Snippets Of Creations: DIY Throw Pillow Covers

As you know, I'm redecorating my living room and today I would like to share with you the throw pillow covers I made. These are so easy it's scary!

If you're like me, you can never find the perfect throw pillow! If you're using them as an accent color, it's almost impossible to find the exact color you want, especially when you're doing blue like me! There are about 1,000 shades of blue out there, which makes it so difficult. Not to mention, you spend anywhere from $15 - $30 on a pillow!!! So I say, buy cheap and cover them!

I bought this blue lamp at Home Goods a while ago and have been slowly adding this accent color throughout my living room. It gives that 'pop' of color where there is a lot of brown!

This little top piece of the lamp has been my best friend when shopping because I took it with me everywhere to find the right shade of blue. I even took it with me to JoAnn's to find the perfect shade of blue material for my throw pillow covers.

Believe me when I say, these are so easy to make, so let's get started.

First, measure your pillow's width. I measured the existing seam to seam and added 1 inch on each side for seam allowance (you will see later).

Next, measure your pillows length. I, again, measured from existing seam to seam and doubled that measurement. For example, from seam to seam, I measured 17". Double that to make 34". Now, I have measured enough material to cover the pillow. With this pillow cover, you want about a 3" overlap, so add that to the 34" to equal 37". Also, don't forget to factor in your hem! I did a 1" hem, but folded it twice, so you will need 2" for the hem, one on each end of the pillow. So, take your 37" + 4" = 41" total. Luckily for me, most material that comes off a bolt is about 45", so I didn't cut mine, which made my overlap about 3 1/2"....not a problem! I really hope this makes sense!!

Once you have your measurements, begin cutting. I didn't take a picture, but that step is pretty standard!

First step after your material is cut is to make your hem. This is made on the short ends (the one that is cut for the width of your pillow.

Measure 1" and press with an iron.

Then, repeat...fold 1" and press with an iron.

Next, sew your hem. You want to sew close to the inside (away from the edge of the material). I sewed a 1/4" seam.

Do the same for the other end of your material.

The next step is the layout of your pillow cover.

First, lay your material flat, right side up, and center your pillow so there is an even amount of material on each side.

Next, fold the material over your pillow to find where you would like the outer overlap to lay (you may want it centered on the pillow or you may want it a little higher like mine).