How To: Box Pillows

We're seeing a lot of box pillows recently. They're a natural outside during the warm weather in place of chairs. We found these box pillows from Arthur Lauer, available in a variety of great colours and prints. Smaller ones can add a bit of punch to a sofa of otherwise similar pillows. And, at one of the Dwell on Design Westside Home Tours we saw a ginormous box pillow being used as an alternative headboard...

Serendipitously, we also received an email from Threads a sewing newsletter with detailed instructions on how to sew your own box pillow. Once you master the technique, it can be used to make box pillows in any shape - from traditional square to round to alphabet shaped and from cushion size to headboard size. For full how-tos, including diagrams, click here

Comments (4)

Does anyone know where I can find outdoor upholstery fabric in solid colors? I recently inherited some patio furniture and cushions, both in good shape, except the cushions are covered in an out-of-date print. I'd like to keep the cushions and recover them in a box pillow style with contrasting piping. The challenge seems to be finding solid colors to work with. Mostly I've just seen prints and stripes for outdoor fabrics.

posted by boom4real on June 12th 2008 at 5:17pm
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Look on Ebay under "sunbrella fabric"
Sunbrella is the brand you want-it will last forever. I'm currently watching a few auctions for it myself, most coming in @ around $8/yard incl. shipping costs, and this is for 60" fabric!

posted by aweekinparis on June 12th 2008 at 5:37pm
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Most fabric stores that sell home decor fabrics will have outdoor choices. You could also try a store that specializes in boating equipment - there are often really durable cheap outdoor fabrics meant for nautical applications (so you know it'll withstand a little rain!)

posted by miss_mouse on June 12th 2008 at 6:32pm
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boom4real, we have Narain's in Berkeley; where are you? If not nearby, use the google and ask for "outdoor fabric."

http://www.yelp.com/biz/narains-outdoor-sewing-and-fabric-berkeley

posted by swanroad on June 12th 2008 at 6:38pm
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