How to Make Pumpkin Pillows from a Table Runner
We love pillows. We love simple pillows that we can make easily and inexpensively. I’m going to show you how to make pumpkin pillows from a table runner.
Yes, from a table runner. I have a great, easy, and inexpensive pillow project that you can make faster than you can carve a pumpkin. Learning how to make a pumpkin pillow from a table runner is easier than you think.
And this pumpkin pillow has a story.
We all love pillows for everyday decor, seasonal, and holiday decor. I’ve made a pillow or 2 in my day, but I have never made any type of pillow, much less pumpkin pillows from a table runner.
If you have only thought of table runners as table runners, I hope to show you out to step out of your decorating box and think of a table runner as a home decor project with other possibilities.
Use a Table Runner to Make Pumpkin Pillows
I told you that this pumpkin pillow project had a story.
Last month I was meeting one of my best girlfriends at a central location where we would then drive to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch.
When I parked my car, I called her to tell her I had arrived. She said she was across the street at Tuesday Morning. I headed over to meet her. You probably know how this story ends.
Browsing the aisles, we found a bunch of cute fall table runners. As we looked through the offerings, I found one with a pretty embroidered pumpkin and leaves at each end.
My friend thought I would love it as a runner, but I immediately thought, NO. I’m going to make pumpkin pillows out of it.
My Pumpkin Table Runner
The fabric on the front of the table runner had a linen~like look and feel.
As you can see the pumpkin had a burlap~like fabric that was outlined in bronze~colored thread.
The vines and leaf design were made of a mix of bronze thread and gold thread. I loved the circle motif and immediately thought it would be perfect to make 2 pillows.
The runner was 14 inches X 72 inches. That meant my pillows would be 14 inches wide.
![runner for making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-1.jpg)
The fabric on the back of the runner had a silk~like (I’m sure it’s polyester) look in champagne color.
![making a pumpkin pillow](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-V-2-2.jpg)
My original idea was to fold over each end of the runner to make a “pocket”. Then I would stitch up the 2 sides, fill with a pillow form and machine stitch the opening. Easy peasy.
![pumpkin table runner](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-V-3a.jpg)
I was hoping for a 14~inch square pillow, but to have the pumpkin design centered on the pillow, I would have to make a 14 X15~inch pillow. That wasn’t a problem. I would just stuff the pillow form in the pillow for a full look, which is what I like.
Making the pillows this way would leave about 11 inches of the center of the runner left. Maybe I could fill it with batting and make a hot pad?
![sewing ruler](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-V-4.jpg)
Starting My Pumpkin Pillow Project
I already had laid out my ironing pad that I like when I’m using the kitchen island or the breakfast room table to work on.
The next step was to iron the runner, front and back.
![ironing a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-iron-V-1.jpg)
It was at this point that I realized that the front and back of the table runner could be separated. What if I didn’t fold over the runner at each end? What is I just used the ends as the pillow cover?
Oh, I amaze myself sometimes. This approach would mean no machine sewing, less time spent, and I would have much more of the table runner left over.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-table-runner-1.jpg)
So, now let’s go step~by~step how I make the pumpkin pillows.
Making the Pillows
Here are the supplies you will need:
- sewing scissors
- sewing ruler
- sewing pins
- pencil
- thread and needle
![making a pumpkin pillow cover supplies](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-2.jpg)
The first thing was to measure from each end of the table runner. I knew I needed 15 inches + 1/2 inch for a hem.
I measured 15 1/2 inches and drew a line with a pencil on the backside.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-5.jpg)
Then I cut my pillow “cover” from each end.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-6.jpg)
Here are my 2 “pillow covers”. By the way, I still had 41 inches of lined fabric left over. I will definitely make something with it.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-7.jpg)
I was pleasantly surprised when I turned the pillow cover inside out to find that it was lined with interfacing. That would give the pillow more body.
Next, I measured a 1/2~inch hem on the cut edge and pinned it.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-8.jpg)
Then I ironed the hem.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-9.jpg)
Now I was ready to fill it with a pillow form. Except I didn’t have 2 pillow forms in my sewing closet that would work. I didn’t have any pillows that I could unzip to use.
But what I did have on hand was a huge roll of batting. I’ve used this roll for a few other projects ~ making a fabric covered headboard for a king bed in a guest room when we moved into our house 7 years ago, so no pics and filling some cushions.
