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    You are here: Home / Living Room / Easy DIY Throw Pillow | Part 6: Living Room Makeover

    Easy DIY Throw Pillow | Part 6: Living Room Makeover

    Last Updated: April 13, 2020 | Published: April 10, 2013 | By: Laura | 60 Comments | Filed Under: Crafts, DIY Projects, Home Decor, Living Room

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    These super-easy DIY throw pillow covers are one of the few things I actually can make with a sewing machine. If you can sew a straight line, like me, then you can make your own pillows!

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    I love that I can grab a pricy piece of material and bring it into my home on a budget. Or I’ve made pillows out ofΒ drop cloth from the hardware store and stenciled them! It’s one of the most affordable ways to decorate your home and change it out for every season!Β This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

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    Quick note: If you came to this post looking for this exact pillow, because you love the fabric like me, and you don’t have time or the desire to make your own? You can find these pillow covers on Etsy (click here). You’re welcome.

    OK, so now to this beautiful fabric. Remember last Thursday when I told you about this fabric and these awesome chairs from Target??

    Hudson Upholstered Accent Chair

    When I originally found this Braemore Gorgeous Pearl fabric months ago, I wanted to use it to make curtains for my kitchen. But with a $30/yard price tag, that was a major no go.

    So, then I decided to make envelope throw pillows for my couch. And it took me forever to sit down and make them. Why? Because I have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with my sewing machine. Until now! This was by far the easiest sewing project I’ve done so far. If you’re looking for a beginner sewing project, then throw pillows would be perfect!

    Splurge vs. Save | cheap ideas for throw pillows!

    Seriously, I want to make throw pillows for my whole house now. Super easy, peasy!

    Supplies Needed for anΒ Easy DIY Pillow Cover

    • Fabric of your choice. I bought a yard of my favorite fabric for the front of the pillow and a yard of neutral fabric for the back of my pillow. I made 2 matching pillows.
    • Fabric tape measure or transparent ruler (optional: cutting mat)
    • Scissors or rotary cutter
    • Basic sewing machine

    How to Make anΒ Easy DIY Pillow Cover

    1. Decide on the Size. I first decided what size to make my pillows. I had Euro inserts, which are 26 x 26 inches. And I wanted the pillows to be somewhat plump. So, I decided to cut the fabric at 26 x 26, so that after I sewed it all up, it would be a little smaller and the insert would fill it up.

    2. Measure your Fabric. I only ordered 1 yard of the Braemore fabric, and decided to use some less expensive fabric for the backs. (I bought the back fabric at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon, of course. I think it was just an off white denim.) Since the floral pattern repeated twice on one yard, I cut out a “frame” from some wrapping paper.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    I’m sure you’re thinking, wrapping paper and making pillows? Strange. But this was my MacGyver way of measuring my pillows, because this wrapping paper has a grid on it so I knew it was exactly square when I cut it out. Ideally you would use a tape measure, a transparent ruler or a cutting mat. And those rotary cutters are pretty handy as well.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    3. Cut Your Fabric. The thing that was really nice about the wrapping paper method (πŸ˜‚) is that it helped me picture the pattern I wanted on the front of the pillow. And once I cut out the first square, I just placed it over the other half of the fabric and it was easy to cut out the second square.

    I cut out two pieces of the back fabric for each pillow. One piece was 26 x 20 inches and the other piece was 26 x 16 inches. This left plenty of room for the two pieces to overlap on the back and to have a generous hem allowance.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    4. Iron Your Fabric. I then ironed all of the pieces of fabric. This isn’t necessary, but it will make your sewing job so much easier if you do!

    5. Start Sewing! I hate that I didn’t take pictures of all the steps to sew, but I took a picture of a finished envelope pillow and I’ll try to show you what I did with arrows and such. 😜

    First, you want to hem the two sides of your back pieces. These are the edges that will come together in the back to create your envelope. I folded the hem down 1 inch and ironed it. Then I folded it again and ironed it again, and then hemmed it. You can see how I’m ironing the back piece in the above picture.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    Once your two back pieces are hemmed on one long side, you’ll want to put your front piece FACING UP toward you. Then you’ll place the two back pieces on top, making sure they are all squared up. The two hemmed edges should be facing up at you.

    Pin each side in a few places and then sew the four sides, leaving a 1-inch allowance.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    6. Cut the Corners Off. Now cut the excess fabric off of each corner, making sure to not cut your stitch. This will keep the corners from being bunchy when you turn the pillow inside out.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    7. Turn Your Pillow Inside Out, Stuff it, Fluff it and Enjoy! Turn your pillow inside out, stuff the insert inside and fluff. You now have your very own pillow cover, which was super easy to make!

