Vintage Monogrammed No Sew Pillows
We’re sharing how to create vintage monogrammed no sew pillow covers today as we team up with some of our favorite ladies for the Love Is In the Air Blog Hop hosted by the always sweet Laura of Decor to Adore.
If you’re coming over from Stonegable, welcome, we’re excited to have you here.
Speaking of excited, I can’t wait to make Yvonne’s heart-shaped cinnamon rolls.
They look delicious!
Gifting and Treasure Hunting…
Some of my favorite gifts are the ones that start with, “I saw this and thought of you.”
Especially, if someone spots something special while out treasure hunting.
One day, I was searching for pillows for the bench in the entry.
I wanted something that felt well-loved and vintage.
But nothing was striking my fancy.
My Mom was keeping an eye out for me too.
After a few weeks of searching and coming up empty-handed, she found these vintage handkerchiefs and encouraged me to find a way to make the vintage monogrammed pillows I had envisioned in my head, in real life.
But there was one stumbling block, I can’t really sew or embroider.
Finding a Creative Solution to a Common Problem…
Well, technically, that’s not entirely true I guess.
I can sew well enough to make a pillow cover or a set of curtains because you only need straight lines for those.
But I can’t sew on a button or stitch up a rip in a pair of pants or add a zipper to a dress or anything advanced like that.
Of course, I wasn’t going to let that hold me back from making my own vintage monogrammed no sew pillows.
And if you can relate, it shouldn’t hold you back either.
Here’s a look at how to create vintage monogrammed no sew pillows…
Vintage Monogrammed No Sew Pillow Supplies:
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- Linen or Canvas Pillow Cover (We found this one at Hobby Lobby but you can find something similar here on Amazon)
- Vintage Handkerchief (We bought these vintage handkerchiefs from a local charity shop but you can find a similar one here from Amazon)
- Iron-On Embroidered Monogram (We found this one at Hobby Lobby but you can find a similar kit here at Amazon)
- Borax or Oxiclean to Soak Vintage Linens (optional)
- Liquid Stitch
- Brush for Liquid Stitch Application
- Tape Measure or Ruler
- Iron
- Multiple Towels
- Pillow Insert (I size up at least one size to make the pillow extra full)
Vintage Monogrammed No Sew Pillow Steps:
Wash, dry, and iron your canvas pillow cover.
I didn’t take a lot of time ironing mine because I like that rumpled cozy look.
Using caution and care as vintage linens can be delicate wash, dry, and iron your vintage linen fabric or handkerchief.
These handkerchiefs are paper thin and slightly discolored.
So, we soaked them in Borax and hot water for a bit.
While it didn’t take away all the stains, it did help some.
Make sure you allow your handkerchiefs to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Next, lay a thick towel down on an ironing board.
Stack your canvas pillow cover on top of the towel, followed by your vintage linen or handkerchief.
Then measure and line up where you want your monogram.
Once you have your monogram in place, lay another towel over the monogram
Using caution and care as the iron will be hot, iron over the letter as per the directions on your monogram letter packaging.
Flip your vintage fabric or handkerchief over, and again using caution and care as iron will be hot, iron the back of the monogram letter.
After your monogram has been secured to your piece of vintage fabric or handkerchief, lightly brush or apply an appropriate amount of Liquid Stitch just outside of the edge of your fabric.
Press down to make sure your piece of vintage fabric has been secured to your canvas pillow cover.
Allow the Liquid Stitch to dry completely as per the instructions on the back of the bottle.
Display and Enjoy…
Insert your pillow form into your newly created vintage monogrammed no sew pillow cover once the appropriate amount of drying time has passed (we waited a full 24 hours) and enjoy!
I plan to spot treat this vintage monogrammed no sew pillow cover because the vintage handkerchief is incredibly delicate.
I’ll let you choose the best way to clean yours though.
Can you believe how these turned out?
The vintage handkerchief totally dressed up the basic canvas pillow cover for very little money or effort.
Bonus these vintage monogrammed no sew pillows are so neutral, that we can use them in any season and any room in the house.
Plus, they make a fabulous, “I saw this and thought of you” gift too!
Up Next on the Love Is In the Air Blog Hop…
My amazing friend, Michelle, is up next on the Love Is In The Air Blog Hop.
I can’t wait to find out how she made those adorable felt heart cactus.
This is such a great time of year to snuggle up and craft, you know?
Once you’re finished there be sure to check out what the rest of these fabulous ladies are sharing!
Other Valentine’s Day Posts to Explore…
Countdown to Valentine’s Day Calendar for Dogs
How to Upcycle a Thrift Store Tray with Decoupage
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
These are beautiful. I have some vintage pieces from my Grandmother that have been sitting in a box the closet. I need to take them out & enjoy them on a pillow. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing
You are so very welcome Sarah! I too have pieces from my Granny just sitting around waiting for a chance to be used. Hopefully, we’ll both be able to give them new life. Can’t wait to see how your pillow turns out. Hugs, CoCo
Good for you to come up with a no-sew method. I have been sewing since I was 3. My mother and grandmother were both dressmakers, and actually have a degree in Fashion Design. I have an entire building on my property for sewing and hobbies. Seriously, My reg machine, a serger, an industrial sewing mach. and an industrial blind hemmer. If you something sewn, just mail it to me.
That is so cool, Josephine! I love you guys are all creative in that way. I swear sewing and dressmaking and design are very special gifts. Hugs, CoCo
The monogram pillow turned out great. Love it!
You’re so sweet, Lizzy, thank you! It was a fun and inexpensive project to make. Let us know if you try it too, hugs, CoCo
CoCo – this looks gorgeous! A perfect no-sew project. As a sewer – I think because these are vintage linens you are better off using a no-sew method. Love the monogram too. Once again you have shared a great method with all of us! Much love!
I love how your pillow turned out, Coco! We’ve got to get you sewing!!! There’s a wide world of things out there that you can do with a sewing machine. 😉 My last name begins with a “C” so it’s nice to see your pillow cover all finished! Tried to pin for you but there isn’t a Pinterest button. <3 Happy to share to my FB page. Stopping over from Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home. Please come and add your post to Share Your Style #175! I am one of the new hostesses this fall.
Have a great weekend and best wishes completing your entryway,
Barb Chapman 🙂
Coco, your pillows are beautiful. What a great project. Hugs and blessings to you, my friend.
CoCo this is such a clever idea! I have a collection of vintage handkerchiefs that are so ready for such a lovely transformation. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful project in today’s hop!
CoCo your monogrammed pillow is so elegant and pretty! I have some handkerchiefs that were my mom’s and I love this idea of creating something useful with them. As always you have inspired me sweet friend!
wow Coco, what an amazing idea for a super easy monogram. I love old linens and this is the perfect personal gift. Thanks for the step by step instructions. I can sew a little like you, but it’s not my favorite, and if I get in over my head I tend to give up on it. The pillow is gorgeous and I love how it mixes with the other linens on your bench. Beautiful!