September is National Sewing Month, and in honor of the occasion, we're taking a deep look at one of the most versatile materials out there: fabric! From sewing pillows to creating statement wall pieces, there's no limit to the way you can use fabric in the world of interior design. Here are 99 of our favorite tips on how to use fabric to decorate every room of your home. You don't have to be a tailor to use textiles in your space. From no-sew curtains to fabric as wallpaper, there's a project out there for everybody!
Urban jungle fever is still going strong in the design world, and I don't mind one bit!
From hanging air plants in every way imaginable, to covering a room with plants of all sizes, this decorating trend has us all "bringing the outdoors in" in ever-inspiring ways.
To pay tribute to the uncontested queen of stunning indoor plants, the monstera deliciosa, also known as the split-leaf philodendron, I created this embroidered monstera leaf art print.
I live for a great trash-to-treasure project. And this piece literally came from the trash.
I wasn't intentionally dumpster-diving, but one of our neighbors in the building was moving out, and leaving a lot behind. While taking out the garbage, I found a plastic case that had a lovely blue typewriter inside (immediately snatched that up), a squeaky office chair (I left that behind), and this ratty old seat. I went back and forth about whether or not I wanted to take the time to spruce it up. Usually furniture refinishing projects take way longer than I expect them to, but the opposite was actually true this time around. My little dumpster chair only took a half a day to refinish, and thanks to the right tools and attachments, I was able to paint and reupholster this little treasure with no trouble.
I can't get enough of graphic grid patterns. It's a clean, less busy version of plaid. Add a grid pattern to a space, and it instantly seems modern and current. I few months ago I hand drew an entire wall in a grid pattern. Ever since, I've been on the hunt for all for more grid patterns to add to my home. These bold pillows in a classic black and white grid are sure to stand out in any space.
Fabric is a staple in the home and one of the most versatile materials to DIY with. We've teamed up with our friends at Fabric.com to head down a fabric rabbit hole - exploring everything from fibers, to trends in patterns and colors, to the easiest projects you can create with fabric.
And for those of you who want to try your hand at a project, we came up with a super simple, stunning DIY wall art idea you can create using your favorite fabric and slats of wood.
Ahh, the stocking -- a staple of Christmas celebrations! Have your stockings been hung yet? If not, we've got a great modern idea for you today that you will love: DIY leather monogram stockings! They are simple to make and totally in keeping with a minimal holiday decor style.
If you've never embroidered, don't worry -- you only need to one stitch, the blanket stitch. Keep reading to see how to make your own!
If you're anything like me, your pets are an important part of your family. So like the rest of the family, don't they deserve their own Christmas stockings? If you know how to sew, you can easily make your pets their own personalized holiday stockings. Just don't forget to stuff them full of their favorite treats and toys on Christmas.
Now that the weather is getting cooler in most places, you may be pulling your sweaters from last year out of the back of your closet. And maybe there are a few that you decide won't be making it into your wardrobe rotation. Before you get rid of an unwanted sweater, consider whether it could have a new life as a sweater pillow. Here's how to add a bit of knit texture to your decor by sewing your own sweater pillow.
There are lots of reasons why you might not want to wear an old sweater any more. Maybe the fit, color, or style is off, or perhaps there are stains or holes that developed while it was sitting around unworn (thanks, moths!). Especially if the stains or holes are on the sleeves, you may be able to salvage the rest of the sweater by turning it into a pillow. And if you don't already have a suitable sweater, you should be able to find one at a thrift store.
I loved the stitch pattern on this dusty pink sweater, but the color and fit just didn't suit me. When I realized that it would look much better in my living room than on me, I started figuring out how to turn it into a sweater pillow. Here's how I did it:
Knit sweater - You want one with a fairly dense knit stitch.
