Full FAQs – Custom Pillows & Home Furnishings

At Melissa Creech Designs, our pillows aren’t mass-produced—they’re thoughtfully designed and made with a designer’s eye, small-batch intent and craftsmanship you simply won’t find in chain stores.

From expert pattern placement to versatile fabric selections, every pillow is created with purpose. We design mix-and-match collections that let you build your own story over time—combining styles that feel personal, layered and fresh. Many of the fabrics, combinations and trims we use aren’t available in retail stores, which means your home won’t look like everyone else’s.

With over 20 years of experience creating custom decorative throw pillows and luxury soft furnishings, we understand how to balance style with real-life practicality. Whether it’s pet-friendly performance fabrics or classic designs that transition through life stages, we aim to make design that works for the way you actually live.

Most of our clients come through referrals and word of mouth. Many are repeat customers we’ve worked with across homes, families, and life chapters—and we love helping their spaces grow along with them. Our client base includes design-savvy homeowners, second-home owners (think mountain, lake, and beach houses), and those furnishing first homes for college students or young adults.

We specialize in designs that hold up beautifully in homes with pets, kids, and grandkids—and we believe truly custom design starts with the individual, not what’s already been done. If it’s already been done, it was done for someone else—and that’s exactly the point. Our custom designs start with you, your home, and your why.

Want to know more? Learn about our story, our design philosophy, and what we offer → Check out our story.

Our ready-made pillows are available at our boutique pillow shop at Martin’s Mercantile in Summerfield, NC.

All of our designer decorative throw pillows and luxury custom home furnishings are crafted in our Greensboro, NC sewing workroom and interior design studio.

Custom design consultations take place in our Greensboro studio.

In-home measuring & design consultations are available for local clients.

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. 

Yes! Gift cards are available in multiple denominations and can be used for ready-made pillows, design appointments, or custom work.

Give Melissa Creech Designs Gift Cards.
Perfect for housewarming, newlyweds or design enthusiasts.

Pillow inserts are sold separately. We offer a curated selection of premium
feather/down and hypoallergenic down alternative inserts in standard and custom sizes. Check out our Pillow Insert Collection.

Swatches are available and encouraged to ensure you love the color and texture of the fabric prior to ordering your custom pillow covers.

Swatches are not available for limited availability fabrics and special-order fabrics. Additionally, some fabrics cannot be sampled if we only have minimal yardage remaining.

Swatch orders are processed weekly and shipped via USPS.

Currently, we do not offer delivery to international addresses.

If you are unsure about the color(s) in a particular pillow cover and swatches are not available for the fabric, please get in touch to request a color match. Send us the pillow cover name and we can color match the fabric to the closest Sherwin-Williams paint color(s).

When fabric samples aren't possible, ordering a free Sherwin-Williams paint sample is a great alternative way to gauge the colors in our fabrics. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite paint color in the process.

If you are unsure about the color(s) in a particular pillow cover and swatches are not available for the fabric, please get in touch to request a color match. Send us the pillow cover name and we can color match the fabric to the closest Sherwin-Williams paint color(s).

When fabric samples aren't possible, ordering a free Sherwin-Williams paint sample is a great alternative way to gauge the colors in our fabrics. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite paint color in the process.

Pattern placement may vary from the product image and may vary on each pillow cover ordered. Pattern placement may be different on the front and back of each pillow cover.

If you have a specific pattern preference or need multiple pillow covers to have identical pattern placement please share your specifications in our Style Our Pillows Your Way form or get in touch for assistance. 

We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time. If you want the same pattern placement on multiple pillows or the same pattern placement on the front and back of a single pillow please be sure to indicate that.

Please get in touch, if you have any additional questions on pattern placement or if you know you need multiple pillow covers yet are unable to order all of them at the same time.

Pattern placement may vary from the product image and may vary on each pillow cover ordered. Pattern placement may be different on the front and back of each pillow cover.

If you have a specific pattern preference or need multiple pillow covers to have identical pattern placement please share your specifications in our Style Our Pillows Your Way form or get in touch for assistance. 

We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time. If you want the same pattern placement on multiple pillows or the same pattern placement on the front and back of a single pillow please be sure to indicate that.

Please get in touch, if you have any additional questions on pattern placement or if you know you need multiple pillow covers yet are unable to order all of them at the same time.

