I wanted to share a little trick with you today. It maybe something you already know and do but I’m hoping to let you in on a fun little secret that will save you tons!
I don’t know about you but lately I have been just swooning over all the blues that have been hitting home decor. I’ve always loved them but I love that they’ve made a come back. With winter out the door and spring coming, I wanted to be sure to incorporate some blue hues into our family room. Throw pillows are one of the easiest things to change with the season. Sadly, they can run a pretty penny when they’re good quality. I have found many ways over the years to save money on throw pillows. It’s been out of pure necessity my friends. My husband laughs anytime I bring a new one home because I may or may not have a closet devoted to just my throw blankets and pillows . . . I know, I know.
So what’s the money saving trick, you ask? Are you ready for it?
It’s cotton shower curtains and table cloths! It sounds a bit silly but if you ever shop at TJ Maxx of Homegoods you might know that you can find great table cloths and shower curtains for less than $20. They’re typically name brand and the quality is fantastic! It totally beats buying fabric in the store. I have begun shopping for fabric this way whenever possible. It saves a ton and I can typically find gorgeous pattern after gorgeous pattern.
I recently purchased the shower curtain below for a whopping $15. It was %100 cotton and such a great weight and the best part was that it had those blues I was looking for. I made sure to wash and dry it according to the instructions and then I got to work.
I started by using a pillow cover the correct size that I wanted. I ironed the shower curtain and laid it out flat. I chose the section that I wanted to be the front of the pillow. I started with a finished end on the curtain and folded it over, measured and cut to the correct size. I made my top flap overlap the bottom by a couple inches. You can then pull out the guide and pin where you want to sew your seams.
I used my Singer sewing machine around the cover, leaving 1/4″ sewing allowance on the two sides. Once you’re done sewing, turn it right side out and insert your pillow form. Newton Custom Interiors has a fantastic tutorial on making this kind of cover if you need more detailed sewing instructions. My favorite pillow inserts are Ikea’s down inserts. You can read more about that here.
I made two pillow covers measuring 20″x 20″ and have plenty of fabric left over to make at least one maybe two more. That’s only $3.75 – $5 a cover! The best part, no one will ever know! I’ve already had a hand full of people ask me where they can buy this pillow. I just laugh when I tell them what it is. This has become one of my go-to ways to change out my throw pillows with the seasons and I always have great luck with it. You can see the two Christmas lumbar pillows that I made using a $12 Ralph Lauren plaid table cloth from Homegoods here.
If you’re looking for the perfect pillows for spring or the perfect fabric for a project and haven’t been able to find it check out the table linens and shower curtains. There are so many pretty options and the price is worth it!
I can’t wait to share my spring home with you all this year. I’m working a little each day to kiss winter goodbye and add spring touches. I hope you’ll join me for my tour along with some other amazing bloggers at the end of March for this years spring home tour!
Wow! What a great idea and who would’ve known!?!?!? I really love this blue fabric and the beautiful pattern/design. I haven’t sewn in years – sewing was not necessarily my favorite (I liked cooking, instead!) – but I may have to start back! Thanks for the great tips….blessings to you!
Lanita, I am the same way! My mom had pestered me about getting a sewing machine for 10 years and I kept telling her I had no interest. Anytime I needed a little something sewed I would just use hers. She bought me a sewing machine last year for my birthday and I have to say it’s completely changed my decor life. I actually really enjoy doing little things like pillow covers and curtains. I still would rather bake a cake but I love having the options a sewing machine gives!
What a great idea! I’ve used flat sheets when I needed a larger quantity of fabric, but have never tried using a tablecloth or shower curtain. Thanks.
No problem Karen! Flat sheets are also a great idea. I love finding new ways to save money on decor. Thanks for stopping by!
What size pillow form did you use . Love it! .Going to Ikea this week to buy some. THANKS!!!!
Karen, I buy their 20″x 20″ size and that’s the size I used for these pillow covers. They’re fantastic pillow forms! Enjoy your trip to Ikea. I’ve been meaning to go for weeks. Maybe I’ll get there this week too. 😉
Amanda, I have been using shower curtains & tablecloths for a couple of years too! Another thing I did with them is to recover the cushions on my dining room chairs. Target also has a great variety to choose from.
So smart, Marlene! I’m loving Target’s shower curtains right now, so many pretty patterns!
Where did you find the black/white checked comforter and shams, I love it!!!
Hi Sue! The check duvet and shams are from Ikea. 🙂