Throw pillows can be surprisingly pricey—especially the holiday ones. This year, I’m bringing back the magic of giving handmade gifts, so I grabbed a soft corduroy from the fabric store and stitched up my own tree‑shaped pillows. With just 1 meter by 1 meter of corduroy, you can make at least three of these cute Christmas‑themed pillows to sprinkle across your couch this season. I enjoyed making them so much that I’m already sewing extras to give away as gifts!
Finished Size & Yield
- Approx. size: 13–14″ (33–36 cm) tall tree-shaped pillow
- Yield from 1 m fabric: 4 pillows (using 57–58″/145 cm wide corduroy).
Note: If your corduroy is 44–45″/112 cm wide, expect about 3 pillows per meter or add a contrasting fabric for backs to reach 4.
What You’ll Need
- Corduroy fabric (1 m / 1.1 yd, 57–58″ wide). Fine- or wide‑wale both work; choose a medium weight.
- Polyester fiberfill (1 large bag is plenty for 4 pillows)
- Thread to match fabric
- Paper for a template (tape a few sheets together or use kraft paper) - I used a shopping bag
- Fabric chalk/pen
- Scissors
- Hand‑sewing needle
- Glue gun for closing the opening
- Optional embellishments: felt star or pom‑poms, ribbon “garland,” small buttons, embroidery floss, jingle bells (for adult-only households), leather or felt for a “tree trunk” tag.
Make Your Tree Template (Easy & Reusable)
- Draw a tree on folded paper: height 13.5″ (34 cm), base 11″ (28 cm). Keep the fold along the center so it’s symmetrical.
- Add a ½″ (1.3 cm) seam allowance all around.
- Optional trunk: Add a small 2″ × 3″ (5 × 7.5 cm) rectangle centered at the bottom if you like the look of a trunk. (You can also applique a trunk later from felt.)
Cut out the paper template. You’ll use it for every pillow.
Cutting Layout (How to Get 4 from 1 Meter)
- Direction matters with corduroy. Keep the wale (ridges) running top to bottom on the tree.
- Fold your fabric right sides together. Pin the template and cut two layers at once to get a front and back that mirror perfectly.
- On 58″-wide fabric, you can place four templates across and two rows tall, yielding 8 cut pieces (fronts/backs) = 4 pillows.
- On 45″-wide fabric, you’ll fit three across × two rows = 6 pieces (3 pillows), or mix in a contrast fabric for the backs to make 4.
Sewing the Pillow (Beginner-Friendly)
Stitch length tip: Corduroy likes a slightly longer stitch (2.8–3.0 mm). If your machine allows, reduce presser foot pressure a smidge to help layers feed evenly.
- Pin/Clip: Place two tree pieces right sides together, aligning edges and boughs. Mark a 3″ (7.5 cm) openingalong the bottom (or one side of the bottom tier) for turning.
- Sew: Start at one opening mark and sew all the way around with a ⅜″ (1 cm) seam allowance, stopping at the other opening mark.
- Clip & notch:
- Clip into inner corners between boughs (don’t cut the stitching).
- Notch the outer curves by trimming small wedges from the allowance. This helps the tree turn smoothly.
- Turn & shape: Turn right side out through the opening. Use a blunt tool (chopstick or point turner) to gently push out all the points and scallops.
- Stuff: Fill with fiberfill, starting at the tip and working down each bough. Firm but squishy is best—avoid overstuffing the narrow tips.
- Close: Press the seam allowance at the opening to the inside and ladder stitch (invisible stitch) by hand to close.
- Fluff & finish: Roll the seams between your fingers to smooth the shape. If you want a crisp outline, you can topstitch ⅛″ (3 mm) from the edge, but it’s optional with plush corduroy.
No‑Sew Option (Great for Kids & Craft Nights)
Use fabric glue or a low‑temperature hot glue gun instead of stitching. Glue wrong sides together, leave an opening to stuff, then glue closed. It’s quick and works well for purely decorative pillows, though it’s less durable and spot‑clean only.
Embellishment Ideas
- Star on top: Cut a felt star and hand‑stitch or glue it to the tip.
- Garland: Couch down a length of thin ribbon or ric‑rac in a zigzag.
- “Ornaments”: Sew on colorful buttons or tiny felt circles.
- Trunk tag: Add a small rectangle of faux leather or felt at the bottom for a trunk.
- Snow-kissed edges: Lightly brush fabric paint along the tips of the boughs.
- Monogram: Chain stitch an initial on one bough for gifting.
Safety note: If these will be around little ones or pets, skip beads, bells, and small buttons (choking hazard).
Care & Pressing
- Spot clean whenever possible.
- If washing is needed, hand wash cold and air dry. Corduroy can flatten under heat—press only from the wrong side with low heat and a pressing cloth, or steam gently without touching the nap.
Time & Cost Snapshot
- Time: ~30–45 minutes per pillow after your first one (faster in batches).
- Cost: Depending on fabric price and fillings, ~$3–$6 per pillow when you make four from 1 meter—far less than store-bought holiday pillows.
Troubleshooting
- Points look rounded: Add more clipping/notching and use a gentle, firm turn (don’t poke with sharp tools).
- Wavy seams on corduroy: Lengthen the stitch slightly and don’t tug the fabric—let the feed dogs work. A walking foot helps if you have one.
- Lumpy stuffing: Add smaller tufts of fiberfill and layer gradually, massaging as you go.
Gifting Ideas
Bundle a pair with a ribbon and a sprig of faux greenery, or tie on a gift tag with the year. These are lightweight for mailing and universally festive—perfect hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or stocking stuffers (mini size!).
Printable Summary (Pin or Save)
- Draft a 13.5″ × 11″ tree template with three gentle scallops.
- Cut two pieces per pillow with wales running top to bottom.
- Sew ⅜″ seam, leave 3″ opening, clip/notch, turn, stuff, and ladder stitch.
- Embellish as you like; spot clean to care.
- Yield: 4 pillows from 1 m of 58″-wide corduroy.