Pillow form
Sewing machine
Machine sewing needle
Hand sewing needle
Thread
Fabric scissors
Pins
If you have a specific sweater you plan to use, be sure to take it with you when you buy the pillow form so that you can make sure you get one that will fit. If you're buying the pillow form online, carefully measure the sweater to make sure that the arm holes, neckline, or any other obstacles will leave you with enough material to cover the pillow.
Sew around the perimeter of the sweater on the lines you pinned. Be careful not to stretch the sweater as you sew, or you'll end up with wavy seams. I like to round off the corners and trim them, so that my finished pillow won't have pointy, empty corners. Be sure to leave an opening for inserting the pillow form! The exact size of the opening depends on your pillow size, but the one here would have been easier to deal with if it had been an inch or two larger.
As a serious crafter, I always have two recurring problems: I ruin my clothing (thanks to paint/stain/glue splatters), and I'm also always running around the house looking for tools as I'm trying to finish my project. So I made a crafting tool belt with detachable apron, and it solved both of these problems! Now I can gather all my tools at the start of the project and literally keep them on me as I work. I don't know why I didn't make one of these ten years ago! Click through to check out the sewing tutorial.
Upholstered headboards almost have it all - they look beautiful and they're super comfortable to lean against. But they're often quite pricey too. There's good news though... there are tons of great tutorials out there to help you make your own. So today we've rounded up 20 of our faves. Click through to check them out.
If you're ever looking to change up a room in a way that doesn't cost a lot of money and doesn't require a lot of commitment, then pillows are certainly the way to go. They're interchangeable, they immediately add something to the room (whether it's color, texture, or both), and they're snuggly. So what's not to love? We're looking back at some of our own favorite pillow projects from the archives; because while store-bought is fine, it doesn't require a lot of effort or previous experience to create a one-of-a-kind cushy masterpiece. Now, on with the pillow talk!
1. Shibori-dyed pillows: These beautiful blues are going to start off our pillow projects countdown. Shibori-dyeing has been in the spotlight for a few years now, and we're not sick of it. It's kind of like tie-dying, but without all the patchouli vibes. Plus if you were to rest your head on one of these pillows, it would kind of be like sleeping on a cloud.
3. Botanical leaf pillow: The Monstera plant with its Swiss-cheese leaves is a home decor hit. In this tutorial, the pillow itself isn't square, which makes it a nice way to break up an overly-symmetrical couch.
4. Macrame pillow cover: The 70s are back, baby! And with them they bring macrame. It's not just for wall-hangings and plant holders, as seen in this most knot-y of pillow projects.
5. Stenciled pillow cover: If you're looking for a truly unique way to decorate, then stenciling is the method for you. This tutorial breaks down this classic crafting technique.
7. Bolster pillow from old towels: This one is clever - while it might be difficult to fill a regular square cushion with old bits of laundry, this bolster is filled with a rolled up towel!
9. Thrift store clothes pillow: This has maybe happened to you: You're at Goodwill and you find a shirt with a cute pattern in the fabric, but the size is way too big! Buy it anyway, because you can transform it into a pillow cover with this tutorial.
12. Cozy typography pillow: This cozy cushion is calling our name. The lettering was easily created via stenciling, and the fabric is flannel for extra cuddle points.
13. Geometric glitter pillow: Wow! This stunner is definitely the most glam on this pillow projects' list, and it kind of channeling some Wizard of Oz vibes.
14. Cyanotype pillow: Through this tutorial, you can learn how to use the sun to transfer beautiful cyan photographs onto fabric - perfect for making a pillow cover.
16. Floral patches pillow: Got an iron? Then you can do this project! While we might normally consider denim jackets as the primary destination for iron-on patches, this tutorial disagrees.
18. Embroidered pillow: This tutorial just goes to show that with the right combination of fabric and floss, the timeless art of embroidery can make for a pretty and modern pillow.
20. Toile buttoned pillowcase: This pillow is perfect for our vintage-lovers out there. Plus, this tutorial demonstrates how to make matching covered buttons!
