How to Make a Simple No Sew Pillow

I was browsing the Christmas clearance at T.J. Max the other day and came across this gorgeous table runner. I just love the bunched fabric details, so pretty!

In reality, this table runner is just way to fancy for my table and I started to put it back on the shelf. But as I looked a little closer at the table runner, I discovered the base fabric was double layered! Jackpot! I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it…

Pillows! I wanted to make pillows. And I was going to make the pillows without any sewing!

Here is how I made the easiest no-sew pillows from a table runner.

To do this all you need is:
-a double layer fabric table runner or a double layer placemat (here is my Pillow Placemat tutorial.)
-Pillow stuffing
-Fabric marker
-ruler
-Scissors
-Iron
-Hot glue (if you are afraid of using hot glue, you could also use an iron on adhesive/hem tape.

Instructions:

1. Table runners come in all lengths, so the first thing to do is determine how many and what size pillows you want, based on your table runner’s size. My table runner was 15 X 36 inches, so that was just perfect for two rectangle pillows, all I had to do was cut it in half. I could have made my pillows 15 X 15 if I wanted square pillows, I would only have had to do a little more measuring and an additional cut.

2. Based on your desired pillow width, mark where you need to cut with a fabric marker and then cut the fabric. (I marked mine on the front so I wouldn’t cut through any of the ruffles.)

3. Fold the cut edge about 3/8 inch to the inside. Use your iron and press the fold to get a good crease.

4. Go ahead and fill the pillow with the stuffing about 3/4 of the way full. I use this polyester fiberfill from hobby lobby. It is $2.99 and you can use your 40% coupon on it.

5. Next we will seal part of the seam with hot glue or iron on adhesive. I used hot glue, it has held up very well on a couple of my projects, especially on loosely woven fabrics. (If you use the iron on adhesive, just follow the packages directions.) Starting at one edge, apply a generous line of glue on the folded edge. Then squeeze the two hems together. (Be careful, the glue is called “hot” glue for a reason.) It is much easier if you do it one inch at a time. Leave about a 3 inch opening in the center of the hem, so you can finish stuffing the pillow.

6. Once you have finished stuffing the pillow, finish gluing the seam closed.

Ta da! You have two new pillows! Of course, you don’t have to use hot glue, these can be sewn just as easily, like I did in this place mat to pillow project. It probably would be quicker to sew than using the hot glue, but this method gives non-sewers a chance to make themselves pretty pillows too.