Outdoor Pillow Covers

Sitting on the front porch or on the patio with your family and friends, enjoying a relaxed evening is a perfect way to unwind and forget the worries of the day. What adds to that extra bit of comfort are the outdoor accessories like sofa sets, chairs, hammocks, pillows et al. But many of them sideline the outdoor pillows. These pillows not only add color to your outdoor setting but also give the required comfort and snugness.

Types of Outdoor Pillow Covers

There is plenty to choose from in terms of style, size, texture, color and fabric when it comes to outdoor pillow covers. The only worry is their durability. Such pillows will be exposed to extreme weather conditions like heat and rain, especially if you forget to get them inside the house on time. They can add that extra zing to your patio or backyard. As such, it is important to choose the right pillow covers or the results can be disappointing. You need to take into consideration the furniture and accessories, and go for a cover that enhances the beauty of your outdoors. Style-wise, you can make a stunning impact if your pillow covers, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, etc. match. You can choose from a variety of options in terms of style and size. You can choose from throw pillows, accent pillow, or a huge bolster pillow to suit your style. Or you can also have a mix of all these pillow types in varying sizes. All said and done, style is not the only thing to look for, in pillow covers. You need to check their durability as well. They should be able to survive molds, rain, heat and mildew as well. It is seen that the cover fabrics that are woven using an acrylic solution tend to last longer. This fabric is said to withstand fading of color as well as UV rays. Once you have chosen your covers, you need to maintain them carefully. Regular cleaning like dusting and washing them with mild soapy water is essential.

How to Make Your Own Outdoor Pillow Covers

• Take colorful duck cloth (which is nothing but a cotton fabric with heavy, plain woven design) which matches your garden accessories and patio furniture. Make sure it is mildew and water-resistant.
• Lay the duck cloth with the front side facing downwards.
• Measure two squares about 17x17 inches in length and keep an extra inch for stitching the seams. Mark these measurements with a chalk.
• Now cut the duck cloth accurately as per the measurements and pin them together accordingly. Remember to keep a margin of half an inch and make sure the front sides of the cloth are facing each other.
• Once this has been done, you can start stitching. Keep removing the pins as you stitch.
• To anchor the thread properly into the fabric you can sew a straight stitch seam by running a few stitches up and down.
• After you sew the first side, stop at the corner and lift the presser foot, and turn the fabric to sew the other side.
• To give the pillow sharper corners you can cut a triangle from the corners of the cover once you have reached the last side.
• Once you have stitched three sides, put the cover on the pillow. Now sew up the open part of the cover. Fold the fabric inwards and when you reach the end of this side, anchor and end the seam.

You can be a little creative and use fabric paints to make beautiful designs on the pillow covers. You can even trace a nice design and stitch it yourself. You can make use of sequins, mirrors and other such material to make your pillow covers more attractive. Once you have the perfect outdoor pillow covers, you will see for yourself how it enhances the beauty of your outdoors.