About 6 months ago I decided it was time to change the fabric on my pillows that rested on my couch. The ones I had came with the couch and while they are nice I felt it was time to add a little something else to the space. It took me about 3 months to finally choose the fabric I wanted. I had changed out the curtains and I wanted the pillows to play off of them. Here is what they used to look like.
Here’s what they look like now.
I could have been more daring and added pillows with pops of color but I love how calm and serene my living room is so I kept it neutral.
It took me about 3 months just to pick the fabric that I wanted and oh I’d say another 3 months to finally do it! The box just sat around and then was moved when it got in my way until I finally sat down and got to it.
So here is what you will need if you ever want to change your pillows.
-Fabric of your choice (yards depend on the size of your pillows)
-Scissors
-Measuring Tape
-Stitch Witchery (hemming tape)
-Iron
-Damp Rag
1. Measure your pillows and cut your fabric 2″ wider.
My pillows were 18″x18″ so I cut 1 piece of fabric 20″x 20″.
2. Cut another piece of fabric 2″ wider and 7″ longer.
I cut my next piece 20″x 25″.
Bottom piece is 20 x 25, Top piece is 20 x 20
3. Cut the 20 x 25 piece of fabric in half and then using the hemming tape, hem over one side of your cut.
Overlap them so they are 20 x 20 wide.
4. Place your other piece of fabric (the 20×20) on top of your overlapped fabric print side down.
The prints should be facing each other.
5. Using the hemming tape, hem all four sides together.
6. There will be a flap from the over lap on the other side of the fabric.
You can leave it as is because it will be tucked away
and not seen or you can hem just the sides. Your choice.
7. Using the opening, turn your pillow cover inside out. Use your fingers to push the corners out as much as they will go.
8. Take your pillow and put it inside through the opening in the back and you’re done!
This can be done with all shapes and sizes just remember to add extra fabric
for your hem and also for the pocket to allow you to place your pillow form inside.
You just made my day…exactly what I was looking for. Thought about zippers, buttons, and even sewing up the pillows permanently. Thanks for the simple and very effective approach!! Love your blog and ideas.
That’s awesome…now you’ve just made my day!!
This is brilliant! I cannot wait to try this!
I just made two of these for a set of maroon toss pillows that I have had for years. Thank you so much for your idea!! I could not believe how easy these were with your directions!!!
Just made a no sew faux roman shade that I found on balancedhome.com. Had lots of fabric left over and can’t wait to try your no sew pillow! Off topic, love your wall color. Do you remember the brand/color that you used?
thanks!
Awesome!! Yes, it’s called Quietude from Shermin-Williams…I’m obsessed with it!!
Thanks for your easy directions and idea! I have made two and used velcro strips to make a closure for the back since I have rowdy kids.
I’m a big DIYer too and have made everything from shampoo to end tables, but anything fabric related intimidates me!! I made a “practice pillow cover” yesterday out of some old curtains in an effort to bolster my confidence to approach a fabric store today. The practice cover turned out nicely, so we’ll see if I turn tail and run at Joann Fabric in a little while! Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.crunchyinthesuburbs.com
I don’t own a sewing machine, but with your help I just made my own throw pillow, and it turned out great! Thank you!!
That’s great! Glad it worked out for you
Love this tutorial! I made one set, though I chose to use my sewing machine instead of hemming tape. I love the simplicity of the design and the steps are easy to follow. With kids, it’s a major bonus that I can toss the covers into the laundry. Just gathering supplies to make another set now. Thank you!
I really need to learn how to use a sewing machine! I am so intimidated by them!!
Are they washable with the hemming tape? Also, since it has been quite a few months, how have they held up?
Hi Danielle, you could certainly take them off to wash them but then you would have to go through the process of putting it all back together. I just ran my vacuum nozzle over them to get rid of dust.
I don’t live in that apartment anymore and a friend of mine moved in so I left them with her and they are still in great condition!
How many yards did you buy total? My pillows are the same size as yours.
I honestly don’t remember at this point but how many pillows are you doing?
Can you use this method for outdoor cushions? Will the hemming tape hold up with people sitting on them??
I’ve used hemming tape for many things including clothes (I’m a shorty so all my pants need to be taken in) and with all of the washing and throwing around it always holds up! Will the outdoor cushions be ones that people are leaning on or sitting on? If they are sitting then I would double up on the tape for extra security!