off the tassels to create a secure and decorative finish.

Step 7: Securing the Tassels

Cut a 6-inch long piece of yarn and place it perpendicularly across the 12 pieces you just cut. Fold those in half over the single piece and tie a 12-inch long piece around the folded top area as shown above. Wrap the tail around a couple of times and tie a double knot. Finish the tassel by knotting the 6-inch piece by the top folded edge of the tassel. Repeat this 10 times. This method creates durable and aesthetically pleasing tassels.

attach the tassels to the throw pillow — Attaching the hand-crafted tassels to the pillow to complete the bohemian look.

Step 8: Preparing the Back Panels

For the back panels, simply fold an 18-inch edge over and hem with a 1-inch seam allowance. Do this on both pieces. Hemming the edges will prevent fraying and provide a clean finish.

Step 9: Assembling the Pillow

The last step is to assemble the pillow. Lay the front panel down face up on your work surface. Next, place 5 tassels on each side, evenly spaced. The tassels themselves should be in between the fabric, with the tails sticking out. Then, place the two back panels face down on top. Pin the edges and sew around the perimeter with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. The goal is to sew over the tassels right where the top knots are. Be sure not to catch the tassel tails in the seams on the corners. Secure the tassels while creating a seamless and professional finish.

DIY Woven Anthropologie Knockoff Throw Pillow — Almost there! The pillow is taking shape.

Step 10: Finishing Touches

Turn it right side out and stuff your pillow insert inside. Trim the tassels and the ends of the yarn strips so that everything is uniform. Trimming ensures a polished and cohesive look.

The final result is a unique and a bit quirky, with a playful vibe thanks to the tassels. This pillow will add character and charm to any room.

Woven DIY Anthropologie Throw Pillows cheap — A stylish and affordable alternative to expensive store-bought decor.

And your wallet will be happy that you didn’t spend $88! Feel free to experiment with the fabrics and colors too… the sky’s the limit! Let your creativity flow and create a pillow that perfectly matches your personal style and home decor.

Elevate your home decor with this easy and affordable DIY project. Creating your own Anthropologie-inspired throw pillows is a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your living space. So gather your materials, unleash your inner artist, and start crafting your own bohemian masterpiece today!