Photo: JoAnn Moser
21. Envelope pillow case tutorial: And finally, a classic: How to make an envelope pillow cover. After that, you're all on your own!
My dog Charlie loves to sit outside just as much as I do, but he's a bit too big to lay comfortably on a chair or ottoman. So, I thought it would be fun to make an outdoor daybed for him. Click through to find out how to make an upholstered bed for your own furry friend!
Begin by staining your wood. Put on a pair of protective rubber gloves and wipe the stain and sealer across all of the wood pieces with a rag. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area, and protect your work surface because the stain will do just that – stain!
Once the stain dries, take some measurements for the leg placement. Find the center of the diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the largest piece of wood. Flip it over and find the center point in the same manner on the back side.
Glue one of the legs on that center point, and place the other four in the outer corners. Make sure to place those four half an inch in from the edges.
While those are drying, begin cutting your fabric. Cut two pieces of outdoor fabric to 20 x 8, one that is 30 x 8 and one that is 32 x 22. Cut the exact same size pieces from the clear vinyl fabric.
Lay the 20 x 8 piece of outdoor fabric right side down on the 20 x 8 wood, and lay the clear fabric on top of that. Staple across the top edge, 3/8 inch from the edge. Place a staple every two inches, stopping half an inch from each end.
Pull the fabric taut over the stuffing and staple it down as close to the edge as possible. Staple every two inches, and staple the sides down as well so there are no spots for the stuffing to escape.
Trim off the excess. Repeat steps 4 through 8 on the other 20 x 8 piece as well. Do the same for the 28.5 x 8 piece too, but staple the fabric all the way to the edges on this one.
Now that your legs should be securely glued to the wooden base, reinforce the legs with screws. This is why you made that mark on both sides of the base. Screw through that middle mark from the top side, and it should go directly through the wooden leg below. Do the same for the four corner legs, placing the screw one inch from the edges so they go right through the center of the legs below.
Place the edge of the large remaining piece of fabric face down as shown above, with the matching clear piece on top. Make sure it is face down so that when you flip it up, you won't see the staples on this front edge where they would be most noticeable. Staple every two inches, 3/8 inch from the edge.
Place stuffing on the whole surface of the base and then stretch the fabric across the top and staple all the way around, an inch from the edge. Cut off the excess fabric... this should leave 3/4 of an inch open for you to glue the three side pieces down. Once the glue has dried thoroughly, reinforce them with screws in the back corners.
I would recommend bringing it inside when not in use so it lasts longer, but it will stand up to the elements thanks to the durable fabric and Thompson's WaterSeal.
Do you use a body pillow? I can't sleep without one. I used to be able to, but over the years my joints have started to require that extra support as I snooze. While my wife fortunately doesn't mind me cuddling something else all night long, I am miffed at the lack of options when it comes to shopping for a body pillow cover. Because of this, I've always made my own. Usually I just make them from an old sheet, but decided to make a fancier one for this newest body pillow I bought (body pillows are on back-to-school sale right now, just FYI!). If you can sew a straight line on a sewing machine, then you can make a body pillow cover of your own.
Are you in the mood to make some DIY gifts this holiday season? Then you'll want to peruse and pin our DIY gift guide. In it, we highlight 75 tutorials that cover just about everyone on your gift-giving list; mom, dad, girls, guys, tweens, kids, babies, fur-babies (that's cats and dogs to the uninitiated), hostess gifts and even teacher gifts. We've got it all covered. Take a look!
It's likely happened to everybody... you have an odd-shaped gift that you're just not sure how to wrap. It's okay, don't have a holiday meltdown! Just make one of these simple cinch pouch gift bags out of a scrap of fabric and some twine. And here's the best part - it's reusable so you can do your part to be a bit more green this December. Click through to check out my simple tutorial.
