Is It Cheaper to Sew Your Own Tufted Velvet Pillow Cover?
Tufted velvet throw pillows are one of the most recognizable signals of a curated, boutique-styled living room — and one of the most marked-up items in home décor retail. A single tufted velvet pillow cover at a specialty store or online boutique can run anywhere from $45 to $120 depending on size, button count, and brand. DIY makers have long noticed that the raw materials — velvet yardage, self-cover buttons, thread, and a zipper — often cost a fraction of that retail figure.
The key variable is fabric. Velvet comes in a wide price range: polyester velvet can be as low as $8–$12 per yard at fabric chain stores, while silk or cotton velvet runs $25–$60 per yard at specialty suppliers. A standard 18×18 inch pillow cover uses roughly 0.75 to 1 yard of fabric (accounting for seam allowance and nap direction), while a larger 22×22 cover may need up to 1.5 yards.
Tufting requires self-cover buttons — fabric-covered buttons that match the velvet and pull through the pillow form to create the characteristic dimpled texture. A set of 4–6 buttons typically costs $3–$7 at craft stores. You will also need a long upholstery needle, heavy-duty thread, and ideally an invisible zipper for a clean closure. These notions collectively add $2–$5 per cover.
Beyond pure materials, tufted pillow covers require intermediate sewing skills — cutting on the grain, handling velvet nap carefully, and pulling button tufts evenly. First-time makers should expect a longer time investment and possibly one practice cover. Even so, the material cost advantage over boutique pricing is typically 50–70%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much velvet fabric do I need for one tufted pillow cover?
For a standard 18×18 inch pillow cover, plan on 0.75 to 1 yard of velvet to account for seam allowance and cutting with the nap. A 20×20 or 22×22 cover typically needs 1 to 1.5 yards. Velvet must be cut in one direction (following the nap), so you cannot economize by rotating pattern pieces the way you might with non-directional fabric.
What kind of buttons are used for tufting a velvet pillow?
Self-cover buttons — sometimes called covered or fabric-wrapped buttons — are the standard for tufted pillows. You press a circle of your velvet fabric over a plastic or metal button form, which creates a button that blends seamlessly with the cover. Kits are sold at craft stores in sizes 18 (approx. 11mm) through 60 (approx. 38mm); size 36 or 45 is common for pillow tufting.
Is a zipper necessary, or can I use an envelope back closure?
An envelope back closure (two overlapping fabric panels) is simpler to sew and works fine, but it can create visible bulk at the opening. An invisible zipper gives a cleaner look and is actually straightforward once you practice the technique. Either approach costs roughly the same in materials.
What is the best type of velvet for DIY tufted pillows?
Upholstery or crushed velvet in a polyester or poly-blend fabric is the most forgiving choice for beginners — it is affordable, holds its shape well under button tension, and resists fraying better than silk velvet. Cotton velvet is softer and more breathable but pricier. Avoid stretch velvet (velour), which is too elastic to hold tufts securely.
How do I pull tufts evenly so all buttons sit at the same depth?
Mark button positions on both the front fabric and the pillow form with a fabric marker or pins before inserting the form. Use a long upholstery needle threaded with heavy-duty waxed thread. Push the needle through the pillow form at each marked point, attach the button on one side, pull the thread firmly and evenly to create the dimple, then knot off securely on the back button. Consistent thread tension determines even tuft depth.