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How To DIY A Woven Pillow

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.For those of you who follow me on Facebook, you’ll recognize this DIY Woven Pillow tutorial which I first shared on Always Made With Love. Today, I thought I’d share the full tutorial with all of you lovely readers of my blog.

Looms:  To Buy or Not To Buy

Before we get started, I wanted to offer a word or two about looms. I first started my adventures in weaving with a basic lap loom that came with a starter kit (which I blogged about in “An Introduction to Weaving”). While you can always find lap looms to purchase on sites like Amazon or Etsy, it is not necessary. You can make your own basic, budget-friendly one using 4 pieces of wood, a hammer and nails (see “How to Make a Basic Loom”). If this, too, feels a little intimidating, then simply make a loom out of cardboard (yep, you read that right). If you google ‘how to make a cardboard loom’ you will be surprised to find plenty of tutorials out there that show you how to weave with a piece of cardboard! Honestly, it cannot get any easier than that 🙂

DIY Woven Pillow Instructions

So if you are ready to make your own DIY Woven Pillow, then let’s get started. You will need the following materials:

DIY woven pillow - materials needed.

  • Loom
  • Cotton or hemp yarn
  • Knitting yarn
  • Tapestry needle (plastic and typically 3 inches in length)
  • Scissors
  • Pillow stuffing
  • Measuring tape
  • Optional: Shed stick (resembles a paint stir stick)
  • Head pins (not pictured)
  • Kitchen fork (not pictured)
  • Darning needle (dull tip) (not pictured)
  • Tape (not pictured)

Step 1: Create Your ‘Warp’

The ‘warp’ is what constitutes the vertical strands in your weaving. It is the foundation that holds together the yarn that you will be woven through the warp horizontally.

I am using my homemade nail loom for this project.

Nail loom - up close

Taking your cotton or hemp yarn, create a loop knot and place over one of the nails along the bottom of your loom. Pull upwards and wrap the yarn around the nail directly above, starting from the left side and moving to the right, then straight back down. Then wrap the yarn around the nail next to the one with the loop knot, going under the nail, moving from left to right and then back up again.

DIY woven pillow - warping the loom.

Continue doing this until you have sufficient width.

DIY woven pillow - warping the loom.

Tip: If this is your first time weaving, make sure your warp is not too tight. As you begin weaving, the warp strands will tighten along the way, so you will want some slack, otherwise your weaving will bow in the middle.

Step 2: Begin Weaving

For this project, you will be creating 2 weavings, comprising the front and the back of your pillow cover.

Let’s begin weaving the front first.

Snip off a long piece of yarn (a couple of feet to start) and thread your tapestry needle. Taking your threaded needle, begin weaving horizontally across your warp, moving over and under each strand.

DIY Woven Pillow - begin first row of weaving.

Once you reach the opposite end of the warp, pull the rest of the yarn in the same direction until there is about 3 inches of yarn ‘tail’ peeking out on the side of the warp where you began weaving this first row.

DIY Woven Pillow - pull first row of yarn through.

Next, begin weaving back toward the ‘tail’ end of the warp, moving your tapestry needle over and under each strand, as before. For the second row, you will need to weave your yarn on the opposing side of each strand as you make your way across. (In other words, if after completing your first row, you end up over  the last strand – as I did below – then begin the next row by starting under the same strand).

DIY Woven Pillow - begin second row.

When you have used up your first piece of yarn, simply cut another length and begin a new row.

Tip:  It can be tempting to tighten your yarn as you weave, but it is best that you don’t. If you do it will cause bowing in the middle. To prevent this, create an ‘arc’ as you weave, as pictured below.

DIY Woven Pillow - weaving tip.

Gently push the yarn into place with a fork, creating smaller and smaller arcs until there are no arcs left:

DIY woven pillow - fork.

Continue weaving, making your way up the warp, one row at a time, changing colours when necessary.

DIY Woven Pillow

Step 3 (Optional): Hatching Technique

Most of this weaving consists of basic ‘over and under’ weaving. For part of this project, I also used one other technique called ‘hatching.’ Hatching is used to blend colours together. It is by no means necessary for this pillow weaving. But if you have the ‘over and under’ down pat, and you’d like to try hatching, here’s how:

Using two threads, begin weaving one from the left and one from the right, within the same row until they meet – you decide where you wish the two to meet.

DIY Woven Pillow - hatching

When the two yarns meet at the same strand, then simply wrap each one around that common strand. Now have each yarn head away from the other in the opposite direction.

Tip:  Because I have only one tapestry needle, I used it to weave from the right and used my shed stick to weave from the left. Simply move the shed stick over and under strands as you would your needle and then pull the yarn through with your fingers. You can also use a piece of cardboard if you don’t have a shed stick.

DIY Woven Pillow - hatching

Continue in this way for as long as you wish to blend any two colours together. This is what my hatching looked like:

DIY Woven Pillow - hatching technique.

Continue weaving, alternating between ‘over and under’ and the hatching technique as you make your way up the warp.

