Decorative Monogram Pillows

An easy way to change up your home decor is by adding new pillows. However, shopping for pillows can be a bit pricy, especially if you need a few of them. It's easier and more affordable than you think to make some of your own. You can customize the size and color, and change them later if you need to.

I made a pair of decorative monogram pillows for my brother-in-law David ("D") and his girlfriend Alex ("A), for Christmas. Earlier in the year, we screen printed initial letters onto pieces of burlap. I know not everyone has screen printing supplies (I don't), but these letters can be made using stencils and paint or even black permanent marker. 

I purchased two 16x16 inch pillow forms from JoAnn Fabrics. Using 40% off coupons, I got them for around $8 each.

Select your fabric, and cut two 18x18 inch squares (this gives you a very generous seam allowance), one for the back and one for the front. If you would like two different patterns on the front (like I did), cut the fabric to the width you want and sew them together to make an 18 inch square. 


Place wrong sides together and pin fabric together. Start sewing (with a 1 inch seam allowance) at the BOTTOM of your pillow fabric, about 2 inches from the end. You will want to leave a large enough opening at the bottom to be able to insert the pillow form. You can use a sewing machine or sew by hand. 


Sew all three sides until you reach the bottom of the fabric again. Sew the bottom side about two inches in. Snip the corners of fabric so they turn right-side out easily. Turn your fabric right-side out. Insert your pillow form. If it fits perfectly snug, pin the opening together and sew it closed. If it's a little loose, you can always turn the fabric wrong-side out again and sew up the sides a little more.  

I used brown corduroy, a pretty pattern and burlap to make these, but the color combinations are endless. You could even make them seasonal. 

Decorative pillows are a quick and easy way to change your decor and add customized style to any room. And they make great gifts!