If you want more comfort in your living room, kids’ play area, or reading corner, oversized floor pillows are an easy project with a big payoff. They look great, feel better, and you can customize them exactly the way you want. Here is a simple guide to help you make your own without stress.
Choose the Right Fabric
Pick a fabric that can handle daily use. Canvas, twill, denim, or upholstery fabric work well. If the pillow will sit on carpet or a soft surface, almost any sturdy fabric is fine. If it will sit on a hard floor, go for something thicker so it holds its shape.
Wash and dry the fabric before you cut anything. This stops shrinkage from ruining your work later.
Measure and Cut
A common size for oversized floor pillows is 30 by 30 inches or 36 by 36 inches. You can go bigger if you want more of a lounge style feel.
Cut two squares of fabric in the size you choose. Add one extra inch to each side for seam allowance. If you want a removable cover, cut an extra panel to create an envelope or add a zipper along one edge.
Sew the Edges
Place your two fabric pieces together with the front sides facing each other. Sew along the edges, leaving one side open so you can fill the pillow. If you are adding a zipper, sew it into the open edge before closing the rest.
Strengthen the seams by sewing around twice. Floor pillows get pulled, sat on, dragged, and tossed, so strong stitching matters.
Pick the Right Filling
You have a few good options:
- Polyfill for a soft, cushy feel
- Foam pieces for a supportive, firmer shape
- A mix of both for balance
- Bean bag beads if you want a moldable, low-profile pillow
Fill a little at a time so the pillow stays even. Oversized pillows look best when they are full but not stiff.
Close the Pillow
If you kept the last seam open, hand stitch it shut with a ladder stitch for a clean finish. For a removable cover, insert the inner pillow and close the zipper or envelope flap.
Add Style
You can keep it simple, or you can upgrade the look:
- Add piping for a tailored edge
- Mix patterns for a bold design
- Use handles on the sides so kids can move them around
- Add tufting to keep the filling in place
A few small details can turn a basic pillow into a room favorite.
Care Tips
Shake the pillow occasionally to keep the filling evenly distributed. Spot clean as needed, and if you have a removable cover, wash it with care according to the fabric instructions.
Oversized floor pillows make any room feel warm and inviting. They are easy to sew, easy to customize, and easy to enjoy. Once you finish your first one, you may end up making a whole stack for movie nights, reading time, or just hanging out on the floor.