DIY Woven Pillow - in progress

Step 4: Remove Weaving From Loom

Once you have completed the front side of the pillow, remove by snipping the warp strands.

DIY Woven Pillow - remove weaving.

To prevent the weaving from unravelling, tie a double knot at the point where the warp strands meet up with the weaving.

DIY Woven Pillow - tie warp strands.

Do the same for the loose yarns. Tie together where possible, or weave back into the weaving.

DIY Woven Pillow - tie or weave in loose yarn threads.

Clean up all the lengthy threads by snipping them short.

DIY Woven Pillow - snip yarn and warp ends.

Step 5: Make the Back Side of Your Pillow

Once you’ve mastered the front side of the pillow, the back will be a cinch. Just repeat all of the above steps. For this pillow, I created a solid colour on the back and used the simplest ‘over and under’ technique to complete it.

DIY Woven Pillow - back side.

Step 6: Stitch Together

Place the two weavings together, with the good sides facing one another.

DIY Woven Pillow - place weavings together.

Measure and apply tape across the edges. This will guide your stitching so that it is as straight as possible. Pin the two weavings together.

DIY Woven Pillow - tape and pin together.

Thread your darning needle using the same cotton or hemp yarn you used to create your warp. Begin stitching your weavings together.

DIY Woven Pillow - begin stitching.

Make sure to leave a large enough space unstitched for the final steps. I left about 5 inches of space. You may need more, depending on the size and thickness of your pillow cover. Remove the pins and tape.

DIY Woven Pillow - stitched up.

Step 7: Stuff & Stitch

Turn your pillow cover inside out gently pulling the material through the 5 inch space available.

DIY Woven Pillow - turn inside out.

This is when things get really exciting and you begin to see your weaving transform into a pillow! You’re in the home stretch now 🙂

Stuff the inside of your pillow cover with stuffing.

DIY Woven Pillow - stuff pillow.

Stitch up the last 5 inches by tucking in the edges and stitching it up from the outside, this time using one of your yarns.

DIY Woven Pillow - close up opening.

And, voila! You have just created a charming, woven handmade pillow!

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Create this DIY Woven Pillow with a basic loom, yarn, and pillow stuffing. A simple way to add a handmade touch to your home.

This is a simple project, but by no means a quick one. Weaving takes time, yet it is an incredibly relaxing activity. I recommend taking a weekend or two to complete this one. But it is well worth the effort if you enjoy the creative process and love unique, handmade home décor as I do 🙂

Happy weaving 🙂

 

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46 Comments

  • Reply
    Celeste
    July 5, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    This is just gorgeous! You do such amazing work! I don’t know that I have the patience for weaving, but you sure to make me want to give it a try!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 5, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      Thank you for the compliment Celeste! At the very least, I’ve ALMOST convinced you 😉 !

  • Reply
    Marie, The Interior Frugalista
    July 8, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    Oh my gosh, your pillow is stunning! A lot of work hand weaving it but so worth the results. Your photography is gorgeous too btw. Pinning to share 🙂

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 8, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      Thanks Marie! It did take a lot of time and patience, but I was truly happy with the result. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Reply
    creativejewishmom/sara
    July 9, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Wow, great job! I have a loom that a neighbor gave us when she was cleaning out her closet, just we haven’t gotten around to setting it up, and the instructions are all in French….gotta do it though, thanks for the inspiration, and for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 9, 2016 at 6:33 pm

      Thank you so much! It took a lot of time and patience, but I was pretty happy with the results. I just love all the different applications of weaving in the home and hope to do some more like this one. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  • Reply
    sherry
    July 9, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    This is the best thing that I have seen at the link parties this week! I would love to try this and thank you for the great instructions! Pinning this!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 10, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Thanks so much for the compliment Sherry! You’ve made my day 🙂

  • Reply
    Kate
    July 9, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    Wow Jelica! This is so pretty, I’ll have to try it sometime.

  • Reply
    Kim Sharman
    July 10, 2016 at 7:01 am

    Just gorgeous. Me thinks I am going to have to make myself a little loom.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 10, 2016 at 8:43 am

      LOL! It’s definitely a worthwhile investment of your time. Hope you do!

  • Reply
    Helen Fern
    July 10, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    This is so cool! I have to try this!! Thanks for sharing at the DIY party!! Tweeted this cool idea too!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 10, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks so much Helen!

  • Reply
    Young Couple Old Home
    July 10, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    This is what I’ve been wanting to try for a while love the clear step by step and pictures. It’s on my to do list for sure!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 10, 2016 at 7:12 pm

      I hope you do give it a try!

