Burlap Hand-painted Pillow Tutorial

Swapping out pillows, or pillow covers, is a great way to change up your decor. Holiday Pillows, used from year to year, make quick work of the decorating. There are so many things to get done, in November and December, I always welcome a quick and easy option. This Burlap Handpainted Pillow will add charm to any home.

Hi! It’s Nikki. I’m back to hang out, virtually, with Debbie again. <Thanks Debbie.> And to share another Handpainted Pillow tutorial. This is one of my favorites. I hope that it becomes one of your favorites too.

As the owner of the Make Lemonade Shop, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as “too many pillows“. And I’ve always loved the song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. I’m not a huge fan of winter, but Bing & Doris make it sound so charming, don’t they?

Getting a Straight Cut on Burlap

This pillow combines so many things that I love. The holidays, the song and burlap.

The very first thing you need to do is square your fabric.

Huge tip: buy more than you need.

The front and back of this pillow is 18″ x 18″. Normally, I could make 2 pillows from 1 yard of fabric.  But rarely is burlap wound on the bolt with a straight weave. The result? A visibly crooked pattern on the pillow top.

Begin at the top of your cut fabric. Find the first string of burlap that’s uncut and runs from side to side. Use a seam ripper to pull the string out of the fabric. Cut the fabric along this line for a straight cut.

Then measure 18″ wide, and then again 18″ in depth. Pull those strings, cut on the line. Now you have a perfectly squared piece of burlap for your design.

If you need more clarification, pop over to the Pillow Tutorial section on my site and watch this video; Getting a Straight Cut on Burlap.

Supplies for Handpainted Pillow

Handpainted Pillow-Make the Stencils

Step One: Grab the graphics and cut the 3 stencils. One of the script graphic and one of each snowflake.

Cut a piece of freezer paper 18″ x 18″, find the center of the paper and line up your graphic.

Secure the graphic with masking tape. Cut along the Script. Use a new, sharp blade. Save the small pieces from inside the “a, s, o, l, d”.

Center and iron the stencil onto the burlap using medium high heat. Then add the pieces to the “a, s, o, l, d”, press.

Paint the Stencils

Step Two: using Black Fabric Paint and Bristle Brush, paint the stencil. Dip brush into the paint, pounce a few times to remove excess.

Rub the brush, in a circular motion, over the stencil-gently. You don’t want the stencil to lift.  Make sure that the bristles are getting down into the crevices of the burlap.

Paint a light coat of black, let it dry for 30 minutes, paint a second light coat. Let dry 10 minutes and peel off the stencil.

Add dots to the “i’s” and apostrophy, with small round paintbrush.

Dry completely, 2 or 3 hours, before moving to the next step.

Add Snowflakes to Your Handpainted Pillow

Step Three: Place snowflake stencils on the design. Add them wherever you choose. Iron with medium high heat.

Use the bristle brush and white paint, in a circular motion, to paint snowflakes. Get down into the weave of the burlap.

Let dry 10 minutes and paint a second coat of white.

Let dry. Then add 2 coats of the Diamond Glitter paint to the snowflakes with the small round brush.

Remove stencils.

Dry, at least 2 hours, before proceeding.

Putting together the Handpainted Pillow

Step Four: Pin the lining fabric to the backside of the burlap. Baste together.

Pin front and back sides of the pillow together, sew with a 5/8 inch seam. Leave a 10″ opening in the bottom of the pillowcase.

Zigzag this entire seam, except for opening. I do it twice, to ensure that the burlap does not ravel.

Turn pillowcase to the right side. Use a chopstick (or other pointed object) to push out the corners for a nice crisp edge.

Stuff the insert inside the case.

Pin the opening closed. Stitch with a 1/2″ seam.

Allow paint to dry for 24 hours, cover design with pressing cloth, and set the paint with hot iron.

Enjoy the Holidays

Although I’m not a lover of the cold and snow, I do love the Holidays. The air is filled with expectation and joy. Everyone is kinder. Children are so excited, it’s contagious.

Add this handpainted pillow to your Holiday Decor. Make a few to give away.

Relax with a cup of hot cocoa next to a roaring fire. Put your feet up, snuggle in with your new pillow and listen to Bing & Doris. Cause “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”<cue sigh of contentment> Isn’t that nice?

Happy Holidays!

(P.S. there are a few more Handpainted Pillow Tutorials on the blog, come over and grab them)