Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps
When a spare pocket of time and an old pair of denim jeans spark a vision, you run with it! And I am so happy I did! This step-by-step tutorial will show you how I used a short nap time and old denim scraps to create these country-inspired pillow covers.
One project I have been working on this summer is decluttering my sewing room so I can paint the walls. So, I have been going through my old projects, and I came across these little strips of denim.
I am so embarrassed to tell you this, but I have had these strips of denim cut out for at least eight years now and I have had the denim for even longer than that! Today was the day. I told myself I am either going to work on this project or I’m going to just part with it.
Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps
The inspiration for this project came from a large American flag wall covering made from leather that I saw years ago in New York. I knew I wanted to create something like that, but with denim!
Over the years, the denim has frayed on the edges, giving it a worn look that I love! I decided to keep the frayed edges on the outside because it was giving the lived-in vibe that I was envisioning, but opting for the clean cut side would be a great option for someone as well!
I think you’ll be surprised that even with the amount of scrap strips I used and different fabric materials, this project only took me about 30 minutes to complete!
Why You Should Make Your Own Pillow Covers From Old Scraps
- Super Quick – This project only took me about 30 minutes to complete!
- Upcycled – You can finally put those old scraps from your favorite pieces to good use!
- Useful- You already have pillows in your living room and on your bed, so why not create a festive look by covering your existing pillow with something fun and creative!
This Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps is quick and easy to make. Plus, using only materials you have on hand and 30 minutes, it makes a great weeknight project.
What You’ll Need to Make Quick DIY Simple Pillow Covers
The basis of this project is to use up old scrap fabrics that you have had laying around for years. Mix this with some backing and a few stitches on the machine, you’ll have a fun and festive finished project.
Tools You’ll Need
- Scrap fabric
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Pins
- Backing
- Tape Measure
What kind of fabric should you use?
I recommend that you use a fabric that has special meaning. What a conversation starter to have a fun and charismatic pillow cover for guests when they come to visit. Or a sweet memory to think of when you curl up in bed at night.
Remember that this is a pillow cover and may require a more durable fabric for wear and tear in high traffic areas, so you may not want to use a fragile or thinning material.
Step By Step Directions For Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps
Lay Out the Old Scraps of Fabric
First, I cut my denim into strips. I chose strips that were approximately 3 inches wide, which was great because as the denim aged and frayed, this took some of the width.
Next, I laid each strip out and assembled the colors and widths in an order of my liking.
Sew The Strips Together
Then I sewed the strips together, making sure to pin the strips so that I was clear of the frayed edges, making a clean seam.
Decide Which Side of the Fabric You Want to Face Out
Once my strips were sewn together, I made the rather difficult decision of whether to use the raw hem side or the clean side. I decided to keep the frayed edges on the outside because it was giving the lived-in vibe that I was envisioning, but opting for the clean-cut side would be a great option for someone as well!
Add A Creative Touch
One thing I wish I had time right now to add would be a cute pieced together quilt block for the top left corner where the stars would be on a flag, but this cute little aged ticking stripe fabric was a great second place. I just think that is really cute and it just ties in really nice with the stripes but gives you the feel of the American flag at the same time.
I took a square of the stripe fabric and sewed a raw hem to the denim to match the theme.
Cut the Fabric To Size
The pillow that I am covering is a 12″ square. So, I measured my denim panel to about 13″.
I was able to have enough material to make 2 panels of denim, so I made a pair of covers!
The Back of the Pillow Cover
I chose a little navy twill for the back of the pillow; I thought this was subtle but still fit the theme.
In order to make this project a pillow cover, we want to make sure that a pillow can easily be stuffed in through the back panel. To do so, we will take two pieces of twill, hem them and then sew them to the front panel to form a pocket essentially. My goal was to have overlapping hems in the center to hid the pillow within. I cut one piece of twill to 13″ x 7″ and then folded one side of the long ends under to create a 1/2″ hem. I repeated this process but with a piece of twill that was 13″ x 8″ so that there was a 1″ overlap when centered for the back panel.
Once complete, I hade a 13″ square with an overlapping, hemmed pocket in the middle.
Sew The Panels Together
Then I overlayed the denim panel on top of the navy twill. I made sure that the outsides were touching and then pinned the edges together. (The side of each fabric that you would like to be on the outside of the pillow should be touching face to face – in this example it would be clean denim to hem side of and the “inside of the pillow” should be facing out at this step.)
After to pin the edges, take the project to the sewing machine and sew all of the edges together.
Best Part: The Reveal!
Finally, you can flip your pillow cover right side out, revealing your finished project! I love that this is rustic, warm and raw. It matches our summer farmhouse decor perfectly!
