DIY Tasseled Throw Pillows — Elevate Your Home Comfort with Handmade Charm
As the seasons change and cooler temperatures invite us indoors, there’s a natural desire to transform our living spaces into havens of warmth and comfort. What better way to achieve this than with beautifully crafted throw pillows? This detailed guide will show you how to create stunning DIY Tasseled Throw Pillows, adding a touch of personalized coziness to all your indoor gatherings. Prepare to impress your guests with these charming accents, made effortlessly with a clever trick that simplifies the entire process!
Crafting Cozy Comfort: DIY Tasseled Throw Pillows
There’s an undeniable shift in our routines as the days grow shorter and the crisp air of autumn settles in. Here in places like Minneapolis, the vibrant outdoor season gives way to more intimate indoor activities. Patio barbecues are replaced by board game marathons, movie nights, and cozy conversations by the fireplace. For these cherished moments, a warm and inviting atmosphere is key, and nothing says “welcome home” quite like a collection of plush, stylish throw pillows.
I’ve long envisioned adding custom-made throw pillows to our living room, aiming to infuse an extra layer of snug comfort for all our indoor gatherings. The search for the perfect project often involves seeking out unique materials that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical ease. This particular DIY adventure began with a serendipitous discovery that simplified the entire process beautifully.
The Secret Ingredient: Tasseled Tea Towels
The inspiration for these delightful pillows struck when I, Erin of Francoise et Moi, stumbled upon a collection of tasseled tea towels. It was an “aha!” moment that immediately sparked creativity. These weren’t just any tea towels; they featured exquisite tassel details already adorning their corners. And, even better, they arrived with perfectly hemmed edges, eliminating a significant step in traditional pillow-making.
The pre-existing tassels were a huge bonus – I simply can’t get enough of tassel details lately, as evidenced by previous projects like DIY door handle tassels. Their inherent charm adds an artisanal, bohemian vibe that elevates any decor. The fact that the tea towels were already hemmed meant less cutting and less precision sewing, making this project accessible even for beginner sewists. This discovery set the stage for a truly unique and surprisingly simple pillow design.
Deconstructed Design: Simplicity Meets Style
With these special tea towels in hand, I decided to approach these DIY Tasseled Throw Pillows with a “deconstructed” design philosophy. Instead of hiding the seams on the inside, we celebrate the seam allowance on the outside, creating a decorative “flange.” This method not only offers a distinctive, modern aesthetic but also serves a practical purpose: it beautifully exposes and highlights the charming tassels that would otherwise be tucked away.
This “outside-out” sewing technique is a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts. It’s inherently simpler than traditional pillow construction, which often involves sewing right sides together and then turning the fabric. By embracing the flange, we streamline the process significantly. In my DIY playbook, “simpler” always equates to a win, especially when it doesn’t compromise on style or quality. This technique makes achieving a polished, custom look remarkably straightforward.
Gather Your Materials and Tools for DIY Tasseled Throw Pillows
Before you begin this rewarding DIY project, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools at hand. Sourcing quality items will make your sewing experience smoother and result in a more durable, beautiful finished product.
- Tasseled Tea Towels — The star of our project! Look for tea towels with pre-made tassels on at least two corners. Mine, for instance, were sourced from Anthropologie. The quality and design of your tea towels will significantly influence the final look of your pillows, so choose a pattern or texture that complements your existing decor.
- Sewing Machine — Any basic sewing machine will do. If you’re a beginner, practice on scrap fabric first to get comfortable with straight stitches.
- Off-white Thread — Choose a high-quality polyester or cotton thread that matches or closely complements the color of your tea towels and flossing for a seamless finish.
- Sewing Pins — Essential for holding your fabric in place before sewing, ensuring straight lines and preventing shifting.
- Cotton Flossing — In colors like off-white, yellow, and grey/black, or any colors you have on hand that coordinate with your tea towels for creating additional tassels. Embroidery floss or thick cotton yarn works well too. This is where you can infuse a personal, bohemian touch!
- 7” Book — This will serve as a simple jig for wrapping your flossing to create uniform tassels. Any sturdy, flat object of similar size will work.
- Large Sewing Needle (or Embroidery Needle) — Necessary for easily threading the cotton flossing and attaching the handmade tassels to your pillow corners.
- Feather Pillow Insert — A feather insert provides a luxurious, soft, and shape-retaining fill for your throw pillows. Choose an insert that is slightly larger (e.g., 16″x22″ for a 14″x21″ finished pillow) than your finished pillow cover for a plump, designer look.
How To Make DIY Tassel Pillows: A Simple Guide
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, let’s dive into the fun part: crafting your beautiful tasseled throw pillows. Follow these steps carefully for a smooth and enjoyable DIY experience.
1. Preparing Your Tea Towel for Sewing
Begin by taking one tea towel and folding it in half. The goal is to form a roughly 14” x 21” rectangle. Ensure your fold is straight and even, aligning the edges as precisely as possible. This fold will form one of the short sides of your pillow, and it’s essential for maintaining the clean, deconstructed look.
Next, with the “wrong” sides of the fabric facing each other, pin the two long edges and one of the short, raw edges together. The “wrong” sides together method is key to creating that celebrated external flange. Make sure your pins are perpendicular to the fabric edge, making them easy to remove as you sew.
