The cost of designer pillows can quickly add up. But you can have that designer look without breaking the bank — just buy some fabric and make them yourself.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
I’m addicted to accessorizing with pillows, and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that. Sparkly pillows, lumbar pillows, striped pillows, Euro pillows, embellished pillows, round bolster pillows… I do not discriminate — I love them all! But this obsession comes with a price.
My inspiration is usually sparked when the latest Pottery Barn catalog winds up in my mailbox. Take, for example, my latest muse. I’m a total sucker for this preppy red, white and blue rugby-stripe vibe.
Photo credit: Pottery Barn
If you hate paying full price, like I do, there are all sorts of fabulous online retailers that are stocked with incredible fabric options (some that even look identical to those sold at the expensive retailers we love so much). The only difference is they are a fraction of the price, because you need less than a yard of fabric to sew a 20-inch-square pillow cover.
Here are some of the best online fabric stores:
- OnlineFabricStore.net
- Warehouse Fabrics
- Hawthorn Threads
Making your pillow
Photo credit: Premier Prints
STEP 1: Find your fabric
For this project, I found a strikingly similar red rugby-stripe fabric by Premier Prints for just $9 per yard. Score!
STEP 2: Gather these supplies
- 1 yard of fabric (note: 1 yard of fabric is 36 inches long by 54 inches wide)
- 20-by-20-inch pillow insert
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Pins
- Fabric scissors
- Tape measure or sewing grid
- Iron
Cut your front and two back fabric pieces according to the specs below. You should have three pieces total (one front piece and two back pieces) when you’re done. Tip: your fabric measurements should be the same size as your pillow insert for a nice and snug fit. In this case, I cut a 20×20 fabric front for a 20×20 pillow insert. My pillow will be full and fluffy once it’s stuffed into the cover, not loose and droopy.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Step 4: Create your seams
For each back piece, fold one end over 1/2 inch and then fold it over onto itself (1 inch total). Optional: Use pins to hold the folds in place. Press the folds with a hot iron.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Step 3
Then sew the double-folded hem of each back piece with a top stitch. These will be the finished edges that make up the envelope enclosure on the back of the pillow.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Step 4
Line up the stripes of the front and back pieces facing each other. Lay the 20×20 back piece down over the front piece first and then the 20×10 piece. This will ensure that when you turn the pillow cover inside out the larger back piece will fold over the smaller back piece. Tip: Make sure the nice sides of the fabric for the front and back pieces are facing each other, otherwise you’ll sew the pillow cover inside out. Pin along the perimeter and sew an approximately 1/4-inch seam along all the pinned edges with a top stitch.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Step 5
Make a small cut at each of the four corners of the pillow. This makes it easier to point the corners when you turn the pillow cover right-side out.
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Step 6
Turn the pillow cover right side out and stuff it with a pillow insert.
Sit back and enjoy!
Photo credit: A Lo and Behold Life
Now that wasn’t “sew” bad, was it? With a little online research to find your inspiration and these discount fabric stores at your fingertips, the knockoff possibilities are endless.
Check out more budget-friendly decorating ideas
10 Budget-friendly ways to decorate your home for summer
Budget-friendly home decorating tips
How to create a designer look on a budget
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