After discovering the Pinterest Challenge earlier this week, my mind immediately jumped to the beautiful grain sack pillows I’ve been seeing splashed all over the blogoshpere. The warmth and texture they add to a room is absolutely delightful. Another bonus (at least in my circus-like household) is that the material used is sturdy enough to hold up to a three-year-old and two large dogs, but still offers beauty and sophistication.
But as much as I like the look of burlap, I’ve found that using painters drop cloths makes for a much cuddlier pillow, as they’re a heckofa lot softer while still providing the wonderfully uneven, grainy texture of burlap. And best of all, they’re available for dirt cheap at any home improvement store like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Inspiration truly struck while drooling oogling seriously considering shoplifting looking at these:
Restoration Hardware, $28 - $54 each
Anything expensive usually gets my creative juices flowing, because I’m cheap frugal enough to find a low-cost solution. This is especially important in this case, because I lurve me some pillows. It’s embarrassing to admit how many I own; let’s just say I need them for any surface that’s even remotely comfortable: beds, chairs, benches, window seats, floors…
… What?
Oh, your visitors don’t prefer lounging on the carpet to sitting on the couch? Must be a Southern California thing… Or maybe we just have weird friends. ^_^
With a pillow-fetish like mine, things can get extremely pricey (hel-lo, have you seen the new Pottery Barn catalog?) In order to combat my addiction, I’ve been buying second-hand pillows at Goodwill, thrift shops, and even garage sales (if the merchandise looks clean and decent.) =}
However my selections have always been limited because many of these pillows are just, well… ugly, which is why they were given up in the first place. But I always end up buying them, because there’s nothing sadder than a pillow with good bones collecting dust when it would rather be continually jumped on by a rambunctious toddler. Or pulled off the couch and used as a dog bed (yes, my dogs do this).
But after reading this post, it won’t matter how urgly (yes, urgly) your pillow might be, because I’m going to show you how to breathe new life into that poufy baby and make it look like it came from a beautiful, over-priced shop (Pottery Barn here we come)!! ^_^ I prefer to make removable pillow cases so I can update them for the holidays, or can recycle the original pillows if my tastes ever change. (Not likely because I love the beach too much. But still.)
At first glance, this tutorial looks quite involved, time-consuming, and only for pro-sewers. But I assure you, this is one of the easiest sewing projects around, and it only looks so involved because it takes a lot of explaining. Once you’ve completed it for the first time, you can do it again in a snap (like, literally 15 – 20 minutes). Here’s how:
You will also need an iron, a pen or pencil, and straight pins. I can never seem to get everything into one shot, can I? *Insert eye roll*
**NOTE: In order for this transfer to work, it must be printed out on a XEROX PHASER laser printer. Kinko’s and Staples usually have them, and sometimes you can find them used by a business for a reasonable price. You must use this kind of printer!!! The Citrasolv reacts to the toner, and unfortunately won’t work with your everyday home office inkjet printer.
It’s also recommended that you “mirror” your graphic before printing, especially if there are words on your image. This means the image will print backwards, and will look as if you were holding it up to a mirror.
If you’re unsure how to “mirror” your image, ask the kind people behind the counter at Kinko’s or Staples to do it for you. You can either bring your image in on a memory stick, or print it out on an inkjet printer and ask them to copy it on the Xerox Phaser printer.
step 1: Remove the old, stained cover from your pillow (if applicable).
step 2: Measure your pillow (or the removed pillow case). My pillow was 19 inches x 19 inches.
step 3: We’re going to make the back panels first. (Another benefit of using drop cloths is that all four sides come pre-hemmed, which means you can save yourself a step and use these hems on the back panels of your pillow.) Measure and mark the length of your pillow on the side with the hem (19 inches in my case).
**NOTE: I purposely cut my panels to the same size as my pillows, without adding any seam allowance. This makes for a nicely plump pillow with a taught case. =]
step 4: Now we’re going to measure and mark the width of the back panels. As I mentioned, my pillow is 19” x 19”. To get the correct measurements for your back panels, take the width of your pillow and divide it by two, then add three. This creates overlapping panels in the back that open enough to slip the pillow firmly inside the case.
