Do you ever get so excited about looking at Christmas decor in the stores and online and get frustrated because of how ridiculously expensive it is BEFORE the holidays? Me too!
Something I've been looking at for a while now are some awesome holiday pillows for my grey couch. I don't want it to look too "Christmassy" because I want to keep it up throughout the winter months. So off to designing my own I went.... and here's what I ended up with. It cost less than $15 for 2 awesome pillows that look like I bought them in the store!
Something I've been looking at for a while now are some awesome holiday pillows for my grey couch. I don't want it to look too "Christmassy" because I want to keep it up throughout the winter months. So off to designing my own I went.... and here's what I ended up with. It cost less than $15 for 2 awesome pillows that look like I bought them in the store!
I had seen a lot of awesome pillows at places like (aheem) crate and barrel - but of course each one I saw was at least $40. I already had pillows from C and B and I just wanted a new cover for the winter so off I went.
Here's the supply list:
Here's the supply list:
- 1-yard of Home Decor Solid Fabric-Patriot Cherry (or other high-quality fabric)
- Three buttons (I used Blum Lamode Core Gunmetal - 1inch.)
- A sewing machine with a regular and 'button hole' foot.
- Cutting utensils ( I used the fiskar rotary cutter)
- Measuring utensil - here's where my engineer and corner cutter came out. I actually used a framing square to mark my measurements and put the fabric on a cutting mat and pushed the fiskars rotary on it. - worked like a CHARM! (bottom picture)
My pillow forms were 18". You basically just add 1 inch to your pillow form to determine the size for your cuts.
Here's the cut list for an 18" pillow:
1. 1 square 19" by 19" cut
2. 1 19" by 10" cut
3. 1 19" by 12" cut
You can vary 2 and 3 if you want to 'move' where the button holes are. I tend to like mine NOT in the center...
Here's the cut list for an 18" pillow:
1. 1 square 19" by 19" cut
2. 1 19" by 10" cut
3. 1 19" by 12" cut
You can vary 2 and 3 if you want to 'move' where the button holes are. I tend to like mine NOT in the center...
Once you have your three cuts done - the first step is to take your two rectangular pieces and pin them 1.5 inches in (this will serve to help 'secure' the button).
Next, iron the pillow and sew a 1/2 inch inseam to hold the flap down. Repeat for both rectanges
Next, iron the pillow and sew a 1/2 inch inseam to hold the flap down. Repeat for both rectanges
This may seem like an illogical order, but the next step is to get the button holes finished! I learned a few weeks back how to sew a button hole using a sewing machine foot - this is SERIOUSLY easy, just google it with your sewing machine information. I centered one on the 19" by 10" cut on the 'folded' over section and placed one at 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 lengths.
Once this step is complete, put the 'good sides of the pillow together and pin it. Note that the two flaps you have created should be overlapping with the button hole side facing the inside (it should be touching the good side of the front pillow). Sew a 1/2" seam around the edges. If you're lucky you'll have a nice little helper like my cat Jack :).
Once you've got your pillow complete, cut out of all of the corners (but not the stitches!)- this will keep your pillow edges sharp!
Next, flip it right size out and sew on your buttons! Voila you're done. Here are some shots of mine. You'll notice that I made 2 pillows out of 1 yard of fabric. I also varied the location of the buttons for some flare.
Next, flip it right size out and sew on your buttons! Voila you're done. Here are some shots of mine. You'll notice that I made 2 pillows out of 1 yard of fabric. I also varied the location of the buttons for some flare.
So, that's it! Two pillows, 30 minutes (ok so maybe an hour), less than 20 dollars... perfect christmas pillows. You could do this with a variety of pattern etc. but we like to keep it classy (and modern).
Let me know how your pillow making comes out!
*knowgirl Scarlett
Let me know how your pillow making comes out!
*knowgirl Scarlett