How to Make Velvet Pillows: Add Luxe Style to Your Space

If you’ve ever wanted to add a little upscale comfort to your home without the boutique price tag, making your own velvet pillows is a surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying DIY.

Whether you’re dressing up the bed, sprucing up the sofa, or personalizing a gift, this guide will walk you through how to make velvet pillows step by step—no advanced sewing skills required.

DIY Velvet Pillows: What You’ll Need

Before diving in, gather your materials. Velvet is lush but manageable with the right prep.

Materials Checklist:

• Velvet fabric (1/2 to 1 yard per pillow depending on size)

• Matching thread

• Sewing machine or needle for hand-stitching

• Pillow insert or polyfill stuffing

• Fabric scissors

• Pins or sewing clips

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Zipper or envelope-style closure (optional)

Choosing Your Velvet:

I used a polyester velvet with a light sheen for our bedroom—easy to sew and cleaned up well after the dog decided it was her new favorite spot on our Puffy Lux Mattress. It’s held up beautifully through naps, snuggles, and the occasional spill.

How to Make Velvet Pillows Step-by-Step

1. Measure and Cut

• Decide on your pillow size (standard: 18x18 inches, but lumbar and oversized options also work beautifully).

• Cut two pieces of velvet to your pillow size plus 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides. For example, cut 19x19 inches for an 18x18 insert.

• If using a zipper, cut the back fabric panel in two and add an extra 1 inch total to accommodate seam allowances along the split.

2. Pin and Sew

• Place fabric pieces right sides together so the plush side is facing inward.

• Pin or clip edges to prevent slipping—velvet can be slippery, so secure well.

• Sew around all edges using a 1/2-inch seam, leaving a 4-5 inch opening on one side if you’re not inserting a zipper.

• Trim excess fabric from corners to reduce bulk and ensure crisp points.

• Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out, using a blunt tool like a chopstick to gently push out the corners.

3. Insert and Finish

• Insert the pillow form or stuff with polyfill evenly, distributing fluff to the corners first for a full shape.

• Hand-stitch or machine-sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch for a nearly invisible finish.

• If adding a zipper, follow package instructions to attach it cleanly along the back seam before sealing the final edge. A zipper foot on your sewing machine can help you get a close, tidy line.

Velvet Pillow Closure Options

Envelope Closure:

• Overlapping back pieces make it easy to remove the cover, which is especially helpful for seasonal swaps or quick cleaning.

• No zippers or buttons required, meaning less hardware to sew and no risk of damaging delicate fabric.

• Great for beginners who want a straightforward, forgiving closure method that still looks stylish and functions well.

Zipper Closure:

• Offers a clean, professional look that can elevate the finished product to store-bought quality.

• Best for washable pillows where you’ll want frequent access to the cover without risking stretch or wear.

• Slightly more advanced but worth learning—especially if you plan to make multiple pillows or give them as gifts. Learning to insert a zipper opens the door to more versatile pillow designs and improved durability.

Styling Your Velvet Pillows

Velvet pillows shine in any room. Try pairing colors and textures:

• Mix sizes: Combine 20x20 with 12x20 lumbar pillows or even oversized 24x24 cushions to build depth and balance.

• Layer tones: Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and mustard pop on neutral couches, while pairing similar shades adds sophistication and harmony.

• Pair with prints: Florals, stripes, or abstract patterns add contrast. Try using velvet solids to anchor bolder patterns without overwhelming the space.

• Add trims: Piping or fringe adds extra flair. Consider metallic or contrasting trims for a glamorous touch, or go with tone-on-tone velvet piping for an elegant, cohesive look.

• Mix textures: Combine velvet with linen, boucle, or knits to make each pillow stand out while keeping the arrangement visually warm and inviting.

Once I made a pair of dusty rose velvet pillows for the reading nook, it instantly made the whole space feel put together. Combined with the breathable comfort of our Puffy Royal Mattress in the next room, the house felt like a high-end retreat.

Tips for Working with Velvet

• Cut one piece at a time to prevent fabric slippage. Velvet tends to shift and stretch, so handle gently and avoid stacking layers when cutting.

• Use a walking foot on your sewing machine for better traction. This helps feed both layers of fabric evenly and minimizes shifting.

• Always sew in the direction of the nap (you’ll feel which way is smoother). Going against the nap can distort the fabric’s appearance and cause uneven seams.

• Use low heat if ironing, and always place a cloth between velvet and iron. Steam can also help lift wrinkles without flattening the pile—just hover the iron without pressing down.

Final Thoughts

Making your own velvet pillows is easier than you think—and the payoff is huge.

Not only do you get custom decor at a fraction of store prices, but the project adds a personal touch to your home.

Whether you make one or five, your velvet pillows will look—and feel—like something out of a high-end catalog.