So for example (using my particular pillow measurements):
19” ÷ 2 = 9.5”
9.5” + 3 = 12.5” <— Mark this width
step 5: I have to admit, I have next to no sewing talent. I can barely cut a straight line, and have ended up having to do many projects over because of my wonky and over-exuberant fabric slashing. In order to prevent this from happening, I now line up my measurements and play connect the dots, which makes for easy (and correct) cutting later.
step 6: After dotting the fabric, here is what your panel should look like thus far.
step 7: Cut your panel out.
step 8: Repeat this process with your second back panel, as well as a front panel that is the same size as your pillow (19” x 19” in my case).
step 9: Iron your fabric panels using the “Linen”, or high heat setting on your iron. This step is optional, unless you’re completely anal like me and just can’t handle irregular creases.
step 10: Place your image face down on your front panel, and tape in place. Be sure not to tape over any of your image, as this will hinder the transferring process. You can also trim any words you have down to size.
step 11: Pour a tiny bit of Citrasolv into a small bowl, and use your paint brush to dab it onto your image. I have to emphasize that A LITTLE BIT of Citrasolv goes a very long way. It took me about a tablespoon to cover my entire image, which was just the right amount.
step 12: Continue until your entire image is covered.
step 13: Using your spoon, press down hard and rub in circular motions over your entire image. It shouldn’t take too much effort – you’ll know you’ve used the right amount of Citrasolv if the image transfers relatively easily.
step 14: Peek under one of your corners to see how it’s coming along. If you’re image is very light and isn’t transferring well, simply add a bit more Citrasolv and keep rubbing with the spoon.
step 15: When your image is adequately burnished, peel off the paper and trash it immediately; if the Citrasolv is left on the carpet or another piece of fabric accidentally, it could leach into that other fabric.
step 16: Iron your image to set it. It’s now washable and won’t come off, even when bleach is used. Now that’s what I call a transfer!! ^_^
step 17: Lay your front panel face-up on a hard surface, then place one of your back panels on top of it, face-down.
step 18: Pin your back panel into place.
step 19: Place your second panel in place, and remove any pins that would be underneath the overlapping section.
step 20: Pin your second back panel into place.
step 21: Sew your pillow case together using a straight stitch across all four sides, taking the pins out as you sew so you don’t accidentally break your needle. I also like to backstitch at the beginning and end of all sides, just for added strength.
step 22: Trim the excess fabric off all four corners.
step 23: Turn your pillow case rightside-out and use a pencil or chopstick to push the corners into a nice point. Then slide your pillow into the case, and you’re done!! Easiest sewing project ever, right? Good job!!
There you have it. An adorable (and expensive-looking) boutique style pillow, all for about $6 (and that will make multiple pillows, too!)
An homage to one of my favorite places in the world. ^_^
I hope you find this tutorial helpful!! I really like it for it’s versatility, as you can use it to make different kinds of pillows for different kinds of people using different kinds of fabric and different kinds of graphics. Whew, out of breath on that one. But you get what I mean., right?
… Right?
Maybe not. =} Either way, thanks for reading. Happy crafting, and happy pinning!!
BEAUTIFULLY done!!
Thank you so much, Deborah!! =]
This is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to try it myself! I’ve loved those same pillows from Restoration Hardware for ages but just can’t justify spending that much – thanks for creating the perfect solution!
Thanks for the kind words, Beth!! I’m thrilled that I’m able to help. ^_^
You wrote up a great tutorial! And your pillow is so pretty and beachy.
Awww, thanks a bunch, Donna!! It means the world to me when my readers like my tutorials. ^_^
Looks lovely! Thanks for sharing the tutorial at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.
Thank you again, Sarah!! You are, as always, the blog queen!! ^_^
These look so fantastic! Thanks for the tutorial!
You’re so welcome, Laurel. ^_^ It truly is a pleasure to be able to share with my readers. Thanks for the kind words!!
I have seen this done before and and I wanted to try it then forgot. Until now! Thanks for the tutorial I can’t wait to do this! Your pillow looks awesome! I hope you will come show this off at my VIP Party today. http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/vip-party-22.html
Thanks so much for the kind comments and the invite to your party, Sommer!! Consider me not just your newest follower, but also you newest weekly party-goer!! ^_^
This is awesome! You did a great job with this and I love the tutorial so I can steal it! haha
Bekah
lol, Thanks Bekah!! Steal away, but just send me some pictures!! ^_^
Your pillow turned out beautiful! Your knock off is better than the original!
