If you’re in the mood for a creative DIY project that won’t break the bank and can transform your home decor, consider making no-sew pillow covers out of a painter’s tarp. It’s an easy project inspired by the desire for unique, customizable decorations and a love for thrifty crafting. Read on to learn how to seamlessly create no-sew pillow covers from a painter’s tarp using basic supplies.
1. Gather your supplies
- Painter’s tarp. I found one at Walmart for around $10, and it was enough to craft three pillow covers
- Stencil. I used a charming rooster design found at Hobby Lobby
- Sponge brush
- Craft paint. I used black
- Hot glue gun
- Measuring tap
- Sharpie marker
- Fabric to make a bow. I used gingham fabric
- Pillow insert
- Scissors
2. Prepare the materials
Start by measuring and cutting your painter’s tarp. I used an existing pillow cover as a template, but made sure to cut the tarp slightly larger for extra room to work with. For the adorable bow, I simply cut two small squares, tied them together and then hot glued them.
3. Stencil the tarp
After preparing your canvas, place your stencil at the center of one of the cut pieces. Using a sponge brush, carefully paint within the stencil boundaries. Ensure the design is entirely filled in and let it dry completely to prevent smudging.
4. Assemble the no-sew pillow cover
Next, place the two cut tarp pieces on top of each other with the “wrong sides” facing out. Then, use a line of hot glue to secure three sides of the fabric together. Next, turn the pillowcase inside out so that the glued edges are hidden inside.
5. Insert the pillow
With the pillow cover ready, it’s time to insert the pillow. I reused an insert from a pillow I wasn’t using at the time. Stuff it inside the new cover and finalize by gluing the last side shut.
6. Add the finishing touches
To give it a chic finish, attach the pre-made bow to the corner of the pillow cover using a dab of hot glue. Don’t hesitate to add other personal touches like additional stenciling or different kinds of fabric for the bow.
Did you know?
My no-sew pillow was featured in Woman’s Day magazine, the February 16th, 2015 edition.
If you loved this DIY project, find out how to make a no-sew pillow cover from drop cloths.
You and your glue gun absolutely amaze me! How cute!!!! xo Diana
I LOVE this, Debbie! Great job! I have some extra drop cloth from when I did the table skirts in our master bedroom and thought I’d do a couple of pillows and maybe a footstool cover. I also want to try stenciling them since I already have stencils and paint here. Except for a couple of pillow forms, I’m all set to try it!
I think it’s vry smart It came out Beautiful!!
Now you have to make some more for the other chairs lol
Lisa
w what you can do with a painters tarp and a glue gun so cute
I’m a no sew too! I sometimes use pretty place mats, glue three sides, insert pillow or stuffing & glue up 4th side. Voila!! Decorator cushion!
Debbie, that is darling! I MUST find me a rooster stencil!!!!
xo Kris
Thanku!! I have had my tarp ready for awhile but the tension on my sewing machine is seriously messed up. I am not a sewer either :-). But really want to make some pillows!! Now I can!!
Your pillow is too cute, love that rooster stencil it looks adorable on the pillow.
Seriously, cutest pillow, ever!!! Happy Saturday!
Very cute, Debbie! I love the roosters and chickens in black…so classy. Thanks for sharing with us how you made your pillow with no sewing!
This pillow is so adorable!
No sew cute!
Awww and it has roosters!! How easy this looks, but how on earth do you keep your glue gun so clean? Mine is a mess…lol…but it’s years old.
Debbie 🙂
That is a somewhat new glue gun Debbie. I went and bought the high temp one as well…not sure if I love it though. Too many burns to speak of LOL!
Such a sweet pillow Debbie! Love your roo’s and the red check bow!
Blessings,
Cindy
Hey Deb another reason why I love you!!! No sew Kris here loves projects like these where no sewing required. I see all these talented sewers out there and would love to make something sweet but I cannot sew so this was nice to see. I am going to try it. Love the roo’s on the pillow too. It looks perfect on your chair.
Kris
Debbie –
I really like the texture of the painter’s tarp. Looks so cozy on your awesome black and red check chair!
Deb
wow, Love that pillow..will be PINNING
I LOVE the pillow!! The roosters caught my eye initially ( I’m a chicken collector) and then the use of the stencils (which I have tons of from many years ago when stenciling was all the rage!) I’m most assuredly going to have to try this! I’m a new follower via Blog Lovin! Hope you’ll stop by the Little Shack on the Hill for a visit!
Sue
What a super cute pillow. Love the idea of new sew. Great job.
Debbie this is amazing!! I love your pillow, pinning!
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
Love this!!! Well I am a bit partial to roosters…. I have like 3 painters tarps still in the packaging….I am not even sure how they ended up at my house (maybe during construction), but no one has staked claim..until now 🙂
Adorable! I love drop cloth projects, and I love easy. This is a winner on all counts. 🙂
I seriously eat up any pillow that is NO SEW. This speaks my language so don’t you be apologizing for it being easy. Some of us are challenged just at the word pillow.
Bliss
super cute Debbie – I love stenciling on drop cloths too!
Kelly
Happy belated birthday! Your childhood memories post was so sweet and I loved the Glamour shot. I can see where you get your beauty from, your mom is gorgeous! I also wanted to stop by and say how much I love this adorable pillow and no sew makes it even better. I might have to make a trip to Wal-Mart very soon. I hope you have a great week . 🙂
Thank you Melissa:)
That stencil is so darn cute! I love how the pillow turned out and I would never have guessed it is no sew. You are awesome with a glue gun girl!
Hey Debbie, I just started using a glue gun and I don’t know why it took me so long to get one. I have just finished a project using my glue gun. I am going to try this as I am a no sew kinda gal too! New follower on Bloglovin and FB. Thanks for a great blog!
http://evocative-vintage.blogspot.com/2013/04/embellished-tins.html
Such a super cute project – I love the kind of watercolor look of the animals! Take care, Laura
Adorable!
How did I miss this!! Super duper cute!!!~~Angela
Super cute I love it… thanks for sharing.
This is so cute ~ love it!
So adorable Debbie!
Debbie I love your pillow and the fact that its NO SEW is right up my alley! LOL