DIY Anthropologie Inspired Throw Pillows: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Have you ever walked into Anthropologie and instantly fallen in love with everything, especially their uniquely embellished throw pillows? They’re undeniably gorgeous, boasting eclectic designs and beautiful textures. However, their price tags can be a bit discouraging. If you’re like me and adore that bohemian, artisanal vibe but prefer a more budget-friendly approach, then this DIY tutorial is for you! Learn how to craft your own Anthropologie-inspired throw pillows without breaking the bank. This project allows you to personalize your home decor and add a touch of handcrafted charm to any room.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a simplified version of those coveted Anthropologie pillows. You’ll achieve a similar aesthetic, complete with textured embellishments and a bohemian flair, all while saving a significant amount of money. Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform ordinary materials into stunning statement pieces for your home.

For inspiration, take a look at the Anthropologie pillow that sparked this project:

Photo: Anthropologie

While my version is less intricate, it captures the essence of that bohemian style that I find so appealing. And the best part? It costs a fraction of the price! Let’s dive in and start crafting!

How to Make Your Own DIY Anthropologie Throw Pillows

This step-by-step guide provides detailed instructions and visual aids to help you create your own unique throw pillows. We’ll cover everything from gathering the necessary materials to adding the final touches that make your pillows truly special.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. Having everything on hand will streamline the crafting process and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

• 17 x 17 inch pillow insert
• 18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric (for the front panel)
• (2) 18 x 15 inch pieces of dark blue fabric (for the back panels)
• 18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric
• 1.5 yards of orange ribbon
• Thick cream colored yarn
• Scissors
• Black embroidery floss
• Black and orange thread
• 4×4 inch piece of cardboard
• Pins
• Embroidery needle
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine (optional, but highly recommended)
• Pencil or fabric marker
• Ruler or straight edge

These materials are readily available at most craft stores or online retailers. Feel free to experiment with different colors and patterns to personalize your pillows and match your existing decor. Choosing high-quality materials will ensure the durability and longevity of your finished product.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own stunning Anthropologie-inspired throw pillows. Each step is accompanied by visual aids and clear explanations to guide you through the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Front Panel

We’ll start by constructing the front panel of the throw pillow, which will serve as the foundation for our embellishments. This step involves layering fabrics and securing them with careful stitching.

1. Center the 18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric on the front of the 18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric.
2. Fold the edges of the lighter blue fabric over by a half an inch and pin them down, as shown in the image above. This creates a clean and finished edge.
3. Sew along those edges with a 3/8 inch seam allowance using a sewing machine or by hand. A straight stitch is ideal for this step.

Step 2: Add the Ribbon Accents

The orange ribbon adds a pop of color and visual interest to the pillow’s design. These ribbons will serve as anchors for the yarn embellishments that we’ll add later.

1. Cut the orange ribbon into three pieces of equal length (approximately 18 inches each).
2. Place the first ribbon 1 inch from the edge of the lighter blue fabric panel and pin it in place.
3. Sew down the length of the ribbon using orange thread and a zig zag stitch. The zig zag stitch provides a secure and decorative finish.
4. Repeat the process on the other side of the panel and right down the middle as well, using the two remaining pieces of ribbon. Ensure the ribbons are evenly spaced.

Step 3: Mark the Yarn Strip Locations

Before attaching the yarn strips, it’s helpful to mark their positions to ensure a balanced and visually appealing design. This step involves using a ruler and pencil to create guidelines.

1. Use a straight edge and a pencil to mark off the locations for some of the yarn strips.
2. Mark the center of the orange ribbon on the right.
3. 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.
4. Mark the center of the left ribbon as well. These marks will serve as guides for attaching the yarn strips.

Step 4: Attach the Yarn Strips

Now it’s time to add the textured yarn strips that give the pillow its unique bohemian character. This step involves cutting yarn to various lengths and securing it with embroidery floss.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Tie off the end on the back side.

Step 5: Add Shorter Yarn Strips

Next, we’ll add shorter yarn strips to create a layered and textured effect. These smaller strips will fill in the gaps and add depth to the design.

1. 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.
2. Make another one of these same small strips on the other pencil mark opposite that one on the middle ribbon.
3. Fill in the space in between the strips with additional strips in ascending and descending lengths. Refer to the final images for visual guidance.

Step 6: Create the Tassels

The tassels add a playful and whimsical touch to the pillow. These are relatively easy to make and add a significant amount of visual appeal.

1. Wrap yarn around the cardboard 12 times and then cut it on one side. This will create the strands for the tassel.
2. Lay them out on your work surface.

Step 7: Secure the Tassels

This step involves tying off the tassel strands to create a secure and finished look. Careful knotting will prevent the tassels from unraveling.

1. Cut a 6 inch long piece of yarn and place it perpendicularly across the 12 pieces you just cut.
2. Fold those in half over the single piece and tie a 12 inch long piece around the folded top area as shown above.
3. Wrap the tail around a couple of times and tie a double knot.
4. Finish the tassel by knotting the 6 inch piece by the top folded edge of the tassel. Repeat this 10 times to create a total of 11 tassels.

Step 8: Prepare the Back Panels

The back panels need to be hemmed to create a clean and professional finish. This step involves folding and sewing the edges of the fabric.

1. For the back panels, simply fold an 18 inch edge over by 1 inch and hem with a sewing machine or by hand.
2. Do this on both pieces.

Step 9: Assemble the Pillow

This is the final step where we bring all the components together to create the finished pillow. Careful placement of the tassels and secure stitching are crucial for a polished result.

1. Lay the front panel down face up on your work surface.
2. Next, place 5 tassels on each side, evenly spaced. The tassels themselves should be in between the fabric, with the tails sticking out.
3. Then place the two back panels face down on top.
4. 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. Leave one side partially open to insert the pillow.

Step 10: Finish and Stuff

The final touches involve turning the pillow right side out, stuffing it with the insert, and trimming any excess yarn.

1. Turn the pillow right side out and stuff your pillow insert inside.
2. Sew the opening closed.
3. Trim the tassels and the ends of the yarn strips so that everything is uniform.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own Anthropologie-inspired throw pillow. Admire your handiwork and enjoy the unique touch it brings to your home decor. The final result is unique and a bit quirky, with a playful vibe thanks to the tassels.

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 guide you and create pillows that perfectly reflect your personal style.