Turn a plain fleece blanket into a trendy knot ball pillow in under an hour—no sewing machine required. I've made over 20 of these, and here's my no-fail method with exact measurements and fixes for common mistakes.
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- Use medium-weight fleece (200 GSM) for best results—avoid chunky knits.
- Cut 1-inch strips, 2 inches deep; wider strips create bulky knots.
- Stuff with 8 ounces of fiberfill for a 14-inch pillow; weigh it for consistency.
- Tie knots snug but not tight to avoid distorting the shape.
- Wash on gentle cycle and air dry to keep the pillow looking new.
Why Knot Ball Pillows Are the Ultimate DIY Decor
Knot ball pillows (also called ball pillows or knot cushions) add instant texture and coziness to any bedroom. They're perfect for using up an old blanket or a thrifted fleece throw. I made my first one from a $5 fleece blanket and it's still holding up after two years of daily use.
The knot technique creates a plush, round shape without complex sewing. You just cut, stuff, and tie. It's forgiving for beginners—even if your cuts aren't perfect, the knots hide small errors. Plus, you can customize the size: a 12-inch ball uses about 1/2 yard of fabric, while an 18-inch ball needs 3/4 yard.
But there's a catch: not all blankets work. Stretchy jersey or loosely woven knits will sag over time. Stick to fleece, flannel, or cotton quilting fabric for best results.
Choosing the Right Blanket and Tools
For a 14-inch knot ball pillow (my favorite size), you'll need: one fleece blanket at least 36×36 inches, a pair of sharp fabric scissors, a hand-sewing needle, matching thread, and about 8 ounces of polyester fiberfill. I use Fairfield Poly-Fil, but any brand works.
Avoid using a blanket that's too thick—like a chunky knit. It's hard to tie knots and the pillow becomes lumpy. A medium-weight fleece (around 200 GSM) is ideal. If you're using a thrifted blanket, wash and dry it first to shrink any loose fibers.
Pro tip: If your blanket has a pattern, center it so the design shows on the finished pillow. I once made the mistake of cutting from the edge and ended up with a half-patterned ball. Now I always lay the blanket flat and trace a 16-inch circle in the middle.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Knot Ball Pillow
1. Cut two circles: Using a 16-inch diameter plate or compass, trace and cut two circles from your blanket. A 16-inch circle yields a 14-inch finished pillow because the knots pull it in.
2. Mark and cut strips: Starting 1 inch from the edge, cut 1-inch-wide strips all around, about 2 inches deep. You'll end up with about 50 strips. Don't cut too deep or the pillow will fall apart.
3. Knot the edges: Tie each pair of strips (one from each circle) together with a double knot. Work your way around, leaving a 4-inch gap for stuffing. Pull knots snug but not tight—over-tightening distorts the shape.
4. Stuff firmly: Fill with fiberfill, pushing it into the edges first. Use small handfuls to avoid lumps. For a 14-inch pillow, use about 8 ounces. The pillow should feel firm but still squeezable.
5. Close the gap: Knot the remaining strips and tuck the ends inside. If you prefer, hand-sew the gap closed for extra security.
6. Fluff and shape: Gently knead the pillow to distribute filling evenly. Your knot ball pillow is ready!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Cutting strips too wide. Strips wider than 1.5 inches create bulky knots that won't lie flat. Stick to 1-inch strips.
Mistake #2: Using too little stuffing. A saggy pillow looks sad. I weigh my filling on a kitchen scale—8 ounces for a 14-inch pillow is perfect.
Mistake #3: Tying knots too tight. This pulls the fabric and creates gaps. Tie until the knot is secure, then stop.
Mistake #4: Ignoring fabric grain. If you cut circles on the bias (diagonal), the pillow will stretch out of shape. Always cut with the grain—parallel to the blanket's edges.
I learned these the hard way. My first pillow looked like a deflated basketball. Now I double-check each step.
Styling Your Knot Ball Pillow in a Cute Bedroom
Place one knot ball pillow on a reading chair for a pop of texture. Or stack three in different sizes (10, 12, and 14 inches) on your bed for a playful look. I like to mix neutral fleece with a patterned one—like a buffalo check—for contrast.
For a cohesive bedroom, match the pillow to your blanket or curtains. But don't be afraid to go bold: a mustard yellow knot ball on a white duvet is Instagram gold.
If you have pets or kids, these pillows are durable. The knots are secure and the fleece is machine washable (gentle cycle, air dry). Just avoid putting them in the dryer—heat can melt the fibers.
The Hacks, Step by Step
- 1Cut two 16-inch circles
Trace a 16-inch circle on your fleece blanket and cut two identical circles. This gives a 14-inch finished pillow after knotting. Use a plate or compass for accuracy. - 2Cut 1-inch strips around the edge
Cut 1-inch wide strips, 2 inches deep, all around both circles. You'll have about 50 strips per circle. Keep cuts even for a uniform look. - 3Tie the strips together
Pair each strip from the top circle with the corresponding strip from the bottom circle. Tie a double knot. Leave a 4-inch gap for stuffing. - 4Stuff with fiberfill
Fill the pillow with about 8 ounces of polyester fiberfill. Add small handfuls, pushing into the edges first. The pillow should be firm but squeezable. - 5Close the gap
Tie the remaining strips and tuck the ends inside. For extra security, hand-sew the gap closed with a needle and thread. - 6Fluff and shape
Knead the pillow gently to distribute the filling evenly. Shape it into a round ball. Your pillow is done!
The secret to a perfect knot ball pillow is cutting with the grain and stuffing firmly—skip those and you'll get a lopsided mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a knot ball pillow without sewing?
Yes, you can make it entirely no-sew by tying knots around the edges. Just leave a gap for stuffing, then knot it closed. The knots are secure enough for everyday use.
What size blanket do I need for a knot ball pillow?
For a 14-inch pillow, you need at least a 36×36-inch blanket. A standard 50×60-inch throw makes two pillows. Cut two 16-inch circles from the blanket.
How much stuffing goes in a knot ball pillow?
Use about 8 ounces of polyester fiberfill for a 14-inch pillow. Adjust up or down by 2 ounces for larger or smaller sizes. The pillow should feel firm but not rock-hard.
Can I wash a knot ball pillow?
Yes, machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water and air dry. Avoid the dryer—heat can melt fleece fibers and cause shrinkage. Spot clean for small stains.
What's the best fabric for a knot ball pillow?
Medium-weight fleece is best because it's soft, durable, and doesn't fray. Flannel and cotton quilting fabric also work. Avoid stretchy jersey or loosely woven knits.
