I am going to show you how to make designer pillows for much less than you pay in the stores or online.
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First, I need to explain that this is the 7th week of the One Room Challenge where I am making over our master bedroom at our lake house.
The One Room Challenge or the ORC is a challenge where participants get to show how they transform a space in a few weeks. Better Home and Gardens is the media partner for the ORC. It is a bi-yearly challenge that usually lasts 6 weeks. This year’s challenge this year will be like no other One Room Challenge because of the quarantine for the Covid-19 virus. We have a stay in order still in place where I live. For this reason, it is going to be challenging to get supplies and decor. We are encouraged to use what we already have at home. You can view my inspiration for the room on my Week 1 post.
For the bedding at the lake house, I want the designer pillows like I am seeing all over Instagram. I also want to use things that I already own if possible because we are in quarantine.
Two things that you need to make designer inspired pillows
1. Down pillow inserts
You need down feather pillow inserts. The down-filled inserts are heavier and sturdier than a foam insert. This is the reason that you get the V shape at the top of the pillow. Some people call it the karate chop because that is exactly what you do to the pillow to get the V shape. Most luxury pillows are filled with down feather inserts. You may notice that stores like Walmart and even Target use the foam pillow inserts. Amazon has down-filled inserts. Also, Ikea is a great place to get down inserts. The down inserts can be pricey but you can use them over and over. Instead of purchasing new pillows, purchase new pillow covers, and use your down inserts again. This will also help you with storage because you do not have to store the big pillows that you are not using, just your pillow covers.
The way that I purchase down inserts cheaper is to buy down-filled pillows that are on clearance even if you do not like the material. Take the material off and use the insert.
For example, I found this pillow on clearance at TJ Maxx for a couple of dollars. I grabbed it because I knew that I could not purchase an insert for a couple of dollars. Even though the fabric is pretty, it doesn’t match my decor so the fabric will come off and be replaced.
Make the pillow covers two inches smaller than the inserts.
This will give them a more expensive look.
The chart above will show you the size inserts needed.
2. Find material that looks like the material on the designer pillows. This will cost you so much less than purchasing new pillows!
Tip: You can find beautiful material other places than the fabric shop.
My mother always found material for her projects at the thrift store. She would make beautiful things from tablecloths, curtains, women’s skirts, and sheets. For me, it is fun to score material that looks like the material on expensive pillows like the decorators and designers use.
I found this beautiful material at the thrift store and knew that it would make great pillows. 10 yards for $4.99.
Cotton and linen are the type of fabric that I need for the look that I want. These linen curtains will be perfect. 
I made several linen pillows from the curtain that I use in other rooms of my home.
Just to give you an idea, this dress had a full skirt and would make very pretty pillows.
This soft dress would also make beautiful pillows and it cost less than $5.
Cut the body off the shirt with the stripes going vertical to make a pillow cover.
How to Make a Pillow from a Shower Curtain
Visit this post to see how to sew a square pillow cover.
Next week is the reveal for the One Room Challenge and I can’t wait to show off my room makeover.