How to Make a No Sew Fleece Pillow

Easy working instructions that even beginners can follow

Co-authored by Mia Danilowicz

Last Updated: August 28, 2024 Approved

A personalized pillow is a great way to decorate a room or give away as a thoughtful gift. Many pillow patterns require detailed sewing and embroidery. If you don't want to use a sewing machine, you can create a pillow cover by tying or weaving two pieces of fleece together. Because of its simplicity, this project is a good choice for children and adults alike. Once you know the basics of making a tied/knotted or woven no-sew fleece pillow, you can experiment with different shapes, such as circles or hearts!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Tied or Knotted Pillow

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You can also buy fiberfill and fill the pillow with stuffing yourself. This project is easily customizable according to the size of pillow you want to use.
You can get really creative here. Lots of people choose a solid color for one piece of fleece, and a coordinating pattern for the other. Some people choose to go simple with two different solid colors. The possibilities and combinations are endless! Depending on the size of your pillow, you will need about 1 yard (0.92 meters) of each type of fleece.

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This is important, because you won't be turning the pillow inside-out afterwards. It may not make much of a difference if you are using a solid color, but some patterned fleeces may be blank on one side, which would make a difference.
4
Cut the fleece down so that it is 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) longer and 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) wider than your pillow. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors, or rotary cutter, and a straight edge to cut through both pieces of fleece at the same time. This will ensure that both pieces are even and that they match up.
- If you are working with a large pillow, or if you'd like a longer fringe, cut the fleece so that it is 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) longer and 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) wider than your pillow.
5
Cut a 2-inch (5.08-centimeter) square out of each corner. ^{[1]
X
Research source} This will make your fringe neater in the end. Consider drawing the squares first with a ruler and a piece of chalk to ensure that the squares are neat and even. If they are crooked, your fringe may not turn out right.
- If you are working with a large pillow, or if you'd like a longer fringe, cut 4-inch (10.16-centimeter) squares out of each corner instead.
6
Cut 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) wide, 2-inch (5.08-centimeter) deep slits along all four sides of your fleece. Be sure to cut through both layers of fleece at the same time. This ensures that the fringes match up. Use a piece of chalk to draw the lines, if you need to.
- If you are working with a large pillow, or if you'd like a longer fringe, cut the slits 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) deep instead.
7
Start tying the fringes together. Tie the top piece to the matching bottom piece in a tight double knot. Keep doing this until you have completed three sides.
- If you are using fiberfill, tie most of the fourth side shut, but leave four ties undone.
If you are using fiberfill, simply stuff your pillow with that instead.
At this point, your pillow is all done! If you used chalk to mark off your lines, brush it off the fringe.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Woven Pillow

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You can also get some fiberfill to fill your pillow with instead. This project takes a little bit more time than the knotting version, but the results are well-worth it, because you don't get those bulky knots.
For a more interesting pillow, consider getting a solid color and a matching pattern. For a simpler pillow, consider getting two different solid colors instead. Depending on the size of your pillow, you will need about 1 yard (0.92 meters) of each type of fleece.
This is very important because you won't be turning the pillow inside-out at the end. It probably won't make too much of a different if you are using only solid colors, but it may make a different if you are using patterned fleece; sometimes, the pattern may only be on one side.
Use a ruler and a pair of fabric scissors (or a rotary cutter) to ensure that your lines are straight. Also, try to cut though both layers at the same time. This will ensure that both pieces of fleece match up.
If you need to, draw the squares first using a ruler and a piece of chalk. Be sure to cut through both layers of fleece so that everything matches up.
^{[2]
X
Research source} If you need to, draw the lines using a piece of chalk and a ruler first. Make sure that you cut through both pieces of fleece. This way, you can be certain that the tassels will match up.
The slit needs to be centered, and it needs to be at the base of the tassel, where the fringe joins the pillow. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
Starting at the bottom left corner, take the top and bottom tassels. Keeping them together, push them through the 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) slit, and give them a gentle tug. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
If you are going to use fiberfill to stuff your pillow with, complete most of the fourth side, leaving only four tassels undone.
Simply tuck your pillow form into the fleece, or stuff it with fiberfill, then weave the opening shut. If you see any chalk on your tassels from before, gently brush it off.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Circle or Heart Shaped Pillow

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The most popular design is a solid color and a matching pattern, but you can use two different solid colors instead. You will need about 1 yard (0.92 meters) of fleece for each color/pattern.
This is very important. You won't be turning your pillow inside out, so the right sides need to be on the outside from the very beginning.
If you already have a pillow that you would like to use, put it down onto the fleece, and trace around it using a piece of chalk. If you don't have a pillow, simply draw a large circle or heart onto the fleece.
^{[5]
X
Research source} This border will make your tassels. The larger your shape/pillow are, the longer your tassels should be.
Do not cut out the smaller shape. You will be using that as a guide for your tassels. Also, be sure to cut through both layers of fleece at the same time. This ensures that both shapes match up.
6
Cut 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) wide slits all around your shape. ^{[6]
X
Research source} Make the slits go all the way down to the first shape that you drew. Depending on the space between them, this will be anywhere between 2 and 4 inches (5.08 and 10.16 centimeters). Once again, be sure to cut through both layers of fleece at the same time. # Start tying your strips together. Take your first strip, and tie it to the one just below it in a tight double knot. Keep tying the strips together in a similar fashion until you have four left.
- If you are using a pillow form, put the pillow between your two pieces of fleece first.
At this point, your pillow is all done and ready to show off! If you feel that the fringe is too long, you can trim it shorter with a pair of scissors.

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Question

Can you do this with any other fabric?

Community Answer

If it is a stretchy and comfortable fabric, yes. I do not suggest felt, burlap, or other non-stretchy or uncomfortable fabrics.

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Do I cut 6 inches or 4 inches around the pillow if it says to add an extra two for fringe?

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Use two inches on each side, four in total, for example: If you want to make a case for a 16 by 16 inch pillow, cut two 20 by 20 inch pieces.

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You can make your pillow using all one color of fleece or two different colors. You can also use a solid color and a matching pattern. Using two patterns is not recommended because the design may be too busy.

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If the fringe is too long, you can trim it shorter when you are done.

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Do not choose the thickest fleece or it may be hard to work with.

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Warnings

Beware when using a rotary cutter or pair of fabric scissors. These tools are sharp and you can easily cut yourself. If you plan to use this project with kids or students, cut the fabric in advance.

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Things You'll Need

Pillow form or fiberfill
2 yards (1.83 meters) fleece
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Ruler
Chalk

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How to Make a No Sew Fleece Pillow

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Making a Tied or Knotted Pillow

Making a Woven Pillow

Making a Circle or Heart Shaped Pillow

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Tips

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