Decorating Ideas for Sewing Projects

Does your living room look dull and needs a change? Want to add a new color? With a sewing machine and fabric, you can make a few simple sewing projects to give your home a face-lift. These projects can include pillows, window treatments, table coverings and slipcovers. Each project can add the new color and freshness you want without the expense of remodeling.

Pillows

Pillows can add ambiance to your home's atmosphere. With your endless choices of patterns and fabric, you can sew a simple or an elegant pillow. For a simple pillow, cut two squares any size you want. Place the front sides together, then stitch a half-inch seam around the edge, leaving an opening for turning. Turn the fabric inside out, insert pillow foam and hand stitch closed. Do not limit sewing pillows only for your living room sofa or chairs. Sew a few pillows for your bed, too.

Window Treatments

Continue creating the new ambiance of your home with window treatments or curtains by choosing fabrics that coordinate with your pillows. The design of the curtains can be simple, or you may choose a more complex pattern to complement your new color scheme. For simple curtains, measure the size of your window. When cutting your fabric, add enough extra length to your measurements for the curtain rod and other hems. Add strips of ribbon on the bottom or down the sides for an extra touch.

Table Coverings

Sewing table coverings for everyday or special occasions can transform your kitchen décor. Most fabric stores will have patterns to fit almost any size of table. For your living room coffee table, sew a quilted runner from the extra pieces of fabric you used for the curtains and pillows. Choose from quilt patterns such as nine patch, Flying Geese, Roman Stripe, or any other design you like. You can use the same quilt design to make smaller runners for your end tables.

Slipcovers

After sewing the pillows for your living room, do your sofa, love seat and chairs need a change too? Slipcovers will give you flexibility of changing your home décor without needing to re-upholster your furniture. You can make a slipcover for your couch and ottoman by measuring the height, width and length, and other dimensions of your furniture. Use the current seams on your furniture's fabric as a model for your slipcover. When cutting fabric, add a half-inch seam allowance to your measurements. You can also add piping to the seams when stitching the individual pieces together.

References

• Pillows 101 - Sew4Home
• Turquoise 2010: Ottoman Slipcover