![batting forpumpkin pillow](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-batting-V-1.jpg)
That would work. I cut a few widths of 16 inches, thinking that would really fill my pillow forms, but it was actually too much, so I had to trim the batting down to 14 inches. You just have to play with batting until it fits snug with no bumps.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-11.jpg)
I also had some pillow filler. I like to keep a bag on hand for filling in the corners of pillows. You don’t want points at the corners that aren’t filled. I just grabbed a handful and push it into the corners. You can also use pillow filler to “fill out” the pillow and make it full.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-12.jpg)
Once I had the batting and filler in the pillow, I pinned the open side closed.
![making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-13.jpg)
I decided not to machine stitch the opening since I already had a package of gold metallic thread on hand. I bought it a few weeks ago just because I want to have some gold thread on hand and it was 40% off. It will probably last me 10 years.
![thread for making a pumpkin pillow cover](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-14.jpg)
Since the other 3 sides of the runner pillow had stitching that showed, I used a simple running stitch to close the opening. Then I gave the pillows a good whack.
TIP: “Whacking”, hitting your pillows together or on a hard surface helps to evenly distribute the filling.
I first set the pillows on our sofa with 2 other pillows that I made a few years ago.
![](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-sofa.jpg)
Then I decided to try them in our dining room on 2 extra dining room chairs. I like having decorative pillows here for color, design and interest. I think I like this placement better. And this is where the pillows will stay ~ at least for now.
![pumpkin pillow on chair](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pumpkin-pillow-project-V-1.jpg)
Now, honestly, have you ever thought of making pumpkin pillows from a table runner? I will look at table runners differently now, with an eye for the designs. Maybe you will too.
So how much did each pillow cost me? The table runner was $16.99, which means each pillow cover was $8.50. If you count that I still have 41 inches of leftover runner fabric to work with, then the cost per pillow goes down even more. I didn’t buy anything else for this project. Not bad, right?
I will use that 41 inches for another project and when I do, I will share it.
If I had time to go to Joann to buy 2 new pillow forms (either 14 or 16~inch) and they were on sale, I might have used that option. Since these pillows are on the dining room chairs and just for decorative purposes, I think my option works just fine.
Here are a few other pillow projects:
How to Make the Easiest No~Sew Pillow
How to Make a Zippered Pillow in 5 Easy Steps
So I’m done with my pumpkin pillows, and I hope you will PIN this project to your PINTEREST boards.
![](https://blueskyathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Pumpkin-Pillow-graphic-682x1024.jpg)
Love your pumpkin pillows. I often thrift table runners at GW and have made some with pocket backs. The runners with pointed ends and a tassel look so cute with the “envelope flap” on the front–either simply tacked shut or Velcroed. I have even used off season towels (like a beach towel) to stuff a larger pillow–you just have to leave yourself a note saying WHAT/WHERE you put that towel! Once I scored a dark green sheet and used all 4 edges to simply rip up pocket back pieces to make backs for Christmas placemat “lumbar” pillows. Only having to stitch around the outside pillow cover edges sure makes a pillow quickly!
Hi Kathy. Thanks again for visiting Bluesky at Home. So glad that you are making use of runners for other purposes. Keep up the good work!!
This is a wonderful craft using a table runner – and they turned out beautiful. The look is very upscale!
Thank you, Rachelle. It’s a project that keeps on giving.
I just love this idea Carol! What lovely pillows for fall.
Wow! You made all three of those pillows? They look fantastic! Great tutorial on turning the runner into a pillow.
Using a runner sure let you get some great embroidery for two pretty fall pillows.
What a great idea, Carol! Your pillows are so cute! Next time I see a Table Runner, I just might make some pillows out of it! One can never have enough pillows! Right?! I have a pillow addiction!
These are beautiful! I love how you turned a table runner into pillows. What a creative idea!
I always see table runners that would make great table runners. I never think to make a pillows. Love how this turned out. Really cute! pinned 🙂
Carol I love this idea and aren’t you a smart one? The pillows are so pretty too. Love the pattern on the runner.
I can’t sew a lick but I could use fabric glue. Thanks for sharing and I’m going to Pin. I may look for a Christmas runner.
Cindy
What a creative idea for a table runner!! They turned out beautiful.
Thank you Kathy. It was a lucky find.
I love this table runner. It’s even prettier as two pillows. They are so pretty! I will be keeping an eye out for a table runner to make a few. Have a great week!
Carol what a wonderful idea!! I have several old table runners that I could do this to. How awesome! Thanks for sharing. I love the table runner you picked for the pillows. The pillows are so pretty. Happy Fall!
What a great idea, Carol. I have some old dresser scarves that are just gathering dust on a shelf. I think you’ve inspired an idea for them!