Those inexpensive vinyl tablecloths are good for more than just picnics -- they make great material for pillows that are easy to clean.
To make one, cut two squares in desired dimensions from a patterned tablecloth, adding 1/2 inch to each side. Right sides facing, stitch pieces together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave one side open for batting or pillow insert. Turn right side out, then stuff (if using batting pull it into small pieces). Stitch opening closed.
What size would be the best to cut the tablecloths?? This is my first project like this and I would appreciate any help I can receive? Thanks.
I've been making things like this for years! I started making vinyl curtains and kitchen seat covers when my children were babies and threw their food!
Tayna in tan (mustard) and pink is coming really soon! yeah!
http://host.pappapak7.com/~sisboomc/category_32/Poodle.htm
French seams: put WRONG sides together, stitch 1/4" seam. Flip it over RIGHT sides together and stitch 3/8-1/2" seam. Now that raw edge is inside the seam and moisture can't get through. Works great on ravel-ly fabrics also. I'll throw a zipper in either one of the seams or in the middle/back and do french seams on the other 3 sides. Cute!
Laminated Cotton -
http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=index
Where do you find this fabric, shoefrog? And what are French seams?
what a great idea!! I will have to try this to add some color to my deck!!!
I was wondering if the shower curtains would tear too easily when trying to stuff them?? It sounds like such a great idea, I can't to try it!
I going to use Sis Boom Jennifer Paganelli's Laminated Cotton for mine. Cool prints and definitely more water resistant. Think I'll do 'em with french seams. The fabric worked on a raincoat I made for my daughter and isn't crunchy like that vinyl is.
Gwen, I am thinking of making new cushions for our patio swing with a shower curtain. Any tips for me?
You can seal the inside of the stitching with a waterproof sealer. You can probably find it at a hardware store. I did notice she didn't say it was waterproof, but that it's easy to clean. I think by sealing it with the waterproof sealer, it would better withstand rain. I'm pretty sure that repetitive rain and sun would deteriorate the tablecloth material, so when not in use, I would store it away from the elements. I'm not familiar with oilcloth, though. It might work better, I dunno.
I wonder if wetness from rain would get in through the stitching and soak the stuffing inside?
This would be super cute with oilcloth!! There are great polka dot and print oilcloth fabrics that look very much like summer!!
Using shower curtains is a great idea!!
Another idea is to use Shower Curtains. Some of them are mildew resistant and they come in so many different fabric patterns. I used Shower curtains to cover my lounger cushions last year and they worked very well. Another plus is that they follow the latest decorating trends.