Today I’m not only going to show you how to DIY your own pillows, but I’m going to show you how NOT to! I have been dying for some new pillows and was not wanting to wait to borrow my moms sewing machine, so I decided to try the no sew method. I also didn’t want to go buy new supplies, so I had a genius idea (kidding) to just use hot glue to make my new pillows. Oh boy, if I could go back in time and smack myself across the face, this would be the reason for it!
At first, the pillows were perfect and I loved them, then I needed to wash them, and that is when everything fell apart- literally. I really should have taken a picture of the pillows after I took them out of the washer, but I was too angry and embarrassed to! When I went to fix the pillows and make them properly, I had to spend a fun afternoon pulling off all of the hot glue that was still on the pillows.
So, in conclusion, how do you not make no-sew pillows? With a hot glue gun! Don’t do it!
You’ve been warned….
Now you may be asking “Kristina, that’s great, but how do I make my own?” And to that I say, “Simmer down, I’ll show you!”
First, buy your pillow inserts- I prefer inserts over buying stuffing because I believe that the inserts they hold their shape better. They are a bit more expensive, but if you catch an amazing sale like I did you can get each insert for about $7! (I’ve also heard that Ikea has some much cheaper, but there is no Ikea around my town) I bought six 18×18 forms for my couch pillows, and two 16×16 for the bed- which I have yet to make.
I wanted to make 2 pillows per color, so I purchased 1 1/2 yards of each color. I wanted to be sure that I had enough, and when I was complete with my pillows I had some extra fabric of each color!
Next, lay your pillow on the fabric(iron the fabric first). I centered the pillow length wise and folded the bottom of the fabric over the insert to make sure that it went 1 inch above the seam. Since I bough extra fabric, I was able to play it extra safe by allowing myself an extra inch of fabric on all sides of the insert before cutting the fabric.
After everything was ironed, measured, and cut (which took way too long) I began making the pillows. Now, if you want the pillows to actually hold up, use the extra strong fabric adhesive tape (iron on tape). This time, I wasn’t messing around, I wanted these pillows to survive!
I folded one side down onto the pillow and ironed down the tape/seam onto the actual pillow. I did this on the bottom of the pillow, and then I was able to just fold the rest of the fabric aroundthe pillow and did not have a seam at the top! 😀
Once the pattern was lined up I pinned the seams together all around the pillow. When I pinned the seams together I put the strips of tape between the seams so I could easily just iron everything together quickly.
Side note: Do not use the sewing pins with the colored plastic ends on them. The plastic on those needles will melt when you run the iron over them!
The corners were thick compared to the edges so I put extra tape in each corner and spent extra time ironing the corners. For easy corners, fold the fabric in, iron a crease onto both pieces, place a piece of the tape between them, pin together, and iron!
To ensure that the fabric adhesive tape was adhered enough I would wiggle the iron around on the same area for about 30-45 seconds and carefully watched to make sure I wasn’t burning the fabric or moving the fabric around when ironing. Once I went over each area at least once, I repeated the process again. I told you I wasn’t messing around with these pillows! 😉
And then you’re done!
You could also try this with added piping around the edges or pom pom trim, too, but for now, I enjoy these pillows as is!
Please excuse the dog hair on the pillows, my puppy decided to immediately jump on the couch once I put the pillows back.
If you’re not willing to commit to the same pillow designs all of the time check out these no sew pillow covers from Just a Girl and Her Blog, Organize Yourself Now, and Centsational Girl.
Linking Up With:
A Night Owl Blog,Carrie This Home, Love Grows Wild, Boogie Board Cottage, Coastal Charm, Dwelling In Happiness, The Dedicated House, Confessions of a Plate Addict, A Stroll Thru Life, House on the Way, Tiny Sidekick, The Official Blog Guide, Enjoy the View, Oh My Creative, Just a Girl and Her Blog, Happy Kids Inc, Living Well Spending Less, Someday Crafts, The Blissful Bee, The Kitchen and Beyond, Ruffles and Rainboots, Hymns and Verses, The 36th Avenue, Practically Functional, Domestic Superhero, Coffee With Us 3, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Nifty Thrifty Things, Our Rosey Life, Flamingo Toes,
Sarah says
Well they look great now! I have made some mistakes like that, the details of which I do not care to share Thanks for sharing your tips.
Sarah recently posted…19 Baby Organizing Tips
Kristina Barbee says
Haha, thanks Sarah! I think all of us DIY ladies have had some similiar mistakes that kind of haunt us a bit. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie says
I’ve always wondered how to make pillows without sewing OR stuffing. How did I not know there were blank pillows?!
Stephanie recently posted…Find extra cash this holiday season
Kristina Barbee says
They make life so much better than buying the stuffing! I know lots of people who also just paint the pillow forms, too.
Mary @Sweetwater Style says
You made me laugh….I too have tried the glue gun for things and then been very unhappy with the result. It is amazing how that iron on stuff works. Hint Hint….I bet if you asked for a sewing machine for Christmas…Santa might get you one. Love your blog and the dog hair on the pillows!
Mary @Sweetwater Style recently posted…Thrifty No Stress Entertaining Tips!
Kristina Barbee says
The glue gun can be a DIYers best friend, or worst enemy! Hah! I’m thinking of asking Santa for one this year 😉
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love no sew! Thanks for sharing at the Twirl & Take a Bow Party!
Leslie @ House on the Way recently posted…Twirl & Take a Bow Party ~ #118
Melanie says
I love making pillow covers! Its such an easy and inexpensive way to switch up the colors in a room! Thanks for sharing on Motivational Monday!
Melanie recently posted…Fabric Turkey Pillow Cover and a Thanksgiving Blog Hop
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Thank you for posting on Motivation Monday!
Carrie This Home says
I love that you showed what not to do since bad results usually happen to me! You and I have similar taste because I LOVE the fabric and patterns you chose. They’re so cute and lively!
Thanks for sharing this at Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop-this post will be featured at our next party!
Carrie This Home recently posted…Office Gallery Wall & Minted.com Giveaway
Kristina Barbee says
Thanks! All the fabric was from Joann’s, love their fabric!
Thanks for featuring this post :)!
Danielle says
Great job!! Thanks for sharing this at the Motivational Monday party as well!
Danielle
SewMuchCrafting.com
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