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How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Materials You'll Need

  • 1/2 yard holiday fabric
  • jute rope
  • polyester fiberfill
  • ribbon
  • tape measure
  • needle and thread
  • scissors
  • pinning needles
  • sewing machine

Cut the Fabric

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Measure and cut the fabric into two 15" x 15" squares.

Create the Rope Trim

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Start at the center of one fabric square, marked with your tape measure. Secure the rope end with several hand stitches (Image 1). Twist the rope into a circle around the center, stitching firmly in place as you go (Image 2). Keep the rope taut for a neat spiral (Image 3). Build up to your desired trim size, then sew a straight line of rope to the midpoint of the square—this marks the top (Image 4). Trim the end, leaving 1 inch overhang (Image 5).

Sew the Pillow

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Place the fabric squares right sides together, with the rope trim sandwiched between. Pin securely. Sew all four sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side. Sew slowly over the 1-inch rope overhang at the top. Pro Tip: Insert pins perpendicular to the seam for easy removal while sewing.

Prepare for Stuffing

Trim seams to 1/4 inch and clip corners to reduce bulk—avoid cutting stitches. Trim excess rope at the top. Turn the pillow right side out through the opening.

Stuff the Pillow

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Tease apart small handfuls of fiberfill to avoid lumps. Push filling into corners using a stuffing tool or toothpick with gentle pressure. Fill evenly until you reach your preferred firmness.

Finish the Pillow

How to Sew a Stylish Rope Trim Pillow: Expert DIY Tutorial by Sara Alavi

By Sara Alavi

Fold raw edges into the 4-inch opening, pin, and sew closed. Tie a ribbon bow and hand-stitch it to the rope trim top. Add buttons or other festive accents for a personal touch.