Copycat Pottery Barn Number Pillow Covers

This was a challenging craft for me for the simple fact that it involved my sewing machine.  In the past her and I have had issues, meaning we haven't exactly seen eye to eye.  I think she hates me but I brought her out anyway and I begged her tried to make peace with her.  Apparently shes feeling a little neglected so I sucked it up and promised to bring her out more often.  I think it worked because I had a lot of fun with her and hope to bring her out again soon.   So back to my project, I really liked the look of the Pottery Barn number pillow covers but really didn't want to shell out $99 for them so off I went to try and recreate them.  Mine do not have the definition on the back which I do think is really cute but since I saved over $80 I think I can live without them.

Warning: Long post of instructions so if you just want the "after", scroll to the bottom.

The inspiration:

(Pottery Barn)                                                                                                    (Pottery Barn)

(Pottery Barn)

Tools:

1. Approx 2 1/2 yds of fabric (I used cotton/linen) for four 18" pillows

2.  Fray Check

3.  Black Fabric Paint

4.  Freezer Paper (MUST be freezer paper, smooth on one side, waxy on the other... DO NOT use wax paper)

5.  Sewing Machine (although this is optional since many of you make pillow no-sew pillow covers)

6.  Iron

Step 1:   Cut the fabric

 I cut the fabric to approx 21 inches square and applied fray check to the edges so they wouldn't...well....fray.  I let them dry according to the directions on the bottle.  You'll  want to wash the fabric after this has dried  to allow for shrinking.

Step 2:  Making the stencil

I first printed out the number using font 'Engravers MT' in Microsoft word.  I printed it using font size 750 (as large as I could get it printed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper).  Next I took that print out and scanned it on my printer and allowed it to fill the page.  The number ended up being 9 1/4" tall and 7 1/4" wide.  You could also take your printout to a copy machine or printing company and have them enlarge the numbers for you.  After I printed out my large numbers, I taped the page down to the smooth side of a piece of freezer paper and cut out just the number.  You can then remove the printer paper from the freezer paper.  Keep the freezer paper, toss the printout.

Step 3:  Mark, Pin and Sew Pillow Covers

You can skip this step if you already know how to make your own pillow cover...no sew or otherwise. I laid two fabric pieces together wrong sides out and measured in 1 inch from each side and traced a straight line all around making my sewing line 19 inches square.  I used a pencil since it's the inside of the pillow. Those of you that sew are probably cringing right now that I used a pencil.  It's not like it was a sharpie or anything.  I then pinned the two layers together and sewed three sides of the pillow cover closed, leaving one side open, because...duh you have to get a pillow in somehow.  I say this because I was flying along with my first pillow and realized I had sewn 1/4 of the 4th side shut! 

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Step 4:  Iron on the Stencil

I first ironed the fabric (use the correct setting for whatever fabric you are using), then I laid a square sheet of freezer paper approx the size or larger than the stencil itself waxy side up between the fabric layers then center the stencil on the top layer of the fabric waxy side down.  Iron over the stencil until it is nicely adhered to your fabric (cool huh???).  I loved this part!  The freezer paper in between the fabric layers isn't entirely needed, but it does come in handy when you paint the fabric as it keeps the paint from bleeding onto the other side of the fabric.  Really it's just an added layer of security.

Step 5:  Painting

For the painting, I used black fabric paint diluted just a little bit with water to make the black...well...a little less black.  I used a sponge paint brush to apply.  I also slipped a piece of cardboard in between the layers of fabric to make it a bit sturdier to paint on and to be sure my paint wouldn't bleed anywhere even though I had the freezer paper in place. 

UGGGHHH...and no matter how good I try to be with the paint, my stupid finger had a little bit on it and I touched the number 3 pillow.  Darn finger.

Step 6:  Add pillow form and sew shut

I used my four couch pillows that I already had to fill my covers.  Once inside I just pinned the opening closed and ran it along the machine.  It won't be super easy to rip the stitches when I want to change them, but quite honestly I do not have the time nor the patience to hand stitch these closed.  It's definitely not perfect, but it was fast  :)

Voila!  4 new pillows for only a few dollars each!

I am linking up to:

The DIY Showoff - Show and Tell Week

Funky Junk Interiors - Sat Nite Special

Cottage Instincts - Make it for Monday

Between Naps on the Porch - 53rd Metamorphosis Monday

The Persimmon Perch - Made it Monday

Twice Remembered Cottage - Make Your Monday

Blue Cricket Design - Show and Tell

The Thrifty Home - Penny Pinching Party

The Shabby Chic Cottage-Transformation Thursday

Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday