Make A DIY Cover For An IKEA Outdoor Pillow

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IKEA's outdoor pillows are a crowd-pleaser. They're affordable, practical, and come in different colors and patterns. However, the problem with crowd pleasers is that, well, they bring a crowd. IKEA outdoor pillows are not the most unique, so if you'd like to stand out and avoid matching your entire neighborhood, why not make your own pillow covers instead? With some fabric, a sewing machine, and a bit of DIY magic, you can create your very own one-of-a-kind outdoor pillow covers. That way, you can customize your patio setup to create something stylish while staying on a budget. 

To do this hack, you'll need some pillow inserts to use as a base. Either reuse some of your existing cushions and use this hack to give them a second life, or purchase some of IKEA's FJÄDRAR inner cushions for $10. Typically, you would purchase these with some pre-made cushion covers like the famous HJÄRTERÖ or GRÖNKNAVEL, but instead, you'll need to buy some fabric to make your own. 

For outdoor pillows, it's best to use fabric that can sustain outdoor conditions, like polyester or acrylic. There are some versions of these synthetic fabrics that are made specifically for outdoor use, like this GeeComfy Waterproof Canvas Fabric that comes in various colors and costs $12.59 per yard. You can also use regular fabrics that you'd use for indoor pillows and weatherproof them for outdoor use with a sealing spray. Of course, you can use the same technique to create indoor pillows, which can make your living room much cozier.

To make this hack for IKEA's basic 20-inch-by-20-inch pillow inserts, you'll need three sections of fabric. One larger section should be a 21-inch-by-21-inch square piece of fabric. You'll also need two smaller 21-inch-by-14-inch rectangles. The only prep you need to do before assembling the panels is to sew a hem along the long edge of each of the smaller fabric sections. This will allow the opening of the pillow cover to be clean and sleek.

Next, lay the larger piece of fabric flat with the pattern (the "outside" part) facing up. Then, place the smaller pieces on top of it with the pattern facing down, creating a perfect square. To assemble it, sew a quarter-inch seam along all four sides of the pillow cover. Flip the pillow cover inside out, and either stop here or sew over the seam from the outside to add a final touch.

It's really that simple! If you don't have a sewing machine, you can borrow one along with other power tools for free from a tool library. If it's your limited sewing skills that are the issue, try using the same measurements and method, but substitute thread with hot glue or iron-on fabric adhesive. Hot glue might not last as long as sewing, but it can be especially helpful if you've chosen to work with a thick waterproof fabric that is hard to sew. Hot glue can also be a good tool if you'd like to add any embellishments to your pillow such as some tassels to the corners of the pillows for an even more unique finished look.