Thursday, March 8, 2012

Decorative Pillows Out of Napkins

A quick way to get a designer look in your house is to update the pillows on your sofa or in a bedroom.

You can create your own designer look for a much cheaper price than going to Pier One or similar stores. I made these pillows for my mom's den. I don't know how much she'll care that I give out the secret that they aren't designer : )
 My mom bought the napkins on clearance at Target. 2 packs made 4 pillows. You can use old pillows you have for forms or buy ones at a craft store like Joann's. Just make sure to get them when they are substantially on sale. They often go on sale for 40-50%.

The napkins said they were 20 x 20--though I soon found out they weren't exact and didn't line up with each other well.  We bought 18 x 18 pillow forms.

First, line your napkins up with each other. Pick two that line up the best. Lay them out with the right (design) part out. With these pillows we are going to keep the decorative edging already on the napkins so we don't want to sew them inside out.

Pin the sides together and sew three sides. Follow the stitching that is already on the napkins. This means less measuring Yay!  Your thread will show so pick a color that either blends or that you want to stand out.

After your three sides are stitched put your pillow form in the open end. Then pin the final napkin sides together. This will be a little bit harder to sew with the machine because of the pillow, however, it gives a nicer look and is easier than hand stitching. If your final end doesn't line up you may have to tuck one of the napkins in a little to make the ends even. Cutting really isn't necessary.


I was able to make four pillows in a very short amount of time and only a few finger pricks. : )