Simple Upcycled Fabric Leaf Pillow
Love Fall leaves? Craft simple upcycled fabric leaf pillows from vintage fabrics and buttons. Fun Autumn craft for home decor or gifts.
Do you love Fall leaves? We are partial to maple leaves at our house. We live in a yard full of maple trees, boil our own maple syrup, and live in a town with the word “maple” in it. So when wanting to make Autumn pillows with some of my vintage button collection, the maple leaf shape was top priority. Here’s how to make a Simple Upcycled Fabric Leaf Pillow…in whatever version you like!
Vintage Button Collecting and DIY Pillows
In “5+ Easy Ways to Use Vintage Buttons for DIY and Decor” I shared the button pillows I’ve made through the years with my vintage button collection. The button pillows started with a Valentine’s theme, continued to flowers in the summer and a Patriotic flag. I’ve been wanting to add Fall leaf pillows and Christmas versions to the family, but doubted I’d have enough Autumn-colored buttons to make the same type.
Until I started seeing crafters making Christmas tree-shaped pillows the last couple of years. I definitely want to make some this year, but realized I could do the same with a maple leaf. Craft the pillow as the shape and add a couple of fun, big buttons for pizazz! Here’s how:
Simple Upcycled Fabric Leaf Pillow
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Make a Leaf Shape Template
Using a kraft grocery bag, cut out a leaf shape template. You can find leaf shapes online or make your own. Just make sure the edges will be gradual curves that you can sew around. Fold the bag to get both sides of the leaf the same…if you want to make it symmetrical. My template is about 15″ x 9″.
An oak leaf would be fun, too. Maybe that will be next;)
Cut Leaf Shapes From Vintage Blankets and Upcycled Fabrics
I always have a stash of vintage blankets and thrifted fabrics that I want to enjoy in the Fall-cozy wools, pretty plaids and nubby textures. Often old wool blankets are inexpensive (or free) because they have stains. No worries! I don’t want these old treasures going to a landfill; they’re perfect for upcycling.
Fold the fabric/blanket over on itself, right side facing out. Pin the paper leaf template to it. Cut out two shapes at once.
Consider fabric design placement when you’re cutting out the shapes. Even though these are all from the same blanket, I cut each shape in a little different placement, so each leaf pillow will be unique.
Sewing Instructions
Choose a color thread for your sewing machine that will match the fabric. Using a straight stitch, sew 1/4″ around perimeter of leaf shape, leaving 6″+ open at the bottom for your hand to fit in.
I’ve been liking THESE clips to keep the pieces together when sewing. Find all my crafting favorites HERE.
When done sewing, use polyester fiberfill to stuff pillow generously. Sew opening closed when done, matching seam allowance like the rest of the pillow.
Add Vintage Bling
Yes, the pillow could be wonderful just like this. But isn’t everything better with some vintage bling? I think so:)
Choose 3 medium to large buttons to coordinate with the fabric. Coordinate your thread, too, for a fun color pop. Hand sew buttons on from the top side. Your stitches won’t be seen under the buttons.
All done!
Simple Upcycled Fabric Leaf Pillow
These pillows are so fun for Autumn decorating. The more the merrier in different patterns! Yes, you can have them on the sofa, but tuck them in anywhere: in a book case, in a hutch display, in an entryway vignette, on your bed. Maple leaves will be all over my house, just like they’re all over my yard! (actually, these are heading to my booth;)
Yes, I had fun with their photo shoot;) If you’d like more handcrafted Autumn upcycled fabric ideas, check out these:
“Easy DIY Upcycled Fabric Leaf Garland”
“Leafy DIY Fabric Scrap Wreath for Fall”
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