How to Create Pillows out of Vintage Fabric

Pillows made from vintage fabric are unique and stunning. Many different kinds of vintage pieces can be used for your pillow projects including silk scarves, printed napkins or tablecloths and chenille bedspreads. Pillows created from vintage fabric often garner compliments and may be sold for prices ranging from $10 to $100. Read on to learn how to create pillows out of vintage fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Vintage fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Foam pillows

Instructions

1. Find vintage fabric you like at a flea market, estate sale or thrift shop and wash it before preparing it to be used to make pillows. A wide range of vintage fabrics may be made into pillows. You may even make pillows out of vintage clothing.

2. Cut the fabric you will use to a size slightly larger than the foam pillow you will use. Position the fabric so that the two pieces that will cover the foam pillow both have their "wrong" side facing out. If you want to use a flap in the pillow that will allow the foam to be removed for washing, cut one piece of fabric for the pillow about an inch larger than the other.

3. Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the two pieces of fabric together. Leave one side open to slide the foam pillow into the fabric.

4. Place the foam pillow in the fabric. Hand stitch the fourth side of the pillow closed or fold back a flap and stitch a hem, making sure the fabric will fully cover the foam pillow. The flap will allow you to remove the foam to wash the fabric after the pillow has been used.

5. If desired, you may add trim to the pillow or decorative touches such as another piece of fabric sewn onto the pillow that contains photos.

Tips & Warnings

• Scour flea markets and thrift stores regularly to find vintage fabric.

• Wash the fabric before you create the pillow.