My Summer Den Decor For Under $2 added an especially nice look to our Patriotic den this year.
I’ve paired up with a group of talented ladies to bring you a monthly Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge. Each month we create a new home decor piece from an item(s) we’ve found at a thrift store, yard sale, resale shop etc. There is no budget or specific theme so we are free to let our creativity run wild!
Meet our talented crew of bloggers
Amanda | The Kolb Corner Chelc | Inside the Fox Den Erlene | My Pinterventures
Kim | Made in a Day Sara | Twelve on Main Debra | Shoppe No. 5
Shirley | Intelligent Domestications Marie | DIY Adulation Lindsay | Crazy Organized
Michelle | Our Crafty Mom Julie | Live From Julie’s House Colleen | Life on Kaydeross Creek
Maureen | Red Cottage Chronicles Pili | Sweet Things Sherry | Savvy Apron
Ann | Duct Tape and Denim Dru | Polka Dot Poplars
Megan | C’mon Get Crafty Jennifer | Hydrangea Hippo
You can also follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!
This month I’m sharing my new Patriotic Envelope Pillow Covers I made using thrifted fabric. It was a steal at only $1.50!
I lucked up at one of my favorite thrift stores when I found these red, white and blue fabric pieces. They were precut into big squares which just happened to be the perfect size to cover my sofa pillows. I don’t know if they were meant to be for quilting, probably so but I used them to make Envelope Pillow Covers for a little summer decor.
Of course one of the least expensive ways to change den decor is changing out your pillows. Go here to see the envelope pillow covers I made last fall using men’s plaid shirts.
Pocket or Envelop Pillow Covers are not hard to make.
First, get your measurements. I just lay my pillow down onto my work surface and measure across adding about an inch to each side for seam allowances.
The back fabric will be cut into TWO PIECES to allow for the overlap pocket. Measure one side of the two pieces about 5 inches larger than the other piece to allow for that overlap. See bottom right photo.
Trim any excess.
Prior to pinning and sewing the front and back pieces together, you will fold over, iron and stitch the hem of the envelope pieces where you will insert the pillow. For a more finished look, you may like to fold it down twice. Be sure to press it flat with the iron prior to sewing.
Now, pin the right sides together. To make it easier, I like to line up both of the back pocket pieces nice and neat and then pin them down smoothing constantly as I go to avoid wrinkles when sewing.
Sew right sides together leaving at least 1/4″ seam.
I always have a companion when I’m sewing. He keeps a watchful eye on the outdoors but occasionally likes to stretch out and touch whatever I’m working on.
After sewing all of the right sides together, press the fabric again and turn right side out.
You may want to press the seams down one more time.
Insert your pillow and you are done!
Our sofa pillows before their new envelope pocket covers.
For under $2, I was able to create a whole new look for our summer den decor by making a pair of Patriotic Envelope Pillow Covers. I enjoyed using red, white and blue for summer decor this year. You can visit our God and Country themed Simple Summer Mantle post here. My Patriotic Tablescape was really fun this summer and that post is here.
My Grandma crocheted the afghan many years ago. I don’t usually take it out but thought it would be perfect for our Patriotic den decor this summer.
Be sure to check out all of the other creative upcycle projects my fellow bloggers have come up with!
More from our site
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- Minestrone Soup Gluten Free Version with Quinoa and White Beans - January 8, 2021
- Lemon Pepper Oven Roasted Chicken and Potatoes - January 6, 2021
Erlene A says
Shirley those made perfect pillow covers. The print looks like it’s been in the family for a long time and are so cute!
JESS44903 says
Wow…everything looks so pretty! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Kate says
These pillows came out great! I never think to look at the fabric area at my local thrift store. It always seems like such a mess, but there may be some ‘gems’ hiding!
Zan says
That sure is a steal. I love that you can make the covers yourself. I am not good at sewing/stitching but I once tried my hand at a no-sew idea and it went all wrong. Your den looks lovely and cozy with them. BTW: Your site is coming along nicely.
Lindsay says
Can’t believe this was only $2!!! Incredible!
Alli Rutherford Smith says
Your Americana pillow covers are beautiful! And I’m loving that they cost less than $2 to make. I’m constantly changing up my pillows on the sofa and I always use pillow covers to change things up each season. They cost way more than this, so I need to actually learn how to use my sewing machine. Great job!
Debrashoppeno5 says
You did good. The pillows looked wonderful with your grandmother’s afghan, which I love by the way. You can never go wrong with red, white and blue.
michellejames42 says
These are just darling! I’m totally fawning over your velvet pumpkins too! I wanted to make some last year but velvet is so expensive. I will have to see if I can find any old velvet shirts. I had many when I was a kid!
Amanda Kolb says
What a great idea! I always overlook the fabric section at Thrift stores but looks like you found a steal.