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    I think what makes this project so simple is that it’s fairly small and you’re just sewing straight lines. Once I got everything cut out and ironed, I think it took me maybe 15 minutes or less to sew them all together. It was definitely a 1 nap time project. I love those!

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    I love, love, love how this easy project turned out. And now I can’t wait to buy more fabric to add more pillows to the couch … and maybe every other room in the house.

    I want to throw my sewing machine out the window every time I use it, but this tutorial is SO easy!! Easy DIY Throw Pillow Cover tutorial for beginners

    Have you ever made throw pillows? If so, do you have any tips or tricks to share?

    READ THE OTHER LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER POSTS:

    Part 1: Paint
    Part 2: More Paint
    Part 3: Caulking and Spackling
    Part 4: Blue Accessories
    Part 5: Gallery Wall
    Part 7: Final Reveal!

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    « Living Room Makeover – Part 5: Gallery Wall
    Living Room Makeover – Part 7: Final Reveal »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ivory

      May 11, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      I must put this on my ( step by step simple tutorial) list of things to do. Thank you for sharing. If the coronavirus was not out there, I would be running to the store to get what I would need to make some of these fabulous pillows.
      Stay safe!

      Reply
    2. Amanda

      April 03, 2018 at 1:13 am

      So cute! I am impressed by your work This pillow seems easy to make by following your step. I will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Desiree @The36thavenue

      October 31, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Thank you so much for partying with the Party Bunch… We are featuring you tomorrow!

      Reply
    4. Katie @ Made to be a Momma

      October 27, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      Love the fabric of that pillow!! Beautiful! Pillows are definitely one of the easiest and fun projects to make for any room! πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing at Homemade By You!

      Reply
    5. Erica

      October 26, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Please! Please! Tell me what the fabric is and where to find it bc I am soooo in love:) Please!!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 26, 2013 at 11:06 pm

        Hi Erica, it’s Braemore Gorgeous Pearl. And you can find it at OnlineFabricStore.net. Love it!!

        Reply
    6. Erin

      October 23, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      LOVE that fabric!

      Reply
    7. The Style Sisters

      October 23, 2013 at 12:03 am

      Loving the envelope pillows! the fabric is so pretty!
      Karin

      Reply
    8. Megan

      October 21, 2013 at 7:48 am

      They turned out great! I love the fabric. πŸ™‚

      Reply
    9. Sondra @ Sondra Lyn at Home

      October 21, 2013 at 12:59 am

      Thanks for the link-up, friend! Love the pillows… Love you!!

      Reply
    10. Shirley

      October 20, 2013 at 6:53 pm

      I Love your pillows! The fabric is so fresh and I love the colors! Great job!

      Reply
    11. Deborah Lockley

      September 26, 2013 at 7:38 pm

      I think u did a great job and your couch really looks comfy.

      Reply
    12. Laura

      July 01, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      Hi Andrea, I think it’s pretty spot on from the picture… don’t think it’s darker. It might be a TAD bit more muted than the pictures, but that’s all. I’m sure you’ll love it. I definitely do!

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
    13. Andrea

      July 01, 2013 at 6:33 pm

      hey there! I’ve been drooling over this chair for 2 or so months for my mud/breeze way! I am wondering what color the bluish teal is. Is it darker in person? I would hate to buy it and not love the teal. (I doubt it, but it would be just my luck!)

      Reply
    14. [email protected]

      May 05, 2013 at 8:26 am

      Your pillows look great! Using the grid pattern from wrapping paper is a great tip for cutting a perfect square.

      I’m visiting from Richella’s party. It’s great to discover your blog.

      Reply
    15. Ginger

      May 02, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      ^^ *you oops! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
    16. Ginger

      May 02, 2013 at 4:01 pm

      Featuring today! Thanks so much for linking up to {wow me} wednesday! πŸ™‚

      Ginger @ GingerSnapCrafts.com

      Reply
    17. Gail Wilson

      May 01, 2013 at 6:41 pm

      your pillows are so pretty, I love the fabric… and I hate to sew, so anything this easy appeals to me. πŸ™‚

      gail

      Reply
    18. Miranda @ Someday Crafts

      April 30, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      You make those pillows look and sound so easy! Thanks for sharing them at Whatever Goes Wednesday!

      Reply
    19. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      April 28, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      LOVE that fabric!

      Reply
    20. Chelsea @ Married Filing Jointly

      April 27, 2013 at 4:43 pm

      The pillows are amazing but I am even more amazed by the wonderful chairs you got at Target! How long ago was that? I love them!

