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DIY Outdoor Pillows on a Budget

Last week I was sharing with you about creating your home outside of your home. Well, your outdoor decor can create just as much of a welcoming feeling as the interior of your home. What better way to do that than to create that cozy feeling in a budget-friendly style? You know that’s my thang. Many of you have asked about them, so I’m sharing how I made my DIY outdoor pillows from thrifted pillows.

Create DIY Outdoor Pillows with this Easy to Follow Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

*giveaway sponsored by DFOHome (see full disclosure)

Today we’re going to head to the thrift store today to find some cast-off pillows to turn into your own DIY outdoor pillows to accent our backyard decor.

Thrift Store Pillows for Outdoor Purposes | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Yes, we’re using thrifted pillows for our project because they are going outdoors and are so inexpensive compared to$20 for a solitary store-bought pillow. Or how about $10 for just a pillow form or bag of stuffing?  That cost comparison doesn’t include the fabric, thread, or other notions you may want to add. My pillow project will cost you about $8 or less for each pillow. Score!

DIY TIME

First, head to the thrift store and grab a few pillows to get this party started. You could even use your own worn-out pillows as well. Here are the three pillows I chose for my patio update.

Collection of Thrifted Pillows for My DIY Outdoor Pillow Tutorial | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Materials needed:

  • outdoor fabric – enough to cover two sides of the pillow. (Measure pillow for dimensions, double it, and add 1-2″ for seam allowance)
  • coordinating thread
  • thrifted pillows

Equipment:

  • sewing machine with standard needle
  • sewing scissors
  • hand-sewing needle

To get started, first launder your pillows. Once clean and dry, you can begin this project one of two ways. I choose to leave the pillows as they are with their original fabric intact, however you may want to remove the outer cover it would show throw your new fabric. I like to leave the covers on for stability in the pillow and easy use during our project. If you choose to remove the outer cover, wait until you have your new pillowcase sewn.

Lay your fabric right-side down and place your pillow on the fabric so that when you squish it down you have about an inch perimeter showing. We will be using a half-inch seam allowance.

Pressing Pillow for Sewing | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Cut out your pillow shape, and then use that same square to create a second square.

Layout of DIY Outdoor Pillows | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Lay your two square panels so that the right-sides are facing each other.

Lay Pillow Fabric Right Sides Facing Each Other | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Pin the fabric panels together around the perimeter.

Pinned Pillow Fabric Layers | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

SEWING TIME

To begin sewing you are going to start approximately 2″ in from the right top corner and end 2″ in from the top left corner. This will leave an opening that you can turn the pillowcase right-side out and also be able to fit the thrifted pillow in.

How to Sew a Pillow Graphic | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Set your sewing machine presser foot at the edge of the fabric. This will give you the half-inch seam allowance we are after.

Seam Allowance for DIY Outdoor Pillows | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Using a basic straight stitch, back-stitch to start, then sew around the pillow squares, removing pins as you go. Make sure to back-stitch again when you reach your stopping point. The backstitching reinforces your opening to allow the pillow to easily pass through.

When you are done sewing, snip the corners as shown below. This will help make your corners nice and square when you turn the pillowcase right-side out.

Trimming Pillow Corner | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

ASSEMBLY

Turn your pillowcase right-side out. Using a blunt object, push the corners out from inside.

Turning DIY Outdoor Pillows Right Side Out | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Insert your thrifted pillow. Pin the opening shut by folding the seam allowance into the opening and adding pins to hold it in place.

How to Pin DIY Outdoor Pillows | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Lastly, using a hand-sewing needle and thread, use a blind ladder stitch to sew the opening closed.

Using a Blanket Ladder Stitch to Close Pillow Case | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

You’re done! Finally, you now have an awesome set of DIY outdoor pillows that are sure to please, and money in your pocket from being thrifty.

Pair of DIY Outdoor Pillows by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

DIY Outdoor Pillows on Patio Sectional by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Once you get the hang of it, you can add welting, ruffles, etc. Feel free to mix it up and make them reversible with each side made of a different coordinating fabric. However, the possibilities really are endless.

Patio Area Made Cozy with DIY Outdoor Pillows with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, if you have questions about making these DIY outdoor pillows, please feel free to ask. In the meantime, do pin and share so others can learn how easy and budget-friendly creating outdoor decor can be. ♥

Save Money and Make Your Own Outdoor Pillows with this Easy & Budget-Friendly Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Additionally, for even more outdoor goodness, I have a sweet treat for you with the recipe of the month, and I’ll show you how it’s done by using this tool. Any guesses? Come on over and see!

An Essential Outdoor Tool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are more projects like these DIY outdoor pillows:

Budget-Friendly DIY Farmhouse Style Bathroom Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comOutdated Bentwood Rocking Chair Gets Embroidered Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Holly says

    Love, love, love! Ive purchased thrifted pillows and thrifted covers, washed and displayed but never thought to use the outdoor fabric to make my own. Im definately going to give it a go! I always just assumed the outdoor fabric would just be too expensive, or too thick fibered and tough to sew. (I see how expensive outdoor pillows and cushions are withSunbrella at home improvement stores. Yeowch)

    • Larissa says

      I do that too, Holly. I especially love the crocheted ones! Have some stitchin’ fun, girl. 😉

    • Sue Pagels says

      Just as a quick aside to Larissa’s lovely idea – if you aren’t too picky on colors, etc. Walmart had some beautiful turquoise ones, plain and patterened, some with birds, and some other colors or $5.00 each! I couldn’t believe it and snatched up 6 for me outdoor table and chairs set! Looks pretty!

      • Sue Pagels says

        Sorry – “patterned”, “for” not “or” and “my” not me….. It’s a messy post – keyboard is acting strangely!

  2. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    Well done Larissa! I can’t see spending money on pillows that will be out of style in a year. This way you are being friendly to the environment by upcycling old ones and you save lots of money! A win-win!

    • Larissa says

      That’s exactly the idea, Mary. Thank you for getting it! 🙂

  3. Cheryl B. says

    I just looked at pretty outdoor pillows $20-$100.each! I was shocked and went home empty handed.I will make my own.Great tutorial.

    • Larissa says

      I just couldn’t fork out that amount knowing a bird could land and do his thing. Nope. I hope you get some made soon! 🙂

  4. Cheryl B says

    Do you have a tutorial on the pergola you all built?We want to tackle one for the summer.Thank you.

    • Larissa says

      Hi Cheryl. I really don’t have one. We just built it according to our needs and used some similar tutorials online as guides. I have a pin board on Pinterest that has some of the tips HERE. Hope that helps!

  5. Bliss says

    Look at those pillows! You know i like the fabric.

  6. Jen says

    Can I leave these pillows out in the rain? It’s getting annoying to bring in my cushions each time it might rain! Help!

    • Larissa says

      As long as you use outdoor fabric with a pillow filled with a poly material, not feather or cotton.

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