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!
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.
Your mom sounds like she rocks, Mary! I she makes it for you! 🙂
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…..
hahaha, hopefully she makes it for you since it is an easy tutorial! 🙂
Wow! So cute and easy! (and chic :D) Thanks for sharing!
No problem, Dayne 🙂 Glad you like it!
Great directions for this project and beautiful finished product!
Thank you, Tracy! 🙂
I love this tutorial, so detailed and easy to follow! Thank you for sharing 🙂
No problem, Helena! 🙂
These are so cute! I love how easy you make it look… I am not good at sewing!
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!
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 🙂
Bahahaha! 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 🙂
Great idea! I love super comfy looking decorations. I like how you are able to customize it too.
That’s the best part, Cindy – it is so easy to customize it and make it your own! 🙂 Thank you!
Your pillow turned out so cute! I love the contrasting stitching and the raw edges. Kudos!
Thank you, Alex! 🙂
Great & easy tutorial. Pinned!
molto grazie! =)