Using your sewing machine, sew these three pinned sides together. The beauty of using pre-hemmed tea towels is that you can use the tea towel’s existing stitch line as a perfect guide. Simply sew right on top of this existing stitch line. This creates a clean, consistent flange around your pillow. For the remaining raw seam edge (which is along the fold), mimic the other two sides by using a 5/8” seam allowance. This consistency will ensure your pillow has a balanced, intentional look.
2. Crafting Complementary Tassels
Since most tea towels only come with tassels on two of their corners, we’ll need to create two more to complete our pillow. This allows for a harmonious look that either mimics the existing tassels or introduces coordinating colors for a unique, personalized touch. Don’t feel pressured to buy new cotton flossing; use colors you already have on hand to achieve a fun, eclectic, or boho vibe.
To begin, take your off-white string (or your primary tassel color) and wrap it tightly around your 7” book roughly 30 times. The more wraps, the fuller your tassel will be. Once wrapped, carefully slide the string loop off the book, keeping its shape. Flatten the loop. Cinch the middle of the flattened loop with a separate 20” piece of off-white string, tying a secure double knot. This forms the head of your tassel.
Now, let’s add the accent colors. Using your yellow string, lay it towards the top of the off-white tassel, forming an upside-down number ‘4’. The tail of the ‘4’ should extend downwards, overlapping the main tassel strands. Begin wrapping the yellow string tightly around the off-white tassel, just below the cinched head. Wrap neatly and evenly to create a clean band of color.
To tie off the yellow string securely, thread the working tail through the loop you created at the bottom of the ‘4’ (the horizontal part of the ‘4’). Pull the tail tight. Then, pull the top end of the yellow string (the vertical part of the ‘4’) upwards until the loop at the bottom disappears neatly underneath the horizontally wrapped yellow string. This ingenious method creates a perfectly hidden knot. Finally, trim any excess string tails closely to the tassel for a clean finish.
Repeat this wrapping and tying step with your dark grey or black color wrap, placing it just below the yellow band to create a multi-colored tassel head. This layered look adds depth and visual interest.
3. Attaching the Tassels to Your Pillow
Now it’s time to give your pillow its full tasseled charm! Attach the two newly created tassels to the bare pillow corners. These will be the two corners that don’t already have tassels from the original tea towel. Ensure you position them symmetrically for a balanced look.
Thread the long off-white strings (the ones you used to cinch the tassel head) through your large sewing or embroidery needle. Carefully run the needle through the very corner of the pillow. Pull the string through, leaving a tail on the other side. Then, thread the needle back through the center of the tassel head, and finally, back up through the pillow corner. This creates a strong, secure attachment point. To further secure it in place, thread the needle through the stitch you just created, effectively looping it, and finish with a strong double knot. Trim any excess string. Repeat this process with the second tassel for the remaining bare corner.
4. The Final Touch: Stuffing and Sealing
With your tassels firmly in place and your pillow cover sewn on three sides, it’s time to bring your pillow to life! Gently stuff the pillow cover with your feather pillow insert. Take care not to overstuff, which can make the pillow too stiff, or understuff, which can leave it looking deflated. Aim for a plump yet squishy feel that invites relaxation.
Finally, sew up the open short side of the pillow. Just like before, use the tea towel’s existing stitch line as a guide to maintain that consistent flange detail. Sew a straight seam along this line, ensuring you backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches. Once this final seam is sewn, your DIY Tasseled Throw Pillow is complete and ready to adorn your space!
Styling Your New Tasseled Throw Pillows
And there you have it! Beautiful, easy DIY tasseled throw pillows ready to feather your nest for all those cozy fall and winter get-togethers. Who knew that humble tea towels could be transformed into such chic and inviting pillow covers? The unique texture, vibrant tassels, and the distinctive flanged edge will add a bespoke touch to any sofa, armchair, or bed.
These pillows aren’t just for comfort; they’re conversation starters. Arrange them artfully on your sofa, mixing and matching with other solids or patterned pillows to create a curated look. Consider pairing them with different textures like knit throws or faux fur for an extra layer of warmth and visual interest. Their bohemian charm makes them versatile additions to various decor styles, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse.
More Inspiring DIY Pillow Projects
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and satisfaction of creating these tasseled pillows, why stop there? DIY home decor is a fantastic way to personalize your space, express your creativity, and often save money. For those looking to continue their crafting journey, we’ve curated a few more favorite easy DIY pillow projects from our archives. Each offers a unique style and technique, proving that handmade doesn’t have to mean complicated:
- How to make your own DIY Yarn Fringe Pillow: Add playful texture with a DIY fringe that instantly upgrades a plain pillow. This project is perfect for those who love tactile elements in their decor.
- Modern DIY Oversized Cross Stitched Cushion: Explore a different craft with a contemporary twist on cross-stitching. This project results in a bold, graphic statement piece.
- Structured Pleated DIY Lumbar Pillow: Learn a simple pleating technique to create an elegant and sophisticated lumbar pillow, perfect for back support and style.
- No Sew Envelope Pillows Made From Napkins: For the ultimate beginner or those avoiding a sewing machine entirely, this project uses everyday napkins to create charming, no-sew envelope pillows.
Conclusion: Embrace the Art of DIY Home Decor
Embracing DIY projects like these tasseled throw pillows is more than just about saving money; it’s about infusing your home with personality and warmth that store-bought items simply cannot replicate. Each handmade stitch and carefully chosen detail tells a story, making your space truly your own. So, gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of transforming simple items into beautiful, functional works of art. Happy crafting, and may your home be filled with comfort and unique style!
