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Apr 2 2014

how to paint a throw pillow

Posted by hayley
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paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

While looking for decorative pillows for Songbird’s bed, I came across this adorable anchor design. But $52 for a 20″x 20″ pillow?! I didn’t like it that much.

Naturally I decided to make it myself. I already had an unused throw pillow insert and white fabric left over from another project. Since I was sewing my own pillow, I cut two squares of fabric to size first. However, this technique can still work if you’re starting with a pre-sewn pillow cover.

To make the stripes, I used plain ‘ole painters tape. Since the tape was already 2″ thick, I just used a small piece of it as a spacer to mark off equidistant stripes.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Did you know you can paint fabric with latex house paint? True story. When dry, the paint is flexible and feels smooth. Since I wanted the colors to match what I had already used in Songbird’s room, I got out the sample-sized tester jars that I used for her ombre scalloped wall.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Apply 2-3 coats with a small brush.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

The fabric may bubble a little, but you can run an iron on low over the back side of the painted areas to flatten them once the paint is entirely dry. (Never place a hot iron directly onto latex paint!)

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Once the stripes were dry, I cut the anchor shape out of freezer paper (tutorial here). To make sure the stencil was properly positioned when the pillow was full, I sewed the pillow on 3 sides and slid in the insert. Then I pinned it in place. To protect my iron from the stripe paint, I placed a piece of parchment paper on top of the stencil when I ironed it on.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

The stencil didn’t adhere very well my textured fabric, so I used a detail brush to clean up those edges.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

And because I am terrible at blind stitching by hand, I bought a zipper and finished the pillow that way.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Ultimately, the zipper was my only cost for this awesome accent pillow – $3! Got exactly what I wanted for a price I can live with.

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

paint a throw pillow  |  greyhouseharbor.com

*** Please keep in mind that latex house paint is NOT machine washable. Since this is a decorative pillow I figured that wasn’t a big deal; I can spot wash it if needed. I recommend using fabric paint if you desire washability.

Tags: diy, diy home improvement, paint techniques, painting, songbirds room

Comments (7)

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  1. heatherbquinn
    April 5, 2014

    I LOVE the anchor print and stripes! Please consider joining my Light It Up Blue link-up for Autism Awareness: http://notjustbrides.blogspot.com/2014/04/light-it-up-blue.html

    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Pingback: 14 Ways to Use Pastels this Spring - Inspiration Gallery Features - The Golden Sycamore April 6, 2014

    […] How to Paint a Throw Pillow from Grey House Harbor […]

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    […] How to Paint a Throw Pillow from Grey House Harbor […]

  4. Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer
    April 7, 2014

    So pretty! I’m getting ready to do something very similar with the stripes, have my fabric already cut and ready to go. I never thought of embellishing it further though…hmmm got me thinking now. :) Definitely pinning!

    Reply
  5. Pingback: songbird's room : before & after | Grey House Harbor September 7, 2014

    […] hardwired new lighting, handpainted the clock detailing, sewed new pillowcases, sewed and painted accent pillows, built a wall mirror, strung a fabric garland, played art director for a tiny artist, made a chore […]

  6. Pingback: The Inspiration Gallery features December 9, 2014

    […] Chairs from Gates of Crystal Modern Easter Egg Garland from Nalle’s House How to Paint a Throw Pillow from Grey House Harbor Creating a Spring Vignette from Maison de Pax Repurposed […]

  7. Pingback: Painted Stripe Nautical Pillow with Anchor - KnockOffDecor.com November 3, 2021

    […] looking for decorative pillows for her daughter’s bedroom, Hayley from Grey House Harbor came across an adorable anchor design. But $52 for a 20″x 20″ pillow?!? Hayley says she […]

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I'm Hayley. Wife and mother by day, DIY enthusiast by night. Fueled by sweet tea and jelly beans, I own power tools and know how to use them. Consider yourself warned.

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