I would love for you to link up your post at my Savvy HomeMade blog party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/2011/08/07/bog-party-2
I am a new follower!
Wow Erin!! Now that’s a compliment!! ^_^ Thank you so much for following me, as well as for the invite to your party. Can’t wait to see you there. =]
Love it! The mermaid is beautiful.. what an awesome pillow! Good luck with the Pinterest challenge.. Hope you will share your loveliness with my Pink Hippo Party @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2011/08/pink-hippo-party-41.html
Thank you so much for the sweet words of encouragement, Annie!! And thank you as well for the invite to your party. Now that you’ve sent the invite, you won’t be able to get rid of me every week!! ^_^
What a great project with limitless options. Thank you for linking up to Motivated Monday at BeColorful.
I am your newest follower.
Pam
Thank you so much for the sweet comments and for following me, Pam!! Coming from you, those are both huge compliments. I will definitely see you for next week’s party!! ^_^
Great tutorial and pics of doing the picture transfer. I have been dying to try out that technique.
Thanks so much.
Thanks Laurel!! I’d love to hear how yours goes, if you decide to do it. =]
your instructions are so clear and easy! Does the transfer have to be on a special laser transfer paper? If so, what did you use? thanks!
Thanks Cindy!! And the great thing about this technique is that it works with any paper, as long as it’s been printed out on a laser printer. I think it’s got something to do with how the acidity of the Citrasolv reacts with the laser toner (listen to me acting all scientific-y. Pffff… It could be magic that makes it work for all I know!! lol) ^_^
This is wonderful!! Thanks for the tutorial… and you are just darling!!
Awww, thanks Abby!! ^_^ And I’m so happy that you liked the tutorial.
Will this same process work with colored inks too?
Hi Mari!! I’ve found that black on white is much crisper than color. However, as I was telling Shauna, if you were able to place a bold stroke around everything (like a coloring book), it might come out beautiful. It also might come out wonky. lol, The point is I’m not quite sure since I’ve never done it. But I promise to investigate and let you know!! ^_-
So cool! Have you ever done it with a color image?
Thanks Shauna!! No, I’ve personally never done it with a color image, but my friend has. It was pretty, but a bit more watery. The image wasn’t quite as crisp, almost like you were looking at it, well… from under water!! =} But I’ve been thinking about doing another pillow where everything is outlined in dark black lines (like a coloring book); black seems to come out very crisp, so it might look kind of cool. I promise to blog about it once I do it!! ^_^
This project is the sweetest thing I have seen in forever! I love, love, love, and you did a fantastic job on your tutorial. Thank you!
Just a question (or three) though…does the Citrasolv stay in the fabric? Does it rub off on other fabric or clothes? Do you wash it before (or after) sewing?
Thanks for the sweet comments, Arlene!! ^_^ I’m still a baby in blogland, so I appreciate the kind words more than you know. And the answers to your questions are: Yes, no, and if it needs it. =} Once you heat set the Citrasolv into the fabric, it won’t come off – even if you try to bleach it!! It definitely stays put exactly where you want it, and it doesn’t disappear in the washer (which is a must in my house since I have the messiest three-year-old on the planet!!)
As I was reading this tutorial, I kept wondering how it would be to “tea stain” the fabric first. I’ll have to try making one of these. Your’s turned out very nice!
Ooooo!!! That is a good idea!! I use coffee to stain things, but I bet that rich color would look lovely!! And it would end up looking more like burlap if that was the look you were going for.
Just found your blog through Knock Off Decor and I’m loving it already! I have a similar pillow addiction and am already using drop cloths around the house as curtains! But hadn’t thought to use them for pillows- especially Custom ones!! Thanks for the great idea and tutorial!!
Thank you so much, Rosa!! I just discovered drop cloths a few short weeks ago, and I know I’m going to be using it for more than just pillows. I’ll have to come visit you for ideas!! ^_^ Thanks for stopping by.
I love it! Great job! Awesome and detailed tutorial too.
