DIY Faux Fur Pillows

Happy New Year, friends!

I hope you enjoyed a lovely holiday and things have now settled down after all the hubbub. I don’t know about you, but my house usually goes through a period of winter “blah” after packing away all the Christmas decorations and until spring arrives. This year, I’m doing something different — something quick, easy and affordable — with throw pillows. Instead of buying a new set, let me show you how to create a cozy, comfy couch by making your own pillow covers.

Last month I showed you an easy way to make pillow covers from old sweaters. Today I’m following up with a trendy faux fur pillow with a zipper closure. Both are great decor accents that lend texture, style and comfort to your living space.

Faux fur in home decor seems to be all the rage right now, with stylish pillows, throws, rugs and even benches. It’s the perfect cold-weather friendly fabric that also adds a touch of glam — like these lovelies from Pottery Barn.

I don’t consider myself “trendy” {I’m usually waaay behind the curve}, but I do love how faux fur warms up a room in a chic and unique way. So I sought to get the same look for less.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

{step 1}  Gather your supplies.

• faux fur fabric
• matching thread
• matching zipper
• straight pins
• scissors
• seam ripper
• measuring tape
• marking pen
• lint roller
• old pillow / new pillow form

{step 2}  If you’re recycling an old pillow, measure it from seam to seam. A new pillow form will have its measurements on the package. Add 1″ to the measurements for a seam allowance.

I chose to cover a holiday pillow that would otherwise just take up space in the linen closet until next Christmas. It measured 19″ wide by 12″ high.

{step 3}  Measure, mark and cut fabric to size. Given my example, I cut two pieces of fabric that measured 20″ x 13″ each.

Cut only the backing of the fabric and try to avoid trimming the fur or else the edges of your pillow will look like it’s had a fresh haircut.

Here’s a tip:  Working with faux fur can get pretty messy. {It was like my dog had a party with lots of furry friends!} Use a lint roller for a fast and easy clean up.

{step 4}  Pin and sew on the zipper using a zipper foot on a sewing machine.

First, identify the bottom of your pillow by noting the direction of the fur. I placed the zipper where the fur will naturally hide it. Then, pin the zipper face down to the inside edge of one piece of fabric. Using a zipper foot, sew the zipper onto the fabric, being sure to add a couple of backstitches at the start and finish for reinforcement.

I used a 7″ zipper I already had, but feel free to use a zipper that’s closer to your pillow length, if you prefer.

When I got close to the zipper handle, I left the needle in the fabric, lifted the presser foot and unzipped the zipper so the handle was clear of the foot. I then lowered the foot back into position and continued sewing.

{step 5}  Repeat.

Pin the other side of the zipper to the second piece of fabric and sew it on with the zipper foot.

Zipper attached! Now you can take the cover off, wash it, change it, reuse pillow forms… the world’s your oyster.

{step 6}  Sew around the rest of the pillow.

Folding at the zipper, pin the right sides together. Replace the all-purpose foot and sew around the rest of the pillow using a basic straight stitch. Take care to tuck the fur inside the seam. Leave the zipper open a bit in order to turn out and stuff the pillow through.

{step 7}  Trim the corners and any excess bulk beyond the seams with scissors. Turn right side out through the zipper opening and gently pop the corners with your finger or a pen cap. Stuff with pillow form and enjoy!

So soft and snuggly!

Do you decorate with throw pillows? Try transforming your space this winter with some cozy faux fur and stylish sweater pillows! Thanks for reading!  — v.