In this post:  Add simple DIY Christmas pillows to your holiday decor.

I was strolling along at HomeGoods when I found them.  The cutest little holiday dishcloths.  All red and green and Christmasy without being all IN-YOUR-FACE Christmasy.  So I picked them up to take a closer look.

And then, as if a sprinkle of snowflakes had just fallen from the ceiling of HomeGoods, I had an AHA moment like no other.  I knew what had to be done with these dishcloths and it certainly wasn’t drying dishes.

Into the cart, they went.

 

Aren’t they sweet?   I just love the red check pattern design for Christmas.  They cost me a whopping $7.99 for two towels!  Woo hoo! 🙂

Since I had no intention of using these towels as well, towels, I’m pleased to report that not only are they made from a fabulous sturdy cotton, but they are also the perfect size to make a cover for a 12″ x 16″ throw pillow.  And you can buy that exact size of pillow form almost anywhere!

Affordable Christmas Pillows | DIY Style

• Step 1 – fold and trim the towel

Lay the pillow form on top of the towel and cut to size allowing about an inch for your side seams.   I like to do a 1/2 inch seam for my pillows.  If your pillow form is 12 x 16, you should cut the towel 17 inches.

• Step 2 – Check your measurements

Since we will be folding our dish towel to make this pillow cover we do not need to account for a seam lengthwise.

 

 

On one side of the pillow, your edges will overlap, like an envelope.  Because this is a towel, this edge is already finished for you!  Brilliant, right?

 

• Step 3 – Pin

Pin each side of the cloth for easier sewing.  I like to use these giant T pins because I can see them better 🙂  Hey, I’m over 50.  I’ve learned a few tricks by now!

 

• Step 4 – Here comes the sewing part…

With right sides together and making sure to not run over these pins (because they are so big here), sew a 1/2 seam on either side of your pillow cover.

 

• Step 5 – Trim the Corners

I always trim the corners of pillow covers.  It just gives you a much cleaner look after they are turned right-side out.

• Step 6 – Turn out your beautiful pillow cover!

Turn out your new cover and stuff with pillow form.

 

 

You could stop here if you like, but it is kind of boring.  Personally, I’m thinking a bit of embellishment is in order!

 

 

• Step 7 – Choose from the multitude of embellishment options!

At this point, I went shopping.  I wasn’t sure what kind of design I was looking for so I went to Hobby Lobby and got a few ideas.   You could use a large button, a tassel, a pom pom, even a Christmas ornament.

And the winner is…

 

 

Whatever you choose, there is always a way you can find to tack it onto your pillow.  I used a needle and thread and sewed it on by hand, but I could just as easily used a hot glue gun.  Whatever works for you.

And Voila!  I just love how these Christmas pillows turned out.  And really, could they be any easier?

 

 

You can do this too!  Head out to pick up some cute dish towels and give it a whirl.  And if you do, please share with me your results.  I’d love to hear how about your designs!

 

 

Linking up with my over 50 friends for a little blog party.  Thanks Janet at Shabbyfufu!