DIY: Stencil Pillow
January 16th, 2012
I’ve been crushing on this pillow from Vivaterra for a while. Although “You Are My Sunshine” is a great song, I would prefer to have a quote of my choosing on a pillow that I’m going to see everyday. Also, am I the only one that thinks $159 is a bit steep for a pillow? I figured making my own was the perfect solution.
Supplies:
a blank pillow cover (I purchased a nice linen cover here.)
some cardboard
a pencil
a letter stencil (I have this one.)
a fabric marker (My black Sharpie fabric marker worked great!)
After choosing your quote, stuff your pillow cover with some cardboard to keep the marker from bleeding through and to keep the fabric stretched out smooth.
Use a pencil to stencil your quote onto the pillow cover. If you mess up the spacing you can erase the pencil lines and redo them. You can’t fix mistakes when you’re using the fabric marker, so don’t skip the pencil step. (At least I was able to erase on the linen, I don’t know if that would work on other fabrics.)
Once you’ve penciled everything in, go at it with your fabric marker! I found it easiest to use the stencil for the outline of each letter, and then remove the stencil to fill the letters in.
The Sharpie fabric marker packaging didn’t say anything about heat setting the ink, but I will probably press my pillow cover before I wash it, just to be safe.
Mabel approves!
71 Comments
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HelenFebruary 3, 2012 at 6:27 pm
amazing. i love it. I’m going to do Annabel Lee for my pillow. my favorite poem. <3
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LynnFebruary 4, 2012 at 4:39 pm
I am having trouble finding stencils that work well. What size did you use?
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Amanda (wit & whistle)February 6, 2012 at 7:48 pm
I used a 1.25″ stencil. The link to the stencil I used is included above.
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AmandaFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:56 am
I really loved your pillow tutorial, so I bought the fabric sharpie markers, the stencil, and lots of linen (I want to make a couple of different pillows), and I’m mid-way through my first one. It’s looking great so far, but I’ve already used almost the entire blue marker! I was just wondering if you used more than one marker? Your letters are so dark and perfect, and to get mine to look like that I’ve had to go over it a couple of times.
Thanks!
AmandaReply-
Amanda (wit & whistle)February 5, 2012 at 12:00 pm
My black marker was able to do the whole pillow and never ran out of ink. I wonder if the blue ink isn’t as dark, so you have to use more ink to get good coverage? The black one covered in one coat mostly, and I only had to touch up a few places.
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Wine HarlotsFebruary 6, 2012 at 8:53 pm
What a great idea.
I love words on anything, and I’m with you, more than $100 for a pillow seems kinda steep. This way it’s totally custom.
Thanks so much for tip.All the best,
Nannette Eaton
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SueFebruary 6, 2012 at 8:55 pm
I adore this! I want to stencil words onto quilt squares and was wondering if you think that this is something that would hold up well to a lot of washes?
Thanks!Reply -
Inspire Me HeatherFebruary 7, 2012 at 7:34 am
I love your pillow and your blog too – it’s lovely here! I’ve got this linked to my stenciling project post today, for inspiration!
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Jaclyn BishopFebruary 7, 2012 at 12:41 pm
the lorax! what a great quote. thanks for posting this. i have been looking for a great linen pillow cover!
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ClaireFebruary 8, 2012 at 5:35 am
I recently came across your blog via design sponge and I have enjoyed reading your back list of posts…
Mabel completely caught my eye in this one though… what breed is she? She is adorable.
Congrats on the 1000 orders. I’ll be sure to order something one day. Assuming you post to UK. I’ve been admiring the hive print
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Amanda (wit & whistle)February 8, 2012 at 10:11 am
Mabel is a schnauzer/poodle mix. Isn’t she the cutest? Oh, and I do ship to the UK. :)
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ClaireFebruary 8, 2012 at 11:22 am
Absolutely the cutest. Will get my wish list sorted! Thanks for the Lullatone music link. Perked up the remaining hours of my work day no end.
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LucyFebruary 8, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I LOVE your work, your photography and your blog – thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I’ve just move to the US from Australia and trying to figure out which direction I want to take my passion and education in design and although I’m swimming with ideas and still unsure, you’re a great inspiration!Creative juice is infectious!
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Amanda (wit & whistle)February 9, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Thanks so much Lucy, and welcome to the US! :)
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So awesome! Nicely done. I also came across this super cute DYO pillows on thegoodiebag.com. Bubbles, Tag Wall , Hearts, and more.