We are entering week three of the One Room Challenge and it’s time to check off another DIY project to makeover my apartment balcony. If you missed the previous weeks, you can read more here. This post is going to walk through how to make outdoor pillows and a DIY dog bed – no sewing required.
Because I live in an apartment, I am finding solutions to makeover the balcony without using large tools such as a circular saw or a sewing machine. And because my dog loves spending time out on our balcony, I am also using similar techniques to create a DIY dog bed. If you are in a similar situation, I recommend using this no sew pillow tutorial to make your own DIY throw pillows.
Supplies needed to make no sew outdoor pillows or dog bed
Here are all of the supplies you need to make two outdoor throw pillows:
- About two yards of outdoor fabric
- Fabri-tac
- Scissors
- Pillow filling
- Measuring tape
- Zipper (optional see dog bed instructions)
You can also use the same supplies above to make a DIY dog bed – so if you’re going to make all three then double the fabric.
What fabric adhesive should you use?
When choosing a fabric adhesive, there are a lot of options out there. I used fabri-tac after getting a recommendation from a worker at my local Joann Fabrics store.
Some of the things that were important to me were that the glue wouldn’t soak into the fabric and that I could wash the pillow covers afterwards if needed. Another benefit of fabri-tac is that it does not require heat like some adhesives do.
Steps to make a no sew throw pillow
Here are the steps to make your own outdoor pillows with no sewing required.
1. Cut the fabric
The first step is to measure and cut your fabric. To create an envelope back, you’ll just cut a single piece of fabric per pillow. Measure your pillow form, for the length you will double it and add 5 inches so it can overlap in the back. The width will be the same as your pillow form plus once inch for the seam allowance.
Use your measuring tape to find your dimensions and mark the measurements on the fabric using a pencil. Then use your scissors to cut the fabric.
2. Fold the fabric
Lay your fabric face up vertically. Fold the top and bottom so that they overlap by a few inches – this will be the envelope in the back.
3. Glue the side edges
Now that your fabric is folded, you will glue the side edges together using the fabri-tac or other fabric glue of your choice. Because you folded the fabric, you won’t need to secure the top and bottom edges that are already connected.
4. Let the pillow dry
Once you apply the glue, set aside the fabric to dry for a few hours to make sure the glue has fully set. I’ve found it helpful to use clips to hold the edges together while the glue dries. I just used some binder clips I already had laying around my house, but any clip you have will work.
5. Cut the corners of the fabric
Now that your pillow cover has had time to dry, cut the corners of the fabric. This will give your pillows more finished edges rather than really pointy corners.
6. Stuff the pillow
Next, turn the fabric right-side out. Now, using the opening in the back you will finish the pillow by stuffing it with the filling or your pillow base.
Steps to make a no sew dog bed
The steps to make a DIY no sew dog bed are really similar to the pillow tutorial above, however I decided to add a zipper instead of the envelop enclosure. If you’d like to make your own, follow these steps!
1. Cut the fabric
The first step is to measure and cut your fabric. The dimensions will depend on how big your dog is and how big you want the dog bed to be. I created a dog bed that was 49 in. x 22 in and would be good for dogs up to 40 pounds. If you have a larger dog, adjust the measurements as needed.
You will want to cut one piece of fabric that is twice your desired width by your desired length. To do that for example, I cut a piece of fabric that was 44 in. x 49 in.
Use your measuring tape to find your dimensions and mark the measurements on the fabric using a pencil. Then use your scissors to cut the fabric.
2. Fold the fabric
Fold the fabric in half with the back side of the fabric facing out. The fabric should be folded to make the desired dimensions of the dog bed.
3. Glue the side edges and zipper
Now that your fabric is folded, you will glue the side edges together using the fabri-tac or other fabric glue of your choice leaving enough space for a zipper. Because you folded the fabric, you won’t need to secure the edge that is already connected.
I recommend using a zipper that is about four inches smaller than the side you are putting it on. Use the fabric adhesive to attach the zipper. Because the fabric is currently inside out, be sure to orient the zipper with the back facing out.
4. Let the pillow dry
Once you apply the glue, set aside the fabric to dry for a few hours to make sure the glue has fully set. I’ve found it helpful to use clips to hold the edges together while the glue dries. As I said above, I just used some binder clips I already had laying around my house, but any clip you have will work.
5. Cut the corners of the fabric
Now that your pillow cover has had time to dry, cut the corners of the fabric. This will give your dog bed more finished edges rather than really pointy corners.
6. Stuff the dog bed
Next, turn the fabric right-side out. Now, using the opening from the zipper you will finish the dog by stuffing it with the filling or your base.
Now your DIY outdoor pillows and dog bed are ready to be added to your outdoor space!
Making a DIY throw pillow or dog bed without a sewing machine or sewing skills can feel daunting, but with some fabric glue you can make something just as good.
Stay tuned next week for my next One Room Challenge DIY project.