A Place for Jade: DIY: Throw Pillow Covers

Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to seasonally refresh your decor. The bummer is that most cost anywhere from $20-50 a piece, and they rarely wash well. This can make changing it up expensive, especially for homes where wear and tear from children and pets is inevitable.

The solution is to use throw pillow covers. These can be sewn to cover your existing pillows, or to cover inserts.

For my birthday this year, I asked for a sewing machine. I wanted to be able to update my home decor without having to overspend, so my first project was envelope pillow covers.

I used this website for directions: http://www.heytherehome.com/how-to-make-an-envelope-pillow-cover/

But, here’s my version of the how-to:

For starters, determine the size pillow cover you will need. Purchase your fabric accordingly. I decided to make a five piece collection including 2- 16”x16” covers (1 yard of fabric), 2- 12”x12” covers (⅔ yard), and a 12”x22” cover (½ yard).
Cut your fabric. For each pillow, you’ll want to cut a front piece. I find it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a little allowance on each side. Unless the fabric stretches, I give myself an extra inch. So, for a 12”x12” pillow, I’d cut a 13”x13” front piece. Each pillow will also need two back pieces to form the envelope closure. These should be the same height as the front piece with 4-5” taken off the width. So, for the same 12”x12” pillow, I’d cut two 8”x13” back pieces. For stretch fabrics, I don’t go any more than ½” larger than length and width of the pillow insert.
On each of the back pieces, pin and sew a straight seam on one of the longer sides. I shoot for approximately a half inch seam. I also find it helpful to iron the fabric once it’s pinned, but before sewing, to help keep the seam straight.

Lay the front piece down face up on the table and line up the two back pieces upside down on top of it. Once you have it aligned, pin the sides to hold everything together.

Sew around all four sides using at least a ⅝” seam.
When done, cut excess string, flip inside out, and stuff with an old pillow or insert.

I was so pleased with the results, I have been buying fabric and making pillow covers ever since. I love being able to switch it up without going broke in the process.

Love the idea, but don’t have the time/resources to do it yourself? Vinton Street Upcycling is now happy to offer ala carte throw pillow covers as well as collections and custom options (sample looks below). We are working on adding these to our Etsy shop, but in the meantime, please contact us at vintonstupcycling@gmail.com to place an order or chat about your vision/needs.