Typically, we can change out the color or type of fabric utilized on the back side of a pillow cover to suit your needs. Depending on the fabric involved there may be a difference in the pillow price.

If you would like a different fabric (one of our fabrics or your own fabric) on the back of your pillow cover, please share your specifications in our  Style Our Pillows Your Way form or get in touch for assistance.

Pattern placement may vary from the product image and may vary on each pillow cover ordered. Pattern placement may be different on the front and back of each pillow cover.

If you have a specific pattern preference or need multiple pillow covers to have identical pattern placement please share your specifications in our Style Our Pillows Your Way form or get in touch for assistance. 

We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time. If you want the same pattern placement on multiple pillows or the same pattern placement on the front and back of a single pillow you need to indicate that.

Please get in touch, if you have any additional questions on pattern placement or if you know you need multiple pillow covers yet are unable to order all of them at the same time.

We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time to avoid the possibility of differences in fabric dye lots and/or in the backing utilized.

Backing (i.e., the fabric used on the back of the pillow) utilized may differ over time due to fabric supply. We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time to avoid the possibility of differences in the backing utilized.

When manufacturers print fabric there can be small, yet noticeable differences in the shade and depth of colors (a.k.a. fabric dye lot). We encourage you to order the total number of pillows desired all at the same time to avoid the possibility of slight differences in colors due to dye lot variation.

Please get in touch, if you have any additional questions on ordering multiples of the same pillow cover or if you know you need multiple pillow covers yet are unable to order all of them at the same time.

Yes! With our Pillow Design Consultation, you receive personalized pillow recommendations and guidance on how to integrate pillows into your spaces and your existing or planned décor.

All pillow cover sizes on our website indicate the actual dimensions of the pillow cover, which is also known as the finished size.

All pillow covers require a larger pillow insert to achieve a proper fit and an attractive finished pillow. For a full, designer-style look, we recommend using inserts that are 2–4 inches larger than the cover. For example, a
20" x 20" cover works best with a 22" or 24" insert.

When measuring, we round up to the nearest whole inch so the actual pillow cover dimensions may be up to 3/4 inch smaller.

• To measure the dimensions of a pillow cover, turn the pillow cover inside out and measure from interior seam to interior seam.

• For this seam-to-seam measurement, be sure to use the straight stitch seam which looks like a straight line, not the serged edge of the fabric which has a zig-zag pattern.

Yes, our pillow covers are made-to-order, and most can be made in other sizes.

Learn more about our Style Our Pillows Your Way customization options.

Yes, we offer custom decorative bolster pillows, handcrafted to order and available with either a fiber or feather insert (sold separately). These are designed as accent pillows for beds, benches, and sofas—not as support or yoga bolsters.

Our clients love using bolster pillows to add structure, dimension, and a designer touch to their spaces. Whether styled with other pillows or used as a bold standalone piece, bolsters are one of the most versatile accents we offer.

Check out Style Our Pillows Your Way & Customer's Own Material (COM) Pillow Designs for our pillow cover customization options.

Yes, our pillow covers are made-to-order, and most can be made in other sizes and completely customized.

Customization options:

• pillow size

• pillow shape

• fabric combination for front & back sides of pillow

• ¼” flange

• self-cording or contrasting cording

• addition of decorative fabric border or tape trim

• addition of Customer’s Own Materials (COM) trim 

To learn more about this service go to Style Our Pillows Your Way.

Get in touch to get started. Once we confirm your fabric, details, and measurements, we’ll send quote and an estimated timeline.

To learn more about custom services check out:
Style Our Pillows Your Way

Customer's Own Material (COM) Home Furnishings Designs

Customer's Own Material (COM) Pillow Designs

For custom pillows in your own fabric you can share your pillow specifications on our Pillows in Your Fabric: Customer's Own Materials (COM) Pillows Quote Request Form to request a quote. 

Most custom orders are completed in 2–4 weeks, depending on fabric availability and complexity. Rush options may be available—just ask!

The size options for some pillows might be limited since not every fabric pattern lends itself to every pillow size. Large patterns can look quite different on small pillows.

Some pillows are only available in limited size options due to our fabric stock and our ability to re-order or re-supply the fabric. A few of our pillows are made with rare finds of hard to source, discontinued or out-of-stock fabrics.

Want a specific size not listed? Check out our Style Our Pillows Your Way customization options or get in touch for assistance. 

No, we currently do not offer monogramming service.