      Thanks for sharing at Give Me the Goods! I look forward to seeing what you bring to the party next week. Don’t forget to check out the features on Sunday.

      ~Chelsea

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 27, 2013 at 8:36 pm

        Hey Chelsea … I WISH I had those chairs, but I’m just drooling over them for now. πŸ™‚ But they are still for sale at Target.com. Just checked!!

        Reply
    21. Robin Welch

      April 26, 2013 at 8:48 pm

      Love the fabric, it’s something that I would have bought!

      Hugs, Smiles & Blessings,

      Robin

      Reply
    22. Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside

      April 26, 2013 at 8:12 am

      I have the same relationship with my sewing machine! I love the fabric you chose! Thanks for sharing! I’m a new follower!

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 26, 2013 at 8:35 am

        Thanks Tammy! So glad you’re here!!

        Reply
    23. The Moores

      April 26, 2013 at 7:51 am

      Everybody loves your choice of fabric, as do I. But, from where did you order it? Even though it is pricey,you’ve shown that just a little can make an impact! Love it!

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 26, 2013 at 8:35 am

        Hi! I probably should have mentioned that in the post, huh?? πŸ™‚ I bought mine from Onlinefabricstore.net.

        Thanks for stopping by!!

        Reply
      • The Moores

        April 26, 2013 at 8:48 am

        Oh thank you!

        Reply
    24. Liz @ Quirky Vistas

      April 25, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      That fabric would be perfect for the inserts in the retro console I got recently. I have been unable to find such great fabric and yours is divine, but at $30 a yard, I think I should keep looking! Fun to see the pillows you made with it though. Just gorgeous!
      Liz

      Reply
    25. Jamie Alanna

      April 24, 2013 at 11:42 pm

      Gorgeous! I have a love/hate relationship with my sewing machine too! Love an easy sewing job . These are great!
      Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

      Reply
    26. VMG206

      April 24, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      Great fabric! I love enevlope pillows ~ so easy.
      ~ Megin of VMG206

      Reply
    27. Michelle Hargreaves

      April 24, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      I’m getting ready to make new pillows for my living room–thanks for the tips and ideas!

      Reply
    28. Vanessa

      April 24, 2013 at 2:27 pm

      What a great idea to use the wrapping paper! I’m going to have to remember that. I love the fabric you used for those pillows!

      Reply
    29. Claire Cooper

      April 23, 2013 at 3:09 pm

      The fabric is lovely. A great one for cushions.
      Claire

      Reply
    30. Amber Crawley

      April 23, 2013 at 1:11 pm

      Beautiful fabric! The pillows look wonderful on your couch!

      Heidi

      Reply
    31. Emily Thompson

      April 23, 2013 at 7:49 am

      that fabric is amazing!! Do you think it will ever go one sale so you could get more? I don’t like to spend a ton on fabric either :o) thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays at Nap-Time Creations… Winners for the giveaway will be announced Wed… Have you entered?

      Reply
    32. Selene @ Restoration Beauty

      April 22, 2013 at 11:20 pm

      I love me a good no sew pillow project and yours turned out so nice! Love the fabric!

      Reply
    33. Linda Walker

      April 22, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      These are very pretty! The fabric is a perfect compliment to your sofa! I have never made the envelope style before but I think I will give it a whirl. Linda

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 23, 2013 at 7:47 am

        Thank you Linda!! They are the easiest sewing project I have ever done!

        Reply
    34. [email protected]

      April 22, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      Great fabric! I really love the pop of color. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    35. Krista thehappyhousie

      April 21, 2013 at 11:02 pm

      Beautiful! I love simple envelope pillows… you can whip them up so quickly. I use some quilt cutting tools (a rotating cutter and cutting mat) that I was given by my mom so cutting is super easy too, but if I didn’t have those the wrapping paper trick would be the perfect solution! Great idea:)
      Krista @thehappyhousie

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 21, 2013 at 11:46 pm

        I imagine the rotating cutter and the cutting mat would have been muuuuuch easier! I kept thinking there was probably a better way, but I worked with what I had. Need to get me some of those tools before the next set of pillow!

        Thanks for taking the time to comment!

        Reply
    36. Julie

      April 21, 2013 at 9:31 pm

      Cute pillow covers! I love the floral fabric.

      Stopping by from Make The Scene Monday. Have a wonderful week!

      Julie @ This Gal Cooks

      Reply
    37. Kathryn Ferrie

      April 21, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      You chose a beautiful pattern. I’ve made similar slipcover pillowcases. Yours is just gorgeous. I like your tip on figuring out what pattern to use!

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 21, 2013 at 10:07 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply

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