DIY Vintage Button Pillow: A Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial

Unleash your inner crafter and create a charming vintage-inspired button pillow with this easy-to-follow sewing tutorial. Perfect for adding a touch of rustic elegance to your home decor, this project is suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

The inspiration for this project struck during a delightful excursion to an antique and consignment shop. While browsing, a unique “sack-like, vintage-y button pillow” caught my eye. An immediate spark of creativity ignited, and the idea to recreate this charming piece was born. Finding the right fabrics was paramount, and FabricDirect.com proved to be the perfect resource.

This tutorial will guide you through each step of the process, from selecting your fabrics to adding the finishing touches. Whether you’re looking to create a unique accent piece for your living room or a thoughtful handmade gift, this DIY button pillow is sure to impress.

Materials You’ll Need

• ½ yard of two coordinating fabrics (consider using a toile and stripe combination for a classic look). Examples include: FD’s Crimson Toile and Stripe.
• Three ¾” half-ball cover buttons
• One 12″ x 16″ pillow form
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Iron
• Scissors
• Pins

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own beautiful vintage button pillow:

1. Prepare Your Fabric

Cut one 13″ x 24″ panel from each of your chosen fabrics. This will give you the necessary material for both the front and back of the pillow.

2. Sew the Panels Together

Pin the two fabric panels together with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the two long sides and one of the short sides, using a ½” seam allowance. Important: If you’re using a directional print like toile, ensure the print is oriented correctly before sewing. Sew the short side that is at the bottom of the scene.

3. Finish the Edges

Pink the edges of the sewn seams to prevent fraying. Trim the two bottom (sewn) corners to reduce bulk. This will help create a neater finish when you turn the pillow right side out.

4. Create the Hem

Press down the raw edge of the open side by ½”. Then, turn it down another ½” and press again. This will create a clean, finished hem.

The opening of the fabric sack should now have a neat, double-folded hem, ready for stitching.

5. Topstitch the Hem and Insert Pillow Form

Topstitch the hem close to the edge, securing the fold and creating a professional-looking finish. Once the hem is sewn, carefully insert the pillow form, ensuring it fills the entire space.

6. Creating the Button Flap

This is where the magic happens! Take the center of the pillow that will be facing front (in our example, the toile fabric) and gently pull it down toward the middle of the pillow until it is slightly taut. This will create the characteristic gathered effect of the vintage button pillow.

7. Forming the Flap

Now, pull down the material that will be the back of the pillow, covering the fold you just created in the previous step. This will form the flap where the buttons will be attached.

8. Pinning the Flap

Carefully pin the ‘flap’ you just made to the pillow, making sure you are pinning through ALL layers of fabric. This is crucial for securing the gathered fabric and creating a durable button attachment.

9. Cover the Buttons

Take a moment to cover your buttons with the fabric that is facing the front (the toile in our case). Follow the instructions provided on the button cover package. This will create a cohesive and professional look for your pillow.

10. Sewing on the Buttons

Now it’s time to sew on the buttons! Again, make sure you catch ALL layers of fabric as you sew. It might feel a little unusual since we’re used to sewing buttons on through the back, but this method ensures a secure attachment. For positioning, it’s often easier to sew the center button on first, followed by the two flanking buttons.

Here’s what the pillow should look like underneath the button flap. All layers should now be stitched together, thanks to the three securely sewn buttons.

11. Admire Your Creation!

And that’s it! You’ve successfully created a charming, sack-like, vintage-y button pillow. This unique piece will add a touch of character and handmade warmth to any room.

Tips and Variations

• Fabric Choices: Experiment with different fabric combinations to create a pillow that reflects your personal style. Consider using different patterns, textures, and colors.
• Button Variations: Use vintage buttons for an authentic look, or try colorful buttons for a more playful design.
• Pillow Size: Adjust the fabric dimensions to create pillows of different sizes.
• Embellishments: Add embellishments such as lace, ribbons, or embroidery to further personalize your pillow.

This DIY vintage button pillow project is a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity and add a touch of handmade charm to your home. With a few simple supplies and these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a beautiful and unique accent piece that you’ll treasure for years to come. Enjoy the process and happy sewing!