Yes, we accept Customer’s Own Materials (COM) and recommend a consult to confirm details and yardage needed.

To learn more about this service go to Pillows in Your Fabric: Customer's Own Material (COM) Pillows

No, pillow inserts do not come with our pillow covers.

Pillow inserts are sold separately. We offer a curated selection of premium
feather down and hypoallergenic down alternative inserts in standard and custom sizes.

Check out our Pillow Insert Collection.

Yes, we offer a curated selection of premium feather down and hypoallergenic down alternative inserts in standard and custom sizes.

Check out our Pillow Insert Collection.

All pillow cover sizes on our website indicate the actual dimensions of the pillow cover, which is also known as the finished size.

All pillow covers require a larger pillow insert to achieve a proper fit and an attractive finished pillow. For a full, designer-style look, we typically recommend sizing up 2–4 inches larger than your pillow cover for square pillows — for example, a 20x20" cover should be filled with a 22x22" or even 24x24" insert depending on your desired fullness.

When measuring, we round up to the nearest whole inch so the actual pillow cover dimensions may be up to 3/4 inch smaller.

• To measure the dimensions of a pillow cover, turn the pillow cover inside out and measure from interior seam to interior seam.

• For this seam-to-seam measurement, be sure to use the straight stitch seam which looks like a straight line, not the serged edge of the fabric which has a zig-zag pattern.

Wondering how to achieve the designer look? High quality, correctly sized pillow inserts make all the difference in the look and feel of your pillows. Our handcrafted pillow covers are the most beautiful when filled to perfection — sumptuously plump inserts create that high-end designer appearance, hold the iconic karate chop look beautifully, and allow you to sink into them while still feeling supported.

Need help choosing? Visit our Pillow Insert Sizing Guide for guidance and visual examples, then shop our Pillow Insert Collection.

The type of pillow insert you want depends on personal preference, as well as how and where the pillow insert will be used. We love the relaxed feel of feather down or synthetic down alternative inserts.

The insert type depends on the look you want and how the pillow will be used. We offer guidance in our Pillow Insert Type Guide, but here’s a quick overview:

• - 95/5 Feather Down: Soft, supportive, and ideal for decorative pillows. Great for the “karate chop” look. Indoor use only.
• - Synthetic Down Alternative (Faux Down): Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, washable, and our preferred insert. These offer the same weight and softness as feather down—without feathers poking through. Ours hold the “karate chop” look beautifully.
• - Outdoor Inserts: Designed for indoor-outdoor use, water-resistant, and non-allergenic. Best for covered patios and porches.

All inserts are not created equally—we recommend generously filled inserts sized 2–4 inches larger than your pillow cover for a plump, supportive result.

Shop our Pillow Insert Collection.

If you already have pillow inserts that you would like to use with our custom pillow covers, please be sure you know the actual size of your pillow inserts prior to placing your pillow cover order.

If you are not sure of the dimensions of your pillow inserts, here are two ways to determine the dimensions:

1. Measure the girth of each pillow insert by wrapping a measuring tape around the middle of the pillow insert. Be sure not to cinch the pillow insert while you are measuring. If your insert is a rectangle then you will need to measure the girth lengthwise and again heightwise.  For square pillow inserts, the girth should be the same whichever way you measure it.  Divide the girth measurement(s) by 2 to determine the size of each pillow insert. 

2. To doublecheck the dimensions you determined using the girth measurement method, hold the corners of each pillow insert taut and measure the length of each side.

Cut yardage is available for select in-stock fabrics.

Some limited-availability or special-order fabrics are not available by the
yard. Please get in touch to inquire about specific fabric availability.

We offer custom sewing and design support across the NC Triad. Whether you need a few new decorative pillows or a complete room makeover, we can help you bring it all together. Options include:

•Custom pillows (your fabric or ours)—including luxury pillows with intricately embroidered fabrics, versatile go-anywhere lumbar pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and family-friendly pillows with stain-resistant performance fabrics

•Bedding: euros, shams, statement lumbar & bolster pillows, bed skirts, duvets

•Cushions: seat, back, bench, or banquette cushions (including new foam)

•Dining chairs: re-covering or skirting removable seats

•Window treatments: panels, café curtains, valances, & cornices

•In-home measuring & design consultations (Triad area only)

To learn more go to Customer's Own Materials (COM) Home Furnishing Designs

Our pillow covers are individually custom made-to order, and our lead time is typically 1-3 weeks. Lead time and turn-around time fluctuates with order volume.