Thanks Jenny!! ^_^
I am so glad you showed us how to do this!! I’ve been wanting to give it a try! Thanks so much!
Thanks for the kind words, Stephanie!! I can’t wait to hear how your project comes out!! ^_^
You did an amazing job, and provided great instructions for the rest of us! How in the world did you ever figure this out? I’m so excited to already know what I’m making our teachers for Christmas! How’s that for planning ahead?
Thanks, Lesley!! And I think that planning that far ahead is brilliant, because many people end up waiting until the very last minute, which makes for even more stress and anxiety during the holiday season. And I found out about this technique when my husband was in the military, from a fellow craftaholic Army wife. ^_^ Tips of the trade that I’m proud to share with my lovely readers!!
Beautifully done! This may seem like a no-brainer, but do you know if this transfer technique would work on other fabrics?
Thanks so much, Lucy!! And as far as I know, the Citrasolv transfer works on all kinds of fabric. However, there are some things to consider when choosing the fabric for a specific project:
1.) If you have a lot of detail in your image, you will want to use a smooth, tightly woven fabric so that none of that detail is lost (think t-shirt jersey).
2.) A “canvasy” type fabric (like drop cloth) takes a little more elbow grease to burnish, and produces slightly faded and uneven results. This makes for a very convincing vintage look, so plan accordingly depending on what kind of look you’re going for!
WHAT A GREAT TECHNIQUE!!! I loved those restoration hardware pillows too and hand painted my image on raw canvas and used unbleached cotton on the back since the canvas wasn’t very soft but liked the texture…when my husband wants to lay down he flips it over to the soft side. But wow, this technique saves SOOOO much time…Mine took a lot longer to transfer! I’ve been wanting to make more so I’m glad Knock Off featured you so I can save myself some time on the next ones! You can see my restoration pillows here http://candacecreations.blogspot.com/2011/07/restoration-hardware-inspired-pillows.html
Me again!
I went back an edited my post with a similar project and linked to yours at the end as an easier/faster way to do it!
http://candacecreations.blogspot.com/2011/07/restoration-hardware-inspired-pillows.html
I already said it once but it is worth saying again. Your pillow turned out beautiful! Thank you so much for linking up and partying at Home Savvy this week!
Awwww, thank you so much, Erin!! I’m honored that you invited me to your link party, and am thrilled to be blogging alongside you in the blogosphere. ^_^ See you at next week’s party!!
I love this idea! When I went to the Citrasolv there are different products.
Which did you use for this?
Thanks
Hi Tina and thanks for the kind words.
I’ve always used the concentrate for this project, which works perfectly and has the added bonus of being around $3. ^_^ And it lasts for-ev-er, especially if you use it strictly for crafting instead of cleaning like I do. I hope this helps!!
Fantastic post! Using drop cloths is genius. I just did my first sewing project (a pillow cover!) and I have about 6 more pillows to cover. I think I may use your tutorial next time. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad that you’ll get good use out of this tutorial, Jessica.
It was a pleasure sharing it with you!! Thanks for the kind words.
Awesome! Great job and great tutorial. You’re so right about how ‘unique’ you can be with this project.
Thank you so much, Petie!! ^_^ And you’re right – you can do so many things with this technique. I’m already thinking of creating drop cloth Christmas stockings for our family… I see a tutorial in the making. =}
I’m a Canadian. I tried to figure out what Citrsolv is from the other emails and gather its a cleaning agent. Where do I find it and is that the brand name?
Hi Bonnie, and welcome!! Yes, you are correct – Citrasolv is the brand of cleaning agent used for this technique. You can go here to see where it’s sold: http://www.citrasolv.com/prodfinder.shtml . Unfortunately I don’t see a map of Canada included there, but you can call the (800) number and ask them directly. They are very nice, and will tell you where you can purchase their product when you give them your address. Just tell them you’re looking for the concentrate. I hope this helps!! ^_^
This post made me smile. Thanks for inspiring me and many others. Really appreciate that you linked up at the Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop.