  • Reply
    Kileen
    July 11, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    So pretty! I love that it gives a little more texture than just a fabric pillow. I”m pinning this. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    samantha
    July 11, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Love the pattern and colors. It looks like a comfy pillow too. Thanks for joining the Family Joy link party!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 11, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks! Glad to share 🙂

  • Reply
    JaneEllen
    July 12, 2016 at 12:45 am

    This looks wonderful, like something I would really like to try. Have done some weaving with wire for jewelry, would want to make things with this. Could have hubs make loom for me. You did a wonderful job on your tutorial, very helpful to get started. Your pillow is very pretty.
    Have great week.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 12, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      Weaving tutorials are often difficult to explain with pictures, so I take that as a real compliment! Hope you have your hubby make that loom. Well worth it! If you need some tips on that, feel free to use this tutorial to guide you: https://aprettyfix.com/how-to-make-a-basic-loom/. Have a great week!

  • Reply
    Laurie
    July 13, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    Jelica, I love your weaving tutorials! The pillow is wonderful and I’d love to make one or two for myself! Thanks so much for sharing and being a part of Snickerdoodle Sunday! Pinned to share!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 14, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Thanks so much Laurie! Always glad to share 🙂

  • Reply
    Theresa @DearCreatives
    July 15, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    I absolutely adore your project. I have done a few woven projects & would love to make a pillow. Pinning for later. I hope I get a chance to get into weaving a bit more.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 15, 2016 at 3:21 pm

      I’ve become a real fan of weaving and love all the possibilities that go along with it. Wall weavings are great, but pillows, rugs and so much more is available to create with this craft. I get excited just thinking about it! Hope you do some more projects of your own. It’s definitely addicting 🙂 Take care!

  • Reply
    Beverly
    July 16, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Jelica, this pillow is beautiful! I love that you provided a detailed tutorial on how you made it! Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle Sunday. I’ll be featuring this at today’s party. Hope to see you there!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 16, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      I enjoyed this craft project so much, so when I read all the lovely things people have to say about it, it makes my day! Thanks so much for featuring it at your link party, Beverly!

  • Reply
    Susanne
    July 16, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    I love this! I think I might be able to actually do it!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 17, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Absolutely! It is definitely a process, but not by any means difficult. I hope you do give it a try!

  • Reply
    Sara Syrett
    July 16, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    I love this so much! I have to try it! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! Visiting from http://www.twelveonmain.com. Have a great week!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 17, 2016 at 10:48 am

      Thanks so much Sara! Take care 🙂

  • Reply
    Sherry Nappa
    July 17, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I’ve always wanted to learn how to weave. Love your pillow! Thanks so much for sharing at Merry Monday.

  • Reply
    Emily
    July 19, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Wow!!! This is absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for linking up with Creative Spark last week! I selected your woven pillow as one of my Feature Picks this week. The party goes live at 6am EST tomorrow – I hope you’ll stop by and link up again!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 20, 2016 at 5:48 am

      Thanks so much Emily! What a treat! I’ll definitely stop by. Have a great week 🙂

  • Reply
    Kim
    July 20, 2016 at 10:36 am

    True craftsmanship! This is incredible. I would cherish that pillow forever. I found you at Creative Spark and am glad I did. I thought projects like this were too hard or difficult to do. Your tutorial shows us that while it is time intensive, it is doable for all of us! Love it!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 20, 2016 at 7:38 pm

      Thank you so much Kim! I do cherish that pillow. The difficulty for me now is keeping it in just one place. It seems to go well in most places in my home 😉

  • Reply
    Julie
    January 27, 2019 at 8:53 am

    This is soooo cool! Thank you for the detailed instructions!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      January 27, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      You’re so welcome Julie!

  • Reply
    Camile
    March 12, 2019 at 11:39 am

    what yarn do you use and where do you get it? (michaels, amazon etc.)

    • Reply
      Jelica
      April 13, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Camile,
      My go-to place has been Michaels for most of my yarn. I like using wool blends mainly (100% acrylic is a bit too spongy and has too much ‘slip.’). I find wool (or other natural fibers) stack better as I weave. Hope this helps!

  • Reply
    Kay Urbanick
    June 29, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I have a few of these wool pillows and the weave is coming apart at the seam. How do you recommend repairing it? Do I use wool yard and needle or a sewing machine? One is near the zipper the other just in the seam itself. Your work is gorgeous and my kids all of these type of pillows so I think this would make great christmas gifts. You make it look so easy and attemptable
    Thank you Kay

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 14, 2019 at 3:23 pm

      Hi Kay,
      Without seeing it, it’s a bit difficult to say. If you used a backing to sew the woven sides together, then using a sewing machine is best. But if you followed the blog post to the letter (I don’t have any backing on mine), then I would use yarn to hand sew it. But, before you do this, it would be a good idea to stop the weave from unraveling any further. I would go ahead and use fabric glue like those produced by the Aleena’s brand (like the “Fraying” glue or “Tacky Glue” products that Aleena’s has). You can find these on Amazon. Once it’s dried, then go in and try hand-sewing to repair. Hope this helps!

  • Reply
    Katherine
    November 20, 2019 at 8:05 am

    Love this! I’m going to try it. How much space would you leave on the sides to make room for stitching it up? My pillow is 14×14. Thanks for doing this!!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 29, 2019 at 11:19 am

      If this is your first time, then I would leave a generous amount, at least 2 inches, just to be on the safe side. Good luck!

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