Your confirmation email will provide a production time estimate and/or notification of any circumstances that could lead to longer lead times for your order.

If additional fabric quantities must be sourced for your order, this may delay shipment of your order as some fabric manufacturers have long lead times.

If you opt to customize our standard pillow covers, then longer turn-around times are to be anticipated.

Once your pillow cover(s) are created and we have shipped your order, you will receive an email with tracking information. Delivery to continental U.S. addresses takes approximately 2-5 business days.

Currently, we do not offer delivery to international addresses.

Please get in touch prior to placing your order if you need your pillow covers within a certain time frame. We may be able to offer Rush Service.

For details on our shipping options & order fulfilment timing please go to Order Fulfillment & Shipping.

For details on our shipping options & order fulfilment timing please go to Order Fulfillment & Shipping.

Note: Currently, we do not offer delivery to international addresses.

Need your pillow covers by a specific date? We may be able to offer Rush Service for faster pillow creation and/or upgrade your shipping for faster delivery.

Please get in touch prior to placing your order to inquire about Rush Service & upgraded shipping.

Not at this time. We currently ship within the U.S. only.

Because of the made-to-order and custom nature of our products, all sales are final. We do not offer returns, exchanges, or refunds on pillow covers or inserts. If you have a concern about your order, please get in touch —we want you to be happy with your purchase.

Ready-made pillows purchased at Martin’s Mercantile are also final sale and not eligible for return, refund, or exchange.

If you're unsure whether a pillow will work in your space, we encourage you to try our 24-Hour Approval at Martin’s Mercantile—a no-pressure way to try pillows at home before committing.

For the details of our policies please go to Return and Cancellation Policy.

We do NOT accept cancellations once an order has been placed, as each item is cut and sewn to order—we may immediately begin cutting the material necessary for your order.

If you realize you’ve made a mistake, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate changes if production hasn’t started.

For the details of our policies please go to Return and Cancellation Policy.

We do NOT accept changes to orders once they are submitted.

Once your order is placed, we may immediately begin cutting the material necessary for your order.

If you realize you’ve made a mistake, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate changes if production hasn’t started.

For the details of our policies please go to Return and Cancellation Policy.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order due to typographical or supplier errors, even if the order has been confirmed and charged. If this occurs, we will issue an immediate refund.

If a price looks too good to be true, it just might be.

We make every effort to list products with the correct price and description, however we are not responsible for typographical errors. If a product is listed at an incorrect price or with incorrect information due to typographical error or error in the pricing or product information received from our suppliers, we reserve the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for products listed at an incorrect price or with an incorrect description. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any such orders even after the order has been confirmed, and your credit card has been charged.

If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is cancelled, we will immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.

If a pillow cover or pillow insert is defective or damaged upon delivery, please get in touch immediately (within 24 hours of receiving your order) so we can work with you to replace or repair the item. No claims can be made after the 24-hour window.

When examining your pillow covers it is helpful to know and consider the nature of the fabric used in each pillow cover as some fabrics have natural characteristics that should not be considered imperfections.

For the details of our policies please go to Return and Cancellation Policy.

Yes. Many premium fabrics have natural characteristics that are not considered
flaws:

•Linen may wrinkle and show natural slubs or knots.

•Printed fabrics might include subtle flecks or minor misprints.

•Embroidered fabrics may have slight thread irregularities.

•Woven textiles sometimes show small inconsistencies due to fiber and weaving techniques.

These are normal and add to the character of the finished piece.

No, our pillows and custom furnishings are not available for wholesale. We focus on
small-batch and made-to-order production.

We do not offer wholesale accounts, but we do work with designers and offer
trade discounts on both custom work and ready-made pillows purchased in-store
at Martin’s Mercantile.

We love working with designers! Designers receive 10% off full-price in-stock pillows at Martin’s Mercantile, as well as trade pricing on custom work.

Get in touch to join the Designer Trade Program at Martin's Mercantile or inquire about our trade discounts and collaborations for custom design work.

Online orders are priced the same for everyone, but we aim to offer competitive
pricing comparable to trade-only brands.

Our best discounts and promotions are shared with our email and text subscribers.

Want in? Get in touch or text JOIN to 844-787-4206 to join our list.