COURSE  OVERVIEW

Are you a creative maker who dreams of designing and sewing stunning, professional-quality pillows—but feel unsure how to bring your ideas to life?

Join award-winning designer and sewing educator Donna Cash for a transformative 3-day in-person workshop where you’ll gain the confidence, techniques, and hands-on experience to design and fabricate custom pillows that showcase your unique style.

Whether you’re a DIY home decorator or a seasoned professional, this workshop will guide you through the entire process—from selecting fabrics and planning your designs to mastering construction techniques and finishing touches, you’ll leave this workshop inspired, confident, and equipped with the skills to create designer-quality pillows at home or in your professional workroom.

This hands-on experience will answer your biggest pillow-making pain points and empower you with:

• Clarity on fabric combinations, trims, and embellishment placement
• Step-by-step techniques for inserting zippers (yes, even invisible ones!)
• Guidance on pillow forms, sizing, and creating a designer look
• The know-how to create high-quality work with repeatable systems
• Pro techniques for cutting, pinning, and sewing pillows like a master
• A pillow course reference workbook
• Confidence in your craftmanship and your creative voice

By the end, you’ll take home a portfolio of completed pillows and a deeper understanding of the design process that you can apply to any future project.

Expect to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the skills to keep creating long after the workshop ends.

What You’ll Learn / Pain Points Addressed:

• How to design a pillow that fits your space and style (not just follow a pattern)
• How to pair fabrics, textures, and trims with confidence
• How to sew invisible, lapped, and decorative zippers like a pro
• Solutions for achieving clean corners, balanced proportions, and perfect welt cord
• How to avoid fabric waste and costly mistakes with smart layout and cutting strategies
• Finishing touches that make your pillows look truly custom and high-end

Day 1 – Design + Fabric Planning

• Welcome & introductions
• Design foundations: pillow styles, shapes, and purpose
• The art of fabric pairing: color, pattern, scale, and texture
• How to measure and cut accurately
• Hands-on: Plan and prep your first pillow
• Afternoon sew lab: Cut fabric + prepare backs, linings, and trims

• Take home today: Your custom pillow plan + all components prepped and ready for sewing.

Day 2 – Construction + Techniques

• Mastering seams: crisp corners, balanced welt, straight topstitching
• Zippers demystified: invisible and lapped
• Round pillow sewing techniques for a professional outcome
• Expert pressing techniques for a polished finish
• Optional: Adding contrast flanges, trims, and layered details

• Take home today: Your first finished pillow and second pillow in progress.

Day 3 – Embellishments + Confidence Boost

• Creative elements: flange and pillow corners with perfection
• Troubleshooting common mistakes
• Time-saving tips from the workroom
• Final construction and finishing of your remaining pillows

Donna helps you build confidence to take your sewing skills to the next level.

Grab your spot now and let Donna show you how to create something beautiful!

Direct any questions to donna@designsbydonnaatlanta.com