INSIDE: How to make the easiest NO SEW decorative throw pillow from a tote bag. DIY “Artists and Fleas” pillow for DIY home decorating.
A few months ago, we took a kids-free 48 hour trip to L.A. This is a rare occurence for us. So we packed in as much sightseeing, walking, seafood-eating we normally couldn’t do with three young kids in tow.
One of our many stops was an “L.A. cool” outdoor thrift store event. As we entered this event, they handed us a neat branded shopping tote bag. So L.A., isn’t it?!
Even though we left without any thrifted goodies, I definitely knew I liked this thrift store tote too much to toss in my trunk with the rest of my reusable grocery bags! This is what I did with it instead…
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How To Make a Decorative Pillow from a Tote Bag
As much as I enjoy a good sewing project, NO SEW is even better!
Supplies:
– Tote bag
– Pillow form (to fit the size of the tote bag)
– Zipper
– Straight pins
– Fabric glue
– Sewing craft clips (I used chip bag clips)
how to make a no sew throw pillow from a tote bag
Insert a pillow form to fit the size of the tote bag. Be sure to get the pillow form into the four corners of the tote bag.
With the pillow form snug in the tote bag, now cut off the handle straps.
Pin one side of the zipper to the inside of the top of the tote bag.
Repeat the same pinning to the other side of the zipper.
Using Liquid Stitch fabric glue, remove a pin and apply the glue. When a small section has been glued, secure shut with a clip.
Repeat this glueing and clipping process until your tote-bag-turned-pillow looks like this…
easiest no sew throw pillow from a tote bag
Wait some time – maybe an hour – for the glue to dry. Remove the clips …unless you like this look!
And there you have the easiest NO SEW throw pillow from a tote bag.
Add some tassels and pom poms to the zipper if you need to dress up an otherwise simple tote bag.
Other Upcycled DIY Ideas You May Like:
- Turn a metal plate charger into a DIY chalkboard sign with fabric flowers
- Upcycle a staircase banister into a gallery photo wall
- Upcycle a larger dresser mirror frame into large-scale wall art
- $20 Craigslist mid-century modern coffee table makeover
- $10 vintage suitcase turned into a wall photo display
- Vintage wooden ruler as frame for a message board
- Brass firewood holder made modern magazine rack
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Jenny says
I love no sew projects and what a great way to reuse a tote bag. The pillow looks great! That’s so cool, they just gave you a tote bag for visiting!
Gail says
Great idea, Victoria! What an easy way to make a lovely pillow!
Debrashoppeno5 says
What a cute idea to reuse the tote. I enjoy sewing but there are times when you just don’t want to so this tutorial is a good one to show how to make a no-sew pillow.
teri says
Looking at this cute pillow, I would have never thought it was a “no sew”! I absolutely love it! Thanks so much for sharing at Celebrate It!
Patti @ Pandora's Box says
Cute idea – I am a sucker for tote bags and then they end up hanging on a hook in the garage. I will have to try this! Thanks for stopping by!
Habiba says
Victoria, you are a gem! I am planning to upcycle a t-shirt into a pillow case for my sister but I keep procrastinating as I am scared of the sewing in the Zipper part. I don’t know why really, because I have done it with great success. I brought some fabric glue home from my trip to the States this May and haven’t used it. I will check if it is washable and if that is the case I’ll follow your instructions! Pinning of course.
Habiba says
Also, maybe add “no-sew” into your Pinterest Image? I bet this will be intriguing for a lot of People…
Our Hopeful Home says
I love this idea, and I love that tote bag, too! I never thought to use fabric glue for a zipper….hhmm, not that I need anymore pillows lol Adding the pom poms was a great idea as well. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathlen|Our Hopeful Home
April J Harris says
What a great idea, Victoria! I have so many reusable tote bags, more than I could ever use. This is a lovely way to repurpose them. Sharing around, including a scheduled share on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page. Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Have a great week ahead!
Teresa says
This is a lovely idea. I have several of those bags purchased as souvenirs from our trips abroad and it would be fun to turn them into pillows.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Kippi says
Another great idea! I have tote I am going to make into a pillow.