featured 5101

Turning Old Pillows into Dreamy Comfort: A DIY Transformation

Revive Your Space: A Simple Guide to DIY Throw Pillows from Old Pillows

Do you have those forgotten, old, and perhaps a little lumpy, pillows lurking in your linen closet? The ones that have seen better days but you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away? They sit there, potential dust collectors, waiting for a use that may never come. But what if we told you they hold the key to a stylish and affordable home decor upgrade?

DIY throw pillows created from repurposed old lumpy pillows, adding a decorative touch to a living room.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of transforming those unwanted bed pillows into chic and comfortable throw pillows. This is a fantastic DIY project that’s not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable way to breathe new life into old items. Say goodbye to those neglected pillows and hello to a refreshed living space!

Why Repurpose Old Pillows into Throw Pillows?

There are numerous reasons to embark on this DIY journey:

  • Cost-Effective Decor: Throw pillows can be surprisingly expensive to buy new. By repurposing old pillows, you save money and create custom pieces that perfectly match your style.
  • Sustainable Living: Reduce waste by giving old items a new purpose. This project promotes sustainability and minimizes your environmental impact.
  • Customizable Design: Choose fabrics and patterns that reflect your personal taste and complement your existing decor. The possibilities are endless!
  • Therapeutic DIY Project: Crafting can be incredibly therapeutic. This project provides a hands-on activity that’s both engaging and rewarding.
  • Unique Home Decor: Create one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your home.

Close-up shot highlighting the texture and detail of a repurposed throw pillow made from a previously unused bed pillow.

What You’ll Need: Your DIY Throw Pillow Toolkit

To get started, gather these essential supplies:

  • Old Bed Pillow(s): The star of the show! Choose pillows that are still in relatively good condition, even if they are lumpy.
  • Fabric of Your Choice: Select a fabric that complements your decor and is durable enough to withstand everyday use. Cotton, linen, and upholstery fabrics are excellent choices. Consider patterns, textures, and colors that spark joy! The amount needed will depend on the size of your desired throw pillows.
  • Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors will make cutting a breeze.
  • Straight Pins: Essential for holding fabric in place while you sew.
  • Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will significantly speed up the process, but you can also hand-sew if you prefer.
  • Measuring Tape or Ruler: To ensure accurate measurements and precise cuts.
  • Seam Ripper (Optional): For correcting any sewing mistakes.
  • Stuffing (Optional): If your old pillow is lacking in filling, have some extra stuffing on hand to plump it up.

Step-by-Step Guide: From Old to Outstanding Throw Pillows

Follow these steps to transform your old pillows into beautiful throw pillows:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pillow

Lay your old pillow on a flat surface. Assess its condition and decide how many throw pillows you want to create from it. Depending on the size of the original pillow, you can typically make two throw pillows.

Before and after image showing the transformation of plain bed pillows into vibrant zoo animal themed throw pillows.

Step 2: Cut the Pillow

Using your fabric scissors, carefully cut the pillow in half. This will give you two separate pieces to work with. If you want square pillows, ensure your cut creates roughly square pieces.

A single bed pillow lying on a desk, ready to be transformed into decorative throw pillows.

Step 3: Adjust the Filling (If Needed)

Examine the filling inside each pillow half. If it’s excessively lumpy or flattened, remove some of the stuffing to create a more even and comfortable pillow form. Save the excess stuffing for future craft projects or discard it responsibly.

Image illustrating the process of cutting a bed pillow in half to create smaller pillow forms for throw pillows.

Step 4: Trim the Edges

Trim about 2 inches from each of the open edges of the pillow halves. This will help create a neater and more manageable edge for sewing.

Image showing excess pillow stuffing being removed and stored for later use in other DIY projects.

Step 5: Pin the Edges

Fold the raw edges of the pillow inward by about 1/4 inch and pin them together using straight pins. This creates a clean, finished edge and prevents fraying. Take your time to ensure the edges are aligned as neatly as possible.

Close-up of a pillow being worked on, with the edges being prepared for sewing.

Step 6: Sew the Pillow Closed

Using your sewing machine, sew along the pinned edges with a straight stitch, about 1/4 inch from the folded edge. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches. For added durability, you can sew a second reinforcing stitch close to the edge.

Hands using straight pins to secure the folded edges of a pillow before sewing.

Step 7: Address Extra Fabric (If Applicable)

Depending on your pillow, you might have extra fabric at the corners or sides. Stretch the fabric out and fold the excess inward towards the center until the side seams align. Pin the folded fabric in place.

Demonstration of how to handle and pin extra fabric at the ends of the pillow.
Close-up of the pinned corners of a pillow, showing how the fabric is folded and secured.
A pillow fully pinned, ready for sewing, with colorful round-headed pins holding the fabric in place.
Image of fabric being sewn together using a sewing machine, creating a durable seam.
Reinforcing stitches being added to a pillow case for extra strength and durability.

Step 8: Create a Pillow Slipcover (The Fun Part!)

Now that you have your basic pillow forms, it’s time to create beautiful slipcovers to match your decor. There are countless tutorials available online for creating simple envelope-style pillow covers. Alternatively, you can sew a more elaborate cover with zippers or buttons for a more professional look.

Fabric Selection: Choose a fabric that complements your existing decor. Consider colors, patterns, and textures that you love. Home decor fabrics, cotton, linen, and even repurposed materials like old curtains or tablecloths can work beautifully.

Measurement: Measure your finished pillow forms accurately to ensure your slipcovers fit perfectly. Add a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch to all sides.

Sewing: Follow a tutorial for creating a pillow slipcover. Most tutorials involve cutting fabric pieces, sewing them together to form a pocket, and then inserting the pillow form.

Two finished white pillow forms sitting on a wooden floor, ready to be covered with custom-made slipcovers.
Two throw pillows covered with vibrant animal-printed fabric, showcasing the finished result of the DIY project.
A close-up of a finished DIY throw pillow, highlighting the fabric and craftsmanship.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Fabric: Select a fabric that is durable, easy to clean, and complements your decor.
  • Use Sharp Scissors: Sharp scissors will ensure clean cuts and prevent fraying.
  • Take Your Time: Sewing can be therapeutic, so enjoy the process and don’t rush.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different fabric combinations, patterns, and embellishments to create unique and personalized throw pillows.

Conclusion: A Stylish and Sustainable Home Decor Solution

Repurposing old bed pillows into stylish throw pillows is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your home decor while being mindful of your budget and the environment. With a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can transform those forgotten pillows into beautiful and functional pieces that you’ll love for years to come. So, gather your supplies, unleash your inner crafter, and get ready to create some stunning DIY throw pillows!