Update Your Living Room Decor By Sewing A Straight Line

Image credit to cedwardmoran.

A new look for your living room can be achieved by creating small personal touches on your sofas and armchairs, ottoman, and coffee and end tables, with the help of a handy sewing machine. The great thing about fabrics is that you can use them in various ways around the living room to unify the décor. Simply choose colors and patterns that fit in with the style of your room, and don’t shy away from a brightly colored geometric design for a modern update. You don’t need to be a seamstress to create these easy decorative items.

Update seating by sewing new throw pillows:

First decide on the size of your pillow and the fabric you want to use. You may choose a single design or two different fabrics for the front and back of your pillow. Cut out two equal-sized squares of fabric and place one on top of the other, so that the right side of one is facing the right side of the other. Next sew along three sides of the square, making sure that you leave a half-inch seam allowance.

On the fourth side, sew in from both sides, leaving the middle third of the length open. The open gap will allow you to turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with polyester fiber or chopped foam filling. Finally, hand stitch the opening closed and you have a new handmade throw pillow.

Update an ottoman by sewing a slip cover:

Measure your square or rectangular ottoman, obtaining the width by placing the measuring tape at the bottom of the ottoman, up across the top surface, and down to the other side. Do the same to obtain the length. Add an inch to each measurement and you have the measurements of the fabric you will need.

Place your fabric right side down over the ottoman and pin the sides together at the four corners. Cut off the flaps so you have a 1-inch seam allowance. Next, take your fabric to the sewing machine and sew along the four straight lines formed by the pins. Turn the fabric right side out and see how it fits on the ottoman. Add a hem by turning the bottom edge under half an inch and sewing it in place.

Update your coffee table by sewing a table runner and coasters:

Decide on the length and width of your runner and cut two identical pieces of fabric accordingly. Sew the two pieces together, right sides facing each other, and leave one end open. Turn the runner right side out and iron flat. Lastly, sew the end closed and attach tassels at the corners or a fringe along the two ends.

To make fabric coasters for your coffee table, cut out three 5 x 5 inch squares, two of fabric and one of thin batting. Layer the three pieces in this order: the back fabric (right side up), the front fabric (right side down), and the batting. Pin the layers together then sew along the sides, leaving a quarter-inch seam allowance. Make sure you leave an opening of about 2 inches on one side, and snip off the corners before you turn the coaster right side out. Close the opening to finish your new coaster.

Now just bring in 3d metal wall artand otheraccents that express your personal style. Try new stylish lamps and lamps shades that pick up the colors of your new fabrics, and add stylish wall art, such as butterflies metal wall art, to accent your refreshed living room.