friday favorites; DIY

Hello everyone and welcome to my first DIY! I told you here that I have been feeling pretty crafty and bought myself a desk to redo. I figured before I tackled that big project, I could try my hand at a couple smaller ones first. So, without further adieu, introducing:

So You Want To Make An Envelope Pillow

*disclaimer: I do not claim to be any sort of good DIY-er or explainer. And I may not have taken all the right pictures. But I will try my best to explain.

That, my friends, is the finished pillow. On my awesome vintage wing-backed chair that will go with my not so redone desk.

1. Choose your pillow and size

To save a lot of money, you can recover a pillow you already own. When looking for a pillow, my first stop was Goodwill. As I learned that most were $5.00, I decided that I would rather spend the extra money to ensure I didn't get lice. I found this brand new lice free 20x20 pillow at JoAnn's for 50% off. Total cost: $10.00

2. Choose your fabric

When deciding on a fabric, I knew I wanted something striped. While being completely overwhelmed at JoAnn's fabrics, I could not find THE ONE I was looking for. Not to mention the fabrics that were good quality and I did like were upwards of $20.00 per yard. After an hour of searching, I finally found this peach striped beauty in the red tag fabrics for $3.00 per yard. Score!

tip: When choosing a fabric, try to pick a thicker one such as an outdoor fabric. This will prevent wrinkles in the pillow and give you a more structured look. DO as I say and not as I do.

3. Cut Your Fabric

At the fabric store, have the cutters cut the fabric you'll need. For my 20x20 pillow, I got 1 1/2 yards just to be on the safe side. Total cost: $4.50

4. Measure And Cut Your Cuts

Here's where explaining can get a bit tricky. You will cut 3 pieces of fabric in total.

1. One whole side of the pillow. Add 2 inches to the size of your pillow (to make it fit around the pillow, and for room for the Stitch Witchery) and cut a square. Since my pillow was 20x20, I cut a piece that was 22x22.

2. Two pieces that are slightly shorter to make the "envelope" flaps on the opposite side of the pillow. The width will still need to match but the height will be shorter. Cut 2 pieces of fabric that are the same +2 added inches width, but -5 inches height. My measurements were 17x22.

Following so far? Now you would have 3 pieces of fabric to make your pillow

tip: Make small marks while you're measuring so you have a line to follow while you cut. Also, if you're using stripes, make sure you cut them all the same way. Refer to the last picture in this post. Again, do as I say and not as I do. I just say my pillow has some added character.



5. Iron

Make sure you iron your fabric before putting it together. Makes it nice and easy to work with. Also, iron 1 inch flaps along the 22 inch side of both flaps to make it easier to insert the Stitch Witchery. Refer to picture below.





6. The no-sew way

That clear, mesh looking strip is called Stitch Witchery. Total Cost: $3.00

1. On the "flaps" of the envelope, along the 22inch flap insert the Stitch Witchery and press the iron on the fabric flap for about 10 seconds. Follow it all the way along the seam, making sure the Stitch Witchery is secure. Do this for both flaps.

tip: instructions say use a damp cloth between the fabric and iron. Skip this. It's just not necessary. Just press the iron to the fabric. 



7. Lay Out The Pieces

Lay your large 22x22 piece FACE UP. Put one of the 17x22 flaps FACE DOWN on top of the large piece.

tip: You're essentially making the pillowcase inside-out. That way, when it is turned right side out, the seams look like they've been sewed.



tip: at this point you will only have TWO pieces down, and above is what it will look like.



tip: above, all THREE pieces are layed out. The piece on top is the third piece, and the last flap.It is FACE DOWN and facing the opposite way than the other flap.

tip: now you will have all THREE pieces of fabric are layed down.

Bottom layer: Large piece layed FACE UP

Middle layer: First flap FACE DOWN

Top layer: Second flap FACE DOWN in the opposite direction than the first flap

8. Hardcore Stitch Witchery Time

Place the Stitch Witchery around ALL 4 sides of the pillow, leaving the flaps for last. After the sides of the flaps are secure, wait a few minutes for the whole thing to secure. Check all seams to make sure that don't need a few more presses of the iron.

 tip: make sure you leave the tops of the flaps open to insert the pillow

*This is the picture of my not cut right character adding stripes.

9. Stuff Your Pillow

Turn the fabric right side out and place your pillow inside!

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In the end, this is a really simple and fun project to do. Now, in the beginning, I thought doing this would save me money on buying an already made pillow. I was incorrect. But now that I have all the supplies and just need to buy new fabric every time I recover, it is more of a versatile and lasting piece than a store bought pillow.

Total cost: around $17.50

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! And if you try this yourself, I would love to see the finished product!

Happy DIY-ing!