Thrifty Tip: Make Your Own Decorative Pillow Covers
I think Pinterest was created for two groups of people: people who love to decorate and people who would love to figure out how to decorate. I have never had the decorating knack. I was not naturally inclined and never really saw someone who was passionate about decorating. Disclaimer: That doesn’t necessarily mean there were no decorators around; it just means, if they were, I never really noticed.
I say all that to say that since getting married, I’ve had more of a desire to figure it out. So, in the last couple of years I’ve begun taking baby steps. Baby steps for me and for our home.
I’ve been taking baby steps in the living room. And, my latest attempt to liven up our space is by adding some color to our couches.
BEFORE: Here’s what they have looked like for a few years.
I first experimented with pillow covers made by using hem tape. And, when I did, I realized I had just tapped into a whole world of potential. I got so excited that I shopped around and bought a sewing machine. These pillow covers can be made either way. Here’s what I did.
Measure The Pillow
Mine are 19″. In order to account for a 1/2″ hem all the way around, I added an inch to that number when cutting the fabric.
Cut the Fabric
I cut three pieces of fabric. The first was 20″ by 20.” Then, I cut two smaller panels for the back of the pillow (the goal is that they would over lap in the back. So, the directions I found said that I should cut two pieces 4″ inches shorter. However, since my pillows are fairly flat, I adjusted the numbers so that I could get the most use out of my fabric. I cut one that was 20″ by 14″ and another at 20″ by 12″.
Here’s what that looked like.
Then, I lay the two smaller ones face down on the big piece, just like a pillow cover turned inside out.
Then, I pinned it all up…and got so excited that I was so close to the finished product 
Then, I sewed a seam about half an inch around! Then, I just turned the whole thing inside out and stuffed my pillows in!
After: Ta-da!
The goal was to turn them around and sew a half inch seam in the front for a little character. However, I didn’t get very far, as I realized that I’ll need a different needle for my sewing machine. Yes, I’m a total newbie at this! 
I’m now on a mission to find a print fabric to accent these. There are a couple I love. However, they cost approximately an arm and a leg to purchase. So, I’m waiting for the right fabric at the right price. Meanwhile, we are taking baby steps in the right direction around here
What DIY home decorating project have you done lately?
spread the word!
But no doubt, coupons make life better by saving us money so we have more for other things in life… like what I really have my eye on for Christmas!
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