DIY Shabby Chic Pillow with Pillow Cubes
Disclaimer: I received Pillow Cubes products for free in exchange for writing a review, but all opinions are my own.
I am starting to make good use of my sewing machine that I’ve had for more than 3 years now. I once was afraid to tackle real patterns, so I only used it to revamp clothes I would find while thrifting. I still haven’t followed a pattern for anything, but I’m getting more creative with it – I’ll reach the pattern following level one day! This pattern was adapted from one I found online. My main fabric was thrifted (reuse = sustainable, yaye!) several years ago (I’m working on my hoarding issues – I’m much better, really), and my accent fabric is from Jo Ann.
Pillow Cubes mailed me a pillow form to review and tell y’all about. Why do I actually love it? Pillow Cube offers several different types of pillows – varying in size, make and shape. They typically come in bulk ranging from as few as 3 to as many as 20, depending on the size and shape of the pillow. If you guessed that I ordered the “eco-friendly” Pillow Cube, you are so right! The exterior fabric is made with unbleached 100% cotton, and the interior is filled with American-made recycled plastic fiber. As much as I love craft stores, I have no idea where or how the pillow forms that I purchase there are really made. I felt easy going into making this pillow knowing that I made choices to reuse old fabric, and fill the pillow case with a consciously made stuffing. Thank you, Pillow Cubes, for giving me a more sustainable and ethical pillow form option!
Supplies:
– 1 yard of main fabric
– 1/4 yard accent fabric
– 1 Pillow Cube (any size)
– sewing machine
– needle
– thread
– sewing straight pins
– scissors
– ruler/ measuring device
Directions:
1. After selecting your fabrics (base and accent) and Pillow Cube size, cut two pieces of fabric:
– 1st piece/side should be 1″ larger than the pillow on all sides (example: the cut fabric should be 13″x17″ for a 12″x16″ Pillow Cube).
– 2nd side should be 1″ longer than the pillow in width, and 2″-3″ longer in height (example, 15″-16″ x 17″)
2. Cut the 2nd side in half along the horizontal axis, creating (2) 8″x17″ pieces. You should now have 3 pieces total.
3. Hem one 17″ edge of each of the 2 new pieces. I hemmed mine in a zig-zag stitch simply for aesthetic pleasure.
4. Cute desired shape from the accent cloth. I created and sewed on a heart.
5. Attach accent piece by needle and thread and/or iron on transfer web (see how I used transfer web with another pillow project).
6. Align 3 main pieces (right side out) so that all un-hemmed edges are touching, and so that the hemmed edges overlap each other in the center of the shape of the pillow.
7. Pin all four edges 1/2″ in.
8. Sew along the outside of the pins, all the way around to form the pillow case.
9. Secure loose threads.
10. Insert your Pillow Cube!
You now have a cute, shabby-chic homemade pillow!
Check out Pillow Cubes and try this simple shabby chic pillow tutorial – let me know what you think!
xoxo, dolls & dudes!
The Comments
Mary Hill
I love these. I will share with my mom. I always wanted to sew, but I am terrible at it. I get my mom to do it for me. I hoping she will teach my daughters too.
Addie
Mary HillYour mom sounds like she rocks, Mary! I she makes it for you! 🙂
Susan Mahlburg
I am not crafty in the least, but I’m going to nonchalantly pass this over to my mother-in-law and cross my fingers that some shabby chic pillows make it under the Christmas tree…..
Addie
Susan Mahlburghahaha, hopefully she makes it for you since it is an easy tutorial! 🙂
Dayne
Wow! So cute and easy! (and chic :D) Thanks for sharing!
Addie
DayneNo problem, Dayne 🙂 Glad you like it!
Tracy @ Theconservativemommy
Great directions for this project and beautiful finished product!
Addie
Tracy @ TheconservativemommyThank you, Tracy! 🙂
Helena Hermeto
I love this tutorial, so detailed and easy to follow! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Addie
Helena HermetoNo problem, Helena! 🙂
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.
These are so cute! I love how easy you make it look… I am not good at sewing!
Addie
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.Thank you, Betsy! The basics with a sewing machine take a little while to master (I also think my sewing machine can be a bit wonky at times haha), but this is definitely and easy project to start with!
jody
You’ve given me hope. My sister-in-law gave me her old sewing machine 6 months ago, and I’ve still yet to use it. I have felt like such a slacker. You’ve given me hope that even if it takes me another 2 1/2 years, it’s ok, I will use the sewing machine one day 🙂 And, the 1st project I want to tackle is pillows 🙂
Addie
jodyBahahaha! Don’t feel like a slacker, you are not alone! I hope this pillow project will help get your feet wet with the sewing machine! Good luck 🙂
Cindy
Great idea! I love super comfy looking decorations. I like how you are able to customize it too.
Addie
CindyThat’s the best part, Cindy – it is so easy to customize it and make it your own! 🙂 Thank you!
Alex from Sew, Simmer, and Share
Your pillow turned out so cute! I love the contrasting stitching and the raw edges. Kudos!
Addie
Alex from Sew, Simmer, and ShareThank you, Alex! 🙂
Alex
Great & easy tutorial. Pinned!
Addie
Alexmolto grazie! =)