Are you looking for a simple way to transform your living space, but don't have a lot of extra money floating around? Dust off your sewing machine or borrow a friend's and follow my easy tutorial on how to create DIY throw pillow covers.
1. Get Your Material
This is the fun part (at least for me). Go to your favorite craft store such as JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or your local craft store. I found this material marked WAY down at Cotswold Marketplace in Charlotte, NC. I love exploring little shops like this because you never know what you're going to find! My two requirements for material are: soft and easy to stitch. The amount of material will depend on the size of the pillow(s) and amount of pillow covers you plan to make. Most of my pillows are a standard square size of 18 inches (on average, small sized pillows are typically 16 inches and oversize pillows are 24 inches) and I use about 1/2 - 3/4 of a yard per pillow. Don't forget matching thread. It's a bummer when you get home and realize you don't have any thread that matches your beautiful (and soft) material!
2. Set Up Your Space
What you'll need:
Sewing machine (get your thread and bobbin ready)
Scissors
A flat surface to cut your material (I usually use my kitchen counter or my office floor)
Pins
Old throw pillow (this is what you'll be covering)
3. Cut Your Material
This can be the tough part because straight lines are hard to cut. If you have a rotary cutting mat like this, you're life is a little easier. If you're saying "rotary what?" I'm with you! You don't need it. Here's what I do:
Lay your fabric out right side up (the pretty side should be facing you).
Place your old throw pillow about 2 inches from the edge with enough material on top to fold over halfway over the pillow (see image).
Measure about two inches from each edge and mark where you'll want to cut.
Measure the bottom to fold over the top piece. You want at least 3 inches of material overlapping. Mark where to cut.
Cut your long rectangle.
Note: If you're covering more than one pillow, I usually cut them all at once and follow the steps at the same time so that when you're done, you're done cutting!
4. Iron Edges
I know this seems silly, but it will make your edges look SO much better!
Fold over 1/4 inch and pin in place. You'll want to stitch "wrong" sides together. Meaning, the right side of the fabric should be facing out (not touching each other).
Iron that edge.
Fold over another 1/4 inch and iron again.
Repeat on the other end of the material
5. Stitch the Edges
Take the two edges you just ironed and stitch them in place. I usually stitch about halfway between the edges.
6. Pin Edges Together
This part I do a little differently to make sure I get the snug fit I'm looking for with my pillows.
Place fabric right side up and lay flat.
Place pillow in the middle of the fabric.
Fold over the ends (one should go under the other).
Pin the ends together (on both sides).
Take one side of the pillow and pin edges together (see first image below).
Take the other side of the pillow and pin the top piece of material where you want to connect the pieces (see second image below).
Pull the pillow out from the material and take the side with pins on one side and pin the open sides together.
7. Stitch Away!
Find your pin markings and stitch along your guidelines. I use my guideline as the point where I inserted the pin (see image). Make sure to backstitch the start and finish to be certain the stitching holds. I always add an extra zig-zag stitch right next to my original stitch to give the additional support. If you have a surger, that's even better! I then trim any excess material away from the edges.
8. Turn Inside Out and Put on Pillow
Now is the moment of truth! Turn your pillow around and use the middle opening to place your pillow inside. You did it! Now, go transform your space with your new and improved pillows!
Please comment or email me if you have any questions or feedback!
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