Iron The Fabric
As an extra touch, I like to iron my finished project. This gives the pillow cover a crisp edge and seems to help hold shape.
Ironing each strip of the raw hem denim was super fun…
Bonus! Make it a pair!
If you have enough scraps, make a matching set like I did! The best part of this DIY project is that there is so much grace. The covers do not need to be identical, the quirky changes in fabric strip sizing and even cuts will give it all the more character!
Printable Tutorial Here
Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps
When a spare pocket of time and an old pair of denim jeans spark a vision, you run with it! And I am so happy I did! This step-by-step tutorial will show you how I used a short nap time and old denim scraps to create these country-inspired pillow covers.
Materials
- Scrap fabric
- Thread
- Backing fabric
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Pins
- Tape Measure
Instructions
- Lay Out the Old Scraps of Fabric:
First, I cut my denim into strips. I chose strips that were approximately 3 inches wide, which was great because as the denim aged and frayed, this took some of the width.
Next, I laid each strip out and assembled the colors and widths in an order of my liking. - Sew The Strips Together:
Then I sewed the strips together, making sure to pin the strips so that I was clear of the frayed edges, making a clean seam. - Decide Which Side of the Fabric You Want to Face Out:
Once my strips were sewn together, I made the rather difficult decision of whether to use the raw hem side or the clean side. I decided to keep the frayed edges on the outside because it was giving the lived-in vibe that I was envisioning, but opting for the clean-cut side would be a great option for someone as well! - Add A Creative Touch:
One thing I wish I had time right now to add would be a cute pieced together quilt block for the top left corner where the stars would be on a flag, but this cute little aged ticking stripe fabric was a great second place. I just think that is really cute and it just ties in really nice with the stripes but gives you the feel of the American flag at the same time.
I took a square of the stripe fabric and sewed a raw hem to the denim to match the theme. - Cut the Fabric To Size:
The pillow that I am covering is a 12" square. So, I measured my denim panel to about 13".
I was able to have enough material to make 2 panels of denim, so I made a pair of covers! - The Back of the Pillow Cover:
I chose a little navy twill for the back of the pillow; I thought this was subtle but still fit the theme.
In order to make this project a pillow cover, we want to make sure that a pillow can easily be stuffed in through the back panel. To do so, we will take two pieces of twill, hem them and then sew them to the front panel to form a pocket essentially. My goal was to have overlapping hems in the center to hid the pillow within. I cut one piece of twill to 13" x 7" and then folded one side of the long ends under to create a 1/2" hem. I repeated this process but with a piece of twill that was 13" x 8" so that there was a 1" overlap when centered for the back panel.
Once complete, I hade a 13" square with an overlapping, hemmed pocket in the middle. - Sew The Panels Together:
Then I overlayed the denim panel on top of the navy twill. I made sure that the outsides were touching and then pinned the edges together. (The side of each fabric that you would like to be on the outside of the pillow should be touching face to face - in this example it would be clean denim to hem side of twill - and the "inside of the pillow" should be facing out at this step.)
After to pin the edges, take the project to the sewing machine and sew all of the edges together. - Best Part: The Reveal!
Finally, you can flip your pillow cover right side out, revealing your finished project! I love that this is rustic, warm and raw. It matches our summer farmhouse decor perfectly! - Iron The Fabric:
As an extra touch, I like to iron my finished project. This gives the pillow cover a crisp edge and seems to help hold shape. Ironing each strip of the raw hem denim was super fun...
Notes
Always remember to pin your pieces before taking them to the sewing machine. No matter how quick and simple the stitching section may look, it is always better to make sure you have straight edges. Plus, you can maximize your scraps when you pin the material.
FAQs
Absolutely not! This Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps can be applied to any scrap fabric you have ready to use in your sewing box. Bonus points for sentimental materials – when there is as story attached, it always pulls on my heartstrings!
Then don’t make the cases square! haha! Follow these steps and simply change the final cut size to fit your pillows that you plan to cover. * Remember, the larger the pillow, the more fabric you will need. So make sure that you have enough scraps to complete the project.
Tips
Always remember to pin your pieces before taking them to the sewing machine. No matter how quick and simple the stitching section may look, it is always better to make sure you have straight edges. Plus, you can maximize your scraps when you pin the material.
Where To Put Your Quick DIY Simple Pillow Cover Sewing Project Using Old Scraps
If you’ve followed my blog or YouTube channel for any amount of time, you know that I love to decorate for the seasons. Pillow covers are a great way to upcycle old materials as well as create a pop of festivity to your room.
I plan to use these covers for the summertime in our living area and then shift them to the boys’ room for a vintage Americana sports theme feel.
