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make a pillow out of a table runner (tutorial)

    Changing out pillows is such a good way to update your home or decorate seasonally, plus they are super easy to make and you can get creative with materials (like using a woven rug or a sparkly tank top or a thrifted sweater).

    Remember the pretty ombre line Target had two years ago? I bought this table runner on sale and have been saving it – not really sure of what to do with it – until I was decorating for Valentine’s day and it was the perfect combination of colors. So I decided to cut it apart and make a pillow.

    table-runner-pillow

    Table runners and place mats are great unconventional materials that come in many different colors and patterns and are often inexpensive.

    Here’s how to make this pillow:

    table-runner-supplies

    // SUPPLIES //

    table runner or placemat (like this, this or this – you just want to make sure it is double sided so that you’ll have a front and back of the pillow)
    pillow insert (I prefer down and choose a size based on table runner/placemat dimensions)
    scissors, pins, seam ripper, sewing machine & thread

    STEP ONE // Cut the table runner to size, leaving a few inches for seam allowance

    cut-and-stuff-pillow

    Then stuff in your pillow.

    If you are using a placemat, you will just need to open up one side seam and slip in your pillow form.

    STEP TWO // fold in your cut sides for a clean closure

    fold-down-seams

    STEP THREE // match up front and back and pin to hold

    pin-pillow

    STEP FOUR // topstitch with a sewing machine

    sew-top-stitch

    Since you will see the topstitch thread,  I used a light pink for the top to match the front of the pillow and a coral pink for the bobbin thread which blends in with the back.

    thread-in-machine

    Cute, so easy and a fun way to add color!

       valentine-pillows-on-linen-sofa

    Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends. Hope it is lovely!

    13 thoughts on “make a pillow out of a table runner (tutorial)”

    1. This is beyond brilliant! Thank you for your practical and CUTE tutorials that you’re always coming out with, and for always being willing to share the wealth!
      One question, where is a good place to buy throw pillow inserts?

      1. IKEA sells square inserts and they are inexpensive. You can also get them at fabric stores or online. Sometimes I’ll buy a pillow at marshalls or homegoods on clearance even if I don’t like the pillow cover if the insert is down – just remove the cover and make a new one and the price is still very low. Potterybarn also sells down inserts – they run sales from time to time so keep looking for those.

    2. A great tutorial…need to find a good table runner now. A quick question…where do you purchase your washi tape through?
      Thanks! Happy Valentines day to you!

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