How to Make a Shaped Embroidered Pillow

This project can be used for pillows of different shapes and sizes. Select the PDF that goes with your design, and print it on an 8.5in x 11in paper at actual size (or scaled to 100%).

The large sized pattern fits the largest size of the design. The medium sized pattern fits the middle size of the design. The small sized pattern fits smallest size of the design.

After the pattern is printed at actual size (or scaled to 100%), tape it together following the guides on the printed pattern

Cut the printed pattern out along the outer line. Each printed pattern will have a 1/2in seam allowance included in the pattern.

To create the front fabric piece that will be embroidered, trace the shape onto your fabric using a fabric marking tool.

Spray the wrong side of the fabric piece with temporary adhesive and smooth it onto a piece of cutaway stabilizer that is larger than your hoop.

A soft cutaway stabilizer like Sulky Soft'n Sheer works best as it will not make the pillow stiff.

A printed template of your design is a great tool to position your design. Use an embroidery software to open your design and print a template of all the embroidery designs you would like to use.

We also recommend Wilcom's Hatch software. It comes in different levels depending on what you'd like to use the software for. Hatch Organizer works well to view designs, print dielines and templates, change design colors, and create basic layouts. (This is an affiliate link. We may earn commission on purchases made with this link).

On the front piece, position the template where you would like the design to embroider. After it is in place mark the vertical and horizontal axis lines.

If your fabric is too fluffy and your marking tool does not show up, you can place pieces of tape to mark the axis lines instead. Simply place small pieces of tape at each axis line and make sure to mark which edge of the tape you are using as the guide with an arrow.

Extend and connect the axis lines to make a crosshair that can be used as a guide when hooping. They can be extended with a fabric marking tool and ruler if it shows up or with longer pieces of tape.

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together tightly. Make sure to line up the marked axis lines with the markings on the hoop.

Load the embroidery design onto the machine and attach the hoop. To make sure the design is sewing exactly where you marked, move the needle using the controls in the machine until it is perfectly centered over the center point of the axis lines.

If you used tape to mark the axis lines, remove all the tape after you have centered the needle over the center point on the machine.

If you are using a fluffy fabric, lay a piece of water-soluble stabilizer over the embroidery area, and tape it in place. This will help the embroidery sit on top of the fluff, prevent the embroidery foot from catching on the fabric, and make the embroidery easier to see.

Follow the color change sheet and embroider the design.

After the embroidery is finished, unhoop the design and trim away the excess stabilizer from around the back of the design. Remove as much as you can to help prevent the stabilizer from making the pillow stiff.

If you used topper, also remove as much as you can cut or tear off. Don't use water to remove the stabilizer under the embroidery yet.

Arrange the templates around the design again. It is best to do this between every piece to make sure nothing has shifted too much.

Remove any tape from marking the placement of this design.

Select which design you would like to sew next. Mark the axis lines and extend them using a ruler.

Also spray the wrong side of the fabric and smooth it onto a new piece of cutaway stabilizer.

Hoop the materials matching up the axis lines with the hoop and load the design onto the machine. Line the needle up with the center point of the design.

Remove tape and add water-soluble stabilizer on top if needed. Then embroider the design.

After the embroidery is finished, trim away the excess stabilizer on the back side of the design. Also remove any water-soluble and tape.

Then repeat the previous steps to position, mark, and embroider all of the remaining designs.

Now that the embroidery is finished, double check how well the embroidery is lined up inside the traced pattern shape we drew at the very beginning. If you still like the placement of the pattern lines, cut out the front piece on the traced line.

If you do not like the placement of the pattern, remove the lines and re-trace the shape before cutting.

To create the back fabric piece of the pillow, trace the pattern onto another piece of fabric, and cut out the shape.

If your design is not symmetrical, make sure to flip the piece of paper so it is upside down compared to how it was when you traced the front piece.

To make the pillow, lay the back piece on top of the front piece with right sides together. Pin them together.

Also look at your shape and pick a 4-6in area to leave open for turning. For best results, chose an edge for the opening that is pretty straight and flat.

Sew the front and back pieces together with a 1/2in seam allowance. Make sure to leave a 4-6in opening along one edge for turning.

If needed, you can clip the seam allowance around any curves or corners.

Turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with your chosen pillow filler.

Fold in the edges of the opening 1/2in. Hand sew it closed with a hand sewing needle and thread.

This completes the embroidered shaped pillow. Make a collection of pillows to use as home decor or give as a pretty gift.