Sunday, January 17, 2010

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! 
.

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


57 comments:

  1. I love a good copycat! Those are awesome! You did a great job finding a font so similar.

    ReplyDelete
  2. very nice! if only i could sew. . . :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW!! Your pillows turned out great!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome job. And thanks for the tutorial.

    tammy

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved the pillows when I saw them at PB...you did a spectac job! Wanna make some for me? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Those are cute! Thanks for the tutorial, I definitely want to do this.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Absolutely a wonderful job. Your pics look like the are from a catalog. I really like the font you used. I haven't used the freezer paper technique, yet, but it's in my future.

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are outstanding!!! Really great job and thanks for the detailed how-to. Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well done! I love your's and am inspired to try my own! LOVE them!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your pillows turned out great! I just saw them In PB yesterday and considered buying them. Anything with numbers is HOT, HOT, HOT, right now! --Delores

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is just too sweet. I know numbers are the big thing right now. Too cute. Just thought I would let you know.
    We are having a just because giveaway
    $50 gift certificate.
    No need to folllow or twiiter, or blog, just say what you think you might like and leave a comment.

    http://gafoodies.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. That is so great. Thanks for such good instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oooohhh.....I've been thinking about doing these. Good job! Thanks for the instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow! Very nice and yours look as good as the PB ones. Thanks for showing us how.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow- I would never be able to tell the difference. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kelly, This is a wonderful project and a very well done tutorial! I love these numbered pillows and they are so updated. I could see using your tutorial to stensil monograms, sillouttes and so much more on a pillow.
    Thank you so much!
    Your pillows are pottery barn worthy- and then some!
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  17. very cool. I would probably have finger prints every where on the pillows. lol.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Super cute and they look so much like PB - job well done !
    Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love these! I might have to copy them with navy blue paint for our bedroom. ;) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a great idea! I like how these turned out, and I definitely want to try this technique.

    ReplyDelete
  21. these look so great thanks for the instructions

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! These look great! I've been admiring those pillows in their catalog.

    ReplyDelete
  23. WOW, these turned out great. You and your sewing machine have now reached a new level of understanding. All is well. It's nice to meet you got to go follow you now.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nice job, and I am so glad you and your sewing machine are becoming friends again. Just pet her once in a while, sewing machines like that. Oh and for the tricky parts, talk to her. I always do and she is usually very friendly to me.

    ReplyDelete
  25. FANTASTIC JOB!!! You look like a seamstress to me!! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great work! These look super...nice tutorial too!

    love, kelee

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very nice!
    And it looks like the sewing machine cooperated. :-)

    Kimberly

    ReplyDelete
  28. These are terrific, and so professional looking. I think I like them better then your inspiration! Great job, and I'm for sure going to use that wax paper tip! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love your pillows! The PB pillows idea has been on my idea board for a month now-- I have the pillows but haven't gotten around to cutting my stencils. .. ahh! I love yours! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh...I love your pillows. You did such a great job with the stenciling! They look fabulous! KK

    ReplyDelete
  31. Uber cute my dear! One has to LOVE the perfect mix: DIY & Pottery Barn.

    Cheers~
    e

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love these pillows...and what a great idea using freezer paper! I know what you mean about you and your sewing machine having issues. I try to avoid mine whenever possible.

    ReplyDelete
  33. These are positivley perfect! I've been wanting to add some pizzaz to my couch for awhile - but I didn't want to go pattern crazy or anything like that. These are so great! I am definatly thinking I'll try this. Great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow! Great! Can you make one for me? Just kidding....maybe

    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love those! Great job. Thanks for sharing withe Made it Monday! Jules

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi! I just found your site through The Stories of A to Z where she featured your mantel. I love your ideas and I'm following now!

    ReplyDelete
  37. LOVE these! You have great taste. Just browsed your blog... consider me a groupie :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. They look great. Great minds think alike because I just made my stencils last week to make the same pillows. I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet...story of my life!

    Rachel@ Simply Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  39. These are fabulous! You did a great job - I love the look!! (and the price too!)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love these, I love Pottery Barn, but can not pay there prices so I have to knock them off to. You did a great job, they are perfect. Thanks for sharing, by the way I am now stalking/following you. Can't wait to see what you do next.

    Cha Cha

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great job!! They look just like the PB pillows!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Super, easy to follow instructions! You are good! Love the pillow and I plan to tackle this project next week!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for this great tutorial! I just made mine today, and I LOVE them! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh my gosh! I love the PB pillows and now can make my own. :) Thanks so much for the tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your replicas are absolutely fabulous! Yours look just a good. Thanks for sharing! I've posted a link.

    ReplyDelete
  46. you did such a great job..and a super good job at explaining it so i can follow instructions!! i was in potterybarn last night and fell in love with these pillows, but like you..i did not want to spend 99 dollars!! seriously thank you sooo much for sharing your know how!! i have a really good idea to make similar pillows for my master bedroom..i am going to put our initals for each side of the bed..i'm excited! thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Awesome instructions! I've been eyeing those pillows for weeks but even on sale they are out of my decorating budget. Just finished my first pillow and it looks so great. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Kelly! I'm coming to you by way of Carly over at Humble Housekeeping. Her pillow project, inspired and credited to yours, is the answer to my ongoing decor conundrum! I've been looking for months for the perfect accent pillows for my couch, and am thrilled to have your tutorial in hand! Your newest follower, Jenn/Rook No. 17

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for sharing informative content, keep sharing quality content.

    The CRM software in Delhi is a boon for the entrepreneurs and business people in India since it helps in the lead Management process. It offers potential leads and enables your team to hold it and close the deal faster which is extremely useful for your business growth.

    ReplyDelete