I have a pillow problem. Anywhere I go, I instantly want to look at the pillow section and leave with an armful of pillows I DON'T NEED. It never stops me, and one of my favorite places to pillow shop is Urban Outfitters, which is where I stumbled upon these velvet flower pillows with tassels. Since velvet is my go-to fabric this time of year, I fell in love with the pillows and decided to practice self-restraint, telling myself I could make one and save a few bucks. Since I already had the supplies at home, my Urban Outfitters knock-off velvet flower pillow was FREE compared to the $50 version!
Usually during this time of year, I'm sad to say good-bye to summer. It's hard to let go of the long nights and sunny days. This year, however, I'm pretty excited about the start of the fall season. Don't get me wrong - I love summer, but there's just something so enthralling about the onset of chilly weather. I love the smells, the colors, and the textures - specifically textures like furs and leathers. To start the transition from summer to autumn, I decided to make a DIY fur pillow out of my favorite fall feels.... except this pillow is animal-friendly!
My inspiration for this DIY fur pillow came from a cushion I found on Pinterest. It's not available for sale anymore, and since it was Ralph Lauren, it was probably out of my price range, anyway. I love the way my pillow turned out though - and faux fur makes everything a thousand times better!
I put together a little video if you want to see how this pillow was made - otherwise, keep scrolling for all the details!
Materials
Pillow form
Fabric A - This will be the front-facing fabric; I'm using faux fur
Fabric B - This will be the backing for the pillow, and should be a non-stretch fabric, like cotton
Faux leather or vinyl fabric
Sewing machine and notions
Step
First, to cut the shapes. This is an envelope pillowcase, so it's made from a front square piece and two overlapping rectangles in the back. There are also four triangles and strips of vinyl fabric for detail.
Start by determining how large your pillow form is. Next, cut a square from Fabric A that measures one inch larger on each side. For instance, my pillow is 21 inches across, so my Fabric A is 22 inches wide, and 22 inches long.
Fabric B should be cut to measure the width of the pillow plus one inch, and the length of the pillowdivided by two, plus six inches. For example, with my 21" pillow form, my Fabric B piece is 22 inches wide, and the length is 21 divided by two, plus six - which is 16.5. Cut two Fabric B pieces.
For the vinyl details, cut four right triangles that are 7 inches on each side. For the piping detail, cut strips of vinyl that are at least 1.5 inches wide.
Step
First, hem the two pieces cut from Fabric B. Sew a 1/2 inch hem across the length of each piece. You only need a hem across the top of each piece, not the sides or bottom.
Step
Now to prep the piping. For this pillow, we won't be making true piping, since we won't be stuffing the fabric with cotton rope. Simply fold the vinyl strips in half, then sew* shut along the raw edge.
*Pro tip: When sewing vinyl, you might notice the vinyl sticking to your sewing machine. Keep things running smoothly by covering the foot and plate with strips of masking tape.
You'll need to make enough piping to cover the radius of the pillowcase. If your strip of vinyl is not long enough, you can add to it by folding a new piece inside the old piece, and continuing to sew.
Step
Next, sew the detail triangles to the face of the pillow. Pin each triangle to each corner of Fabric A, lining up the raw edges, with both fabrics facing right side up. Stitch along the two outer edges - not across the diagonal portion of the triangle.
Step
This step is optional, but just adds a little extra dynamic to the DIY fur pillow. Fold Fabric A in half, and cut. Fold each half in half again, and cut. You'll be left with four smaller squares.
Mix up the direction of the fur by rearranging the squares. Once you're happy with your arrangement, stitch the squares back together.
Step
Now to create a pillowcase sandwich, and stitch it all together. Grab your sewing pins, and start by laying Fabric A face up.
Pin the piping along the border of Fabric A, with the raw edges meeting. When you get to a corner, fold the piping at a right angle.
Once you've covered the radius of the pillow with piping, cut the piping long by an inch or so, overlapping with the start of the piping.
Step
The last layer of this pillowcase sandwich is the envelope pieces cut from Fabric B. Lay each one face side down, with the raw edges meeting with Fabric A's raw edges, and the hemmed edges in the middle of the pillowcase. Pin in place.
Sew along all four sides of the pillowcase. Caution! Be mindful of the pins you have holding everything together!
Turn the pillowcase inside out, stuff with your pillow form through the back, and presto, your DIY fur pillow is done!
Share this project on Pinterest!
Are you ready for fall? Or are you desperately trying to soak up every last bit of summer sunshine? It's a bittersweet farewell, but I am really looking forward to wearing sweaters again.
Every time I wander through Anthropologie, I leave wishing I could have bought everything in the store. And lately they've been selling these gorgeous eclectic throw pillows with beautiful textural embellishments... but of course they're a bit on the pricey side. So I decided to try my hand at making my own simplified version. Click through to check out the full tutorial for these DIY Anthropologie throw pillows!
For reference, here's the original Anthropologie pillow that inspired me to do this project:
Photo: Anthropologie
Mine is less complex, but it still has that fun bohemian vibe that I loved about the original. And it didn't cost $88! So let's get started.
We'll begin by making the front panel of the throw pillow. Center the 18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric on the front of the 18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric. Fold the edges over by a half an inch and pin them down, as shown above. Sew along those edges with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
Next, cut the orange ribbon into three pieces of equal length. Place the first one 1 inch from the edge of the lighter blue fabric panel and sew down the length of it using orange thread and a zig zag stitch. Repeat the process on the other side of the panel and right down the middle as well, using the two remaining pieces of ribbon.
Next, use a straight edge and a pencil to mark off the locations for some of the yarn strips. Mark the center of the orange ribbon one the right, then place the ruler from that point to the top of the opposite ribbon on the left side, and mark the spot where the ruler crosses over the middle ribbon. Do the same on the bottom. Mark the center of the left ribbon as well.
Now it's time to begin sewing on the yarn strips. Begin with the longest strip, in the center of the panel at the pencil marks. Cut three pieces of yarn that are 12 inches long and pin them on either end so they are positioned across the center of the pillow from the center of the left ribbon to the center of the right ribbon. Thread the embroidery needle with a piece of black embroidery floss, knot the end and begin sewing the yarn to the panel by bringing the needle up and over the yarn using vertical stitches. Tie off the end on the back side.
Step
Next, attach a short strip of yarn to spot where you made a pencil mark on the middle ribbon. You'll only need two embroidery floss stitches for this one. Make another one of these same small strips on the other pencil mark opposite that one on the middle ribbon.
Then fill in the space in between the strips with additional strips in ascending and descending lengths. Check out the final images for visual reference.
Now it's time to create the tassels for the sides of the pillow. Wrap yarn around the cardboard 12 times and then cut it on one side. Lay them out on your work surface.
Cut a 6 inch long piece and place it perpendicularly across the 12 pieces you just cut. Fold those in half over the single piece and tie a 12 inch long piece around the folded top area as shown above. Wrap the tail around a couple of times and tie a double knot. Finish the tassel by knotting the 6 inch piece by the top folded edge of the tassel. Repeat this 10 times.
For the back panels, simply fold an 18 inch edge over and hem with a 1 inch seam allowance. Do this on both pieces.
The last step is to assemble the pillow. Lay the front panel down face up on your work surface. Next, place 5 tassels on each side, evenly spaced. The tassels themselves should be in between the fabric, with the tails sticking out. Then place the two back panels face down on top. Pin the edges, and sew around the perimeter with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. The goal is to sew over the tassels right where the top knots are. Be sure not to catch the tassel tails in the seams on the corners.
I have a secret infatuation with faux fur. I'm the gal who raids the remnant bin at the fabric store for any and all furry fabrics. What I'm saving them for, I don't know. They're just so fun! The faux fur pouf is trending, but some of the nicer onces available to purchase are over $100. With back-to-school season upon us again, I wanted to find a way to make one of these fun and furry ottomans on the cheap. Keep reading to see how I made this one for under $40!
