Homemade Decorative Pillows, I would be frank to say that my interest in homemade decorative pillows was driven by mere necessity. Having spent what I thought was a minor fortune on one designer throw pillow in a boutique home store, I was walking out wondering what was wrong with my life decisions. It was then that I knew that I could do my own at a fraction of the price, and, in fact, have fun doing it.
I have designed dozens of pillows over the years both to my home and as gifts. What was initially a cost-effective solution has become a true creative outlet, which has changed the ways my living spaces are and should appear. I would tell you what I have been able to learn by trial, error and a lot of hand-stitching.
The case of why you should make your own decorative pillows.
Cost is the most evident explanation. A nice decorative pillow would cost you a lot of 40 to 80 dollars at a local shop, and at times much higher with designer labels. In the meantime, you can make something that is just as beautiful and, yet, entirely original with materials of approximately 10-20 dollars, depending on your cloth preferences.
But, more than savings, there is something very gratifying about making your own space in your space with some handmade touches. Purchased pillows will only give you the option of what is in the market this season. By doing it yourself, you are able to choose the colors, patterns, textures, and sizes to match your existing decor. One time, I made a collection of pillows with the cloth that resembled one of the old carpets my grandmother had left to me–the shade of dusty rose and sage green, that you cannot find anywhere in HomeGoods.
The Startup Guide: What You Really Need.
You do not have to be a professional seamstress to do beautiful pillows. I took some introductory sewing classes in middle school and had forgotten the majority of it by the time I picked up this hobby. Here’s what genuinely helps:
- Fabric: Cotton is lenient and simple to operate in case of a beginner. I have also managed to achieve massive success using linen to achieve the textured and upscale appearance, and velvet to create warm and luxurious pillows. Go to fabric shops when they are on sale- I have found other beautiful remnants at only a few dollars a yard.
- Pillow inserts: This is one thing that you should not cheap in. Even the prettiest cover is spoiled by a lumpy and cheap insert. I stock mine online or wait until there are white sales in the departmental stores. The size 18×18 and 20x 20 inch is the most generic in terms of sofas and beds.
- Simple sewing materials: Thread which is the same color as your fabric, sharp fabric scissors (to cut paper you never use them, I learned this lesson the hard way), pins, and a measuring tape. A sewing machine is easier but I have hand sewn numerous pillows as I watched TV.
Easy Techniques That Sound Incredible.
The pillow I had at first was a plain envelope-back–that is to say it was simply two rectangles, sewed together and having an opening in the rear which overlapped. No zippers, no buttons, it is all cloth. It had perhaps half an hour and appeared thoroughly premeditated and finished.
Learning from My Mistakes
I have not been successful with everything I have created. My initial experience with silk was a shamble due to the lumpiness of the cloth, as the material was too slippery, and I did not know how to stabilize challenging clothes at the time. At one time I cut fabric without considering seam allowance and I made a two inch smaller pillow than I had originally.
Another thing I did not pay much attention to was washing. It is always better to wash your piece of fabric before stitching, because you made such a pretty pillow cover and then after the first wash, it may not fit back into its cover. I also learned to dress fabrics in the right place, the white linen pillows that I created in the living room sofa revealed any stain and could not be used in the house where two kids are.
Inspirations and Materials On Where to Find.
Thrift shops are now my gold-mines. Old curtains, tableclothes, even old scarves can have a beautiful appearance as pillow covers. I once used an old but well embroidered tablecloth that I turned into four pillows in my bedroom- the work of the long gone craftsman received new life rather than being discarded in a trash yard.
Pinterest and Instagram are definitely the sources of unlimited inspiration, but to me the best one is to look at what you pay attention to in reality. It may be the colors in a work of art, the design of a favorite sweater or the feel of something natural such as tree bark or rock.
The Bigger Picture
Learning how to make decorative pillows has made me look differently at my home, a place where I can actively create it and not simply stuff it with what I can buy in the store. It has also helped me to gain the courage to approach other DIY projects and saved money that would have been spent on other investments such as more quality furniture.
The environmental angle is also an issue. Rapid home decoration is a waste of massive proportions. Pillows that I made five years ago are still in rotation and when I am bored with them I can without much trouble take the covers off and remake the same with new inserts.
Start with one simple pillow. Wear something you adore, maintain a simple design, and do not think much about perfection. The little flaws of the handmade products are what makes them unique and your space really yours.
FAQs
What is the amount of fabric required to make one pillow?
The amount of fabric required to create a 2/3 yard of standard 18×18 inch pillow is subject to seam allowances, cutting errors, etc.
Which type of pillow is the least difficult to learn?
The easiest to use is envelope-back closure where no zippers, buttons are needed and the back panels in the same size overlap each other and the pillow insert is covered.
Is it possible to launder homemade pillow covers?
Yes, provided that you pre-washed your cloth and you used good thread. Wash using a gentle wash cycle and dry it by air, so that it does not shrink.
What do I do to make pillows fuller?
Work with an insert which is 12 inches bigger than the cover size. A 18x 18 cover with a 20×20 insert produces that rounded out stuffed appearance.
Where am I going to get cheap cloth?
The best prices on quality materials are to be found in clearance areas of check fabric stores, in the linens of thrift stores, in online sellers of remnants, and at estate sales.
