Simple Frayed Edge Pillows

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE FRAYED EDGE PILLOWS

It’s finally starting to cool down here in East TN! We are so excited for fall and all that the new season brings. I have some of the cutest pumpkin stuff around my house and am certainly feeling the autumn vibes, but I wanted to step it up just a little and cover the throw pillows on my couch with something more cozy-like. So I came up with these simple frayed edge pillows. 

This is how they look the rest of the year. 🙂

I found a thick plaid flannel at Hobby Lobby that I thought would work for fall and winter. It’s just so cozy and looks good on my dark leather couch!

When choosing a fabric for frayed edges, be sure to choose a flannel or homespun fabric. Even more specifically, a fabric with print on both sides (color all the way through, not just on one side) is going to turn out the best. 

The first thing I did was measure the pillows I have currently. I wanted to make some covers that I could simply slip on, so I made a solid front with 2 pieces overlapping in the back to form a sort of pocket. You’ll see it more clearly as you continue reading. 

The pillows are 20″ square. So I cut a 21 1/2″ square piece of fabric for the front. This gave me 3/4″ extra around the edge for clipping and fraying. 

{When cutting your fabric, be sure to trim off the factory edging as shown in the picture or the edges will not fray as you need them to!}

The 2 back pieces I cut 21 1/2″ in height, and about 16″ wide. These 2 pieces will overlap for the back. 

Next, I finished the edges that would be down the center back of the pillow, by doing a simple hem. After I finished the edges, I laid them right side down, overlapping them by 5″, so they equaled l a 21 1/2″ square (like the front).

Then I laid my top piece right side up, directly on top of the back pieces. 

I sewed 3/4″ in from the edge, and then sewed it again right next to the first stitching line to reinforce it. Then I clipped it all the way around about 1/8″ – 1/4″ apart, as shown. 

(pic of the back)

Now at this point, it doesn’t look too great. haha  But when it comes to frayed edges  (and you have the proper fabric!), the final step is the most important!!

I threw them in the washer and Ta Da!… they came out frayed ALL THE WAY. 🙂

{It helps to take them outside and shake off all the excess little clippings before drying them.} 

I just love how they turned out, don’t you?! They give such a cozy cozy feel to our living area.