Throw pillows can instantly update or reinvent the color palette of a room. And by making your own, you can tailor the pillows to your own style. Martha uses taffeta in two colors to make this three-paneled pillow, but you can use linen, velvet, or virtually any material. The instructions below are for a 26-by-17-inch pillow; adjust the measurements to your desired size.

Materials
Scissors
Fabric in two colors
Glass-headed pins
Sewing machine
Pinking shears
Pillow
Needle and thread

Color Block Pillows How-To
1. Cut panels of fabric: four 8-by-17 1/2-inch outer panels of one color, and two 11 1/2-by-17 1/2-inch center panels of a different color.

2. To assemble front side of pillow: With right sides together, pin the long sides of one outer panel to a center panel. Machine-sew them together, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Pin other outer panel to the opposite side of the same center panel; sew together, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process to assemble back side of pillow.

3. Using pinking shears, trim the seam allowances, and press them open.

4. With right sides together, pin the front and back of the pillow together, making sure all seams match up. Sew together, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a 16-inch opening on one long side.

5. Trim seams, and clip corners. Turn right side out, and press.

6. Insert pillow, then hand-stitch the opening closed, or insert a zipper.

Martha Stewart Home Fabric
Fancy Taffeta in Willow, for center panels
Fancy Taffeta in Chestnut, for outer panels
Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts
877-465-6266
Calico Corners
800-213-6366