Sew a Decorator Pillow with Fringe

Decorative throw pillows are a fast and easy way to update your décor. Adding fringe will take your pillow designs to the next level! One popular type of fringe for pillow edges is “brush fringe” which is sewn into the seam to create a beautiful, plush edging. Mary Jo’s Cloth Store has a wide selection of brush fringe with a variety of sizes and styles in solid or comingled colors.

When shopping for brush fringe, you may notice that the fringe is stitched along both sides. One edge is firm and woven; this is the side that is sewn in the seam. The other edge, or cut edge, has a chain stitch to hold all the threads together. This makes sewing much easier and keeps the fringe neat and tidy. Don’t be tempted to pull the chain stitch until your project is finished – that is the last step!

Learn how to make your own pillow with brush fringe using the step-by-step instructions below.  We would love to see your finished pillows!  You can share photos on our facebook page here, or email to maryjocloth@gmail.com.

Step-by-Step:

1. Cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of the pillow, adding 1-inch for seam allowances.  For this pillow the fabric was cut 18” x 18”.  It always looks best to center the pattern motif on at least one side of the pillow.    

2. The fabric used for this pillow frayed so the edges were serged.  If you are using a thin fabric you can add lining or a light-weight interfacing to the reverse side. 

3. Make a notch, or a mark on the center of each side of the front and back pieces.  

4. Starting in the center, at the bottom of the pillow front piece, sew the fringe to the outside edges on the face side..  Use a long stitch length (set at 3.5 to 4) and push the fringe towards the foot as you sew.  This would be a great time to use a walking foot or compensating foot on your machine. 

5. As you are sewing, curve the fringe around the corners.  Do not clip and turn at a right angle. 

6. When you have sewn all the way around the edges, cut off any excess fringe allowing for the two ends to overlap ½-inch and sew. 

7.  The front of the pillow now has the fringe sewn to all four sides.  It may look a little drawn-in, this is because the outer chain stitch has not been released yet. 

8. Pin the front piece to the back piece, face-to-face and lining up the center marks.  Pin in the center, and on each corner.  Sew together the front and back with the bottom piece underneath.  Make your stitching just to the inside of the previous stitch line.  Be sure to leave an opening along the bottom edge for turning right sides out. 

9. Turn the pillow right sides out.  Press with an iron if needed and insert a pillow form.

 

10.  Stuff with a pillow form.  (Tip: Use a form that is 1 inch larger for a tight, plump pillow).  Reach each inside and push down the seams, making sure they are all pushed in the same direction. Pin together the opening and hand stitch closed.  A zipper closure is not recommended with brush fringe unless it is inset on the back, and not in the seam.  

11. Your pillow is finished and now you can pull the chain stitch away from the edges and fluff the fringe.