Ok, I’m really wishing that you could see me through your computer screen, because I’ve totally got that “teary-eyed-grinning-like-a-complete-fool” thing going on right now. =} That’s like, one of the SWEETEST things anyone has ever said to me… You rock, and so does your blog (and your parties!!) lol, I can’t wait to see you next week!! Thank you again for the sweeter-than-fruit-loops comments. ^_^
Nicole, you amaze me with your creativity. Love that pillow. I actually might take you up on this project and make a couple myself. I could use new pillows and you make it all look so easy. Take care
Awww, thanks Valerie!! ^_^ I can’t wait to hear how they come out!! I might just have to send another Laguna Beach pillow your way… ^_-
Thanks for linking this up to my Wickedly Crafty Saturdays! Get ready to show me some more wickedly awesome stuff!
I love your pillows! Thank you for linking to my party!
Of course!! It’s always a joy to link up and then browse around your blog. =] Thank you for the sweet compliment.
I tried the CitraSolv transfer technique today and it won’t work! I went to Office Max and got Toner based black and white copies. These didn’t work….so I went to Kinkos and got some more copies made – which were also toner based (I even checked with the guy at the counter to make sure!). Tried again, following the steps you showed above and NOTHING is transferring! I thought maybe it was my canvas – so I tried it on paper……Nope, nothing. What the heck am I doing wrong. I pushed hard with the spoon added more CitraSolv, etc. Any suggestions???????
Hi Michelle!! I’m so sorry for my late reply. For some reason that my puny brain is unable to grasp, this technique isn’t working for a few people. Unfortunately I have no idea why. I’ve tried to replicate the problem by printing out my designs on as many different laser printers that I could find – even the old school chunker at my local library! Maybe it’s the dry air here in Southern California, or the fact that I eat blueberry pancakes on Wednesday mornings, I don’t know. But every single one has worked for me, and to be quite frank, I’m a bit peeved about it!! I hate the fact that I can’t help my readers!! ={ I’m so sorry… I’ll keep trying, and I promise I’ll let you know if I’m able to find a solution.
Hi Nicole! Just wanted to let you know that I am featured your pinterest inspired pillow on my blog tomorrow @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com HOpe you stop by and grab a featured button!
Amie, you are too cool for school!! ^_^ I’m more than honored to be alongside so many other fabulously talented people. Your feature means more to me than you know. As always, I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized. Thank you again!!
What a great project! I so want to make one of these, but I don’t think there’s a laser printer in my town to save my life. Still, I’m featuring you at I Made It! Monday. Thanks for linking up last week and hope to have you again this week.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for featuring me, Amanda!! I wasn’t able to work on my blog all last week, so this thank you is a week late in coming. But nevertheless, I am so humbled and honored to be featured on such an amazing blog. Thank you again for your sweet words and kind recognition. ^_^
Ingenious!! I absolutely love your pillow! I am in desperate need of new pillows…but I hate the prices!! Definitely going to give this a try!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
I absolutely love this!! Thank you so much, my couch is going to be adorable!
I do have a couple questions..Where can I purchase drop cloth? Can I do the citrasolv transfer on burlap, if I use that to cover my pillow also?
Hello! Thanks for the great tutorial. I love making pillows but have not tried the citrisolv until now. My results were horrible. Not a clear vibrant transfer at all. In fact it was so light you couldn’t even tell what it was. And then the more I researched the more I found that people recommend using this method on tighter weave fabrics. But now that I’m here looking at your pillow it really turned out so beautifully and I have to wonder what I did wrong. Can you tell me did you get your drop cloth at lowes or home depot? Mine was from home depot and I wonder if the weave is different and this is why it didn’t turn out as well. Feel free to stop by my blog to see my troubles with this. I would love any input you can provide. Thanks! http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/but-i-want-to-keep-them.html
Very nice – would love for you to link this up at my Inspired Creations party happening NOW! I would love to have to there!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Nicole – thanks for the great tutorial – love the pillows! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing – come back Thursdays to link up again! I would love to have you!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Hi – really loved your project. It looks like I could probably handle this (even though I am an all thumbs type sewer). Beautiful!
Linda
PS – Hopefully look at my blog as well?
Those turned out great!!! The drop cloth was the perfect choice for the beachy look and the transfer looks awesome! Thanks for sharing this on Fancy This Fridays this last week!!!
Absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to try this out. Thank you so much for suck a great tutorial.
Thank you, Maureen!! I’d love to see any pictures if you do!!