I have a problem.
I’ve heard the first step to fixing your problem is admitting you have one in the first place. So, I’m admitting it here for all of you to see.
I’m addicted to throw pillows.
My husband – who would be very happy to only own two pillows for the rest of his life – isn’t a big fan of my pillow-hoarding ways.
And as much as I’d love to shop at designer stores for my pillows, that gets very expensive very quickly!
I figured out a pillow hack a few years ago and have been using it to help with my secret pillow hoarding problem ever since.
Here’s the secret: look for cute cloth place mats wherever you go (Target has some of my favorite ones). Then use this simple tutorial to turn them into pillow covers! You’ll have new custom pillow cases for just a few dollars – and feel a sense of accomplishment for making them yourself!
What you’ll need (affiliate links provided for your convenience – full site disclosure here)
- Place mat (these are the ones I used)
- here’s some cute & inexpensive options (most are under $5)
- Seam ripper
- needle & thread
- pillow form, old pillow, or poly-fil
Watch this video for the tutorial (share it on Facebook here) or see the written tutorial if you keep scrolling!
Step 1: Find a placemat. You’ll want one that has a fabric backing on it – this won’t work with a flat woven place mat.
Step 2: Rip out one of the short seams with your seam ripper.
Step 3: Stuff your pillow into the opening. I love to use old & worn pillows for this, but another trick I have is to raid clearance aisles at places like Ross or Marshalls for ugly and inexpensive pillows just so I can use their pillow forms. You can always buy pillow forms at your craft store (use a coupon so they’re priced well) or if none of those options work for you, you could always use poly-fil instead.
Step 4: Sew up the seam you opened. Even if you’ve never sewn before, I bet you could do this easily. It may not look perfect, but no one will be inspecting! And if they are – get new friends haha!
Step 5: Step back and enjoy your new custom pillow that you’ve made for just a few dollars!
We have ours displayed on our porch – come see the whole space here! Also – if you subscribe to my e-mail list at the bottom of this post, you’ll get a free printable guide to make your own “gather” wooden sign!
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HI There
I think you’re video should say, rip open short end of placemat not pillow. 🙂
Great idea! Thanks
ah! You’re absolutely correct – thanks for catching that! I really should have someone else proof-read them instead of doing it myself late at night! 🙂
Love love love the “Gather” art … and, a wonderful blog as well. You have a beautiful home!