Hello, beautiful people and welcome to the collab post that is going to set you up for the next stretch of stay-at-home orders! Today I’m partnering with the lovely Anika from Chapters Of May – and we’re going to be helping you to create a dream reading nook!
It’s not something I mention all that frequently on my blog, but I am an avid reader. I adore books and writing; the first blog I created was actually dedicated to creative writing exercises!
Ever since I was old enough to read, I have always wanted a little reading nook. A tiny, cosy corner of space dedicated to getting lost in the world between the pages of a book. (And, naturally, a corner for me to decorate. You guys know how your girl loves her shiny things.)
So, for this two-part collab, I’m going to be sharing some cosy reading nook DIYs . . . and Anika is going to be sharing some cosy reads to snuggle up in!
I would love for you guys to check out this tutorial in video format and subscribe to me over on Youtube too!
DIY Square Floor Cushions (Inspired By Urban Outfitters!) – No Sewing Machine Needed!
This DIY is actually similar to my Urban Outfitters inspired DIY floor mattress (turned out super cute before our foster pup destroyed it – you should check that tutorial out). That shameless self promo done, I actually think these cushions turned out even better!
Considering the real thing retails for $50 and I made these for the equivalent of $8 . . . Houston, I think we have a winner!
YOU WILL NEED (per cushion):
- 1m of velvet fabric in your chosen colour – Amazon US – $10.90 per yard // Amazon UK –
- Pillow stuffing (I used a cheap 2-pack of pillows per cushion) Amazon US – $12// Amazon UK – £8.65
- Black thread & a needle! (We’re hand-sewing this baby, so you don’t even need a sewing machine.)
I know – something so beautiful and yet so simple.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Cut the pillow panels out of your fabric – 2 panels of 40cm x 40cm and 4 panels of 40cm x 6cm. My pillows are 40cm x 40 cm with a depth of 6cm – but you can always adjust the sizes depending on your space.
TIP: Use super sharp/fabric scissors for this. Normal scissors won’t give you a clean cut and are a bitch to work with. - Thread your needle and tie a knot in the string at the far end. This knot will keep your string in place as you work.
- Turn your fabric panels inside out so you’re working with the non-velvet side. Using a straight running stitch, sew the 6cm x 40 cm panels together at the 6cm edge. I did two rows of straight stitches to get this nice and secure.
- Once you’ve got the perimeter of your cushion sewn together, sew the top panel on using the same running stitch method. (Still inside out.)
- Then sew the bottom panel on, but make sure to leave a gap big enough to fit your fist in.
- Turn the cushion inside out and fill with your pillow stuffing. I literally just ripped apart some cushions I bought from Kmart for this.
- Sew closed the gap you left for stuffing. And pat yourself on the back because Houston we have a cushion. Now, onto the fancy edges.
- To get the chunky edging the Urban Outfitters cushions have, we’re essentially going to create a really exposed seam. (Seams being where we connect two pieces of fabric – what you were doing before.)
- We’re going to use the same technique for all of our edges, so pick whichever one you like to start. Pinch 2cm in from the seam and start to do a loose running stitch from one side to another (making sure to always work that 2cm away from the edge).
TIP: pull the thread tighter to create tension, which gives your edges that really bunched appearance. - Repeat this for all edges.
- Mark out where you want the dips in your cushion to be (I had 4 dips, but you can have as many as you like).
- (I used embroidery thread for this step, but if you don’t have it you can sub in normal thread) Tie a knot at the bottom of your thread and bring the needle back up through your mark, then bring it back through the cushion. Rinse and repeat until your tuft is the depth you want.
- Repeat this for all your marks . . . and then you’re done!
I made these pillows in two different colours, so I have a psuedo-mattress going on here. I may potentially make a couple more of these and have a little stacking situation going on! We shall see, we shall see . . .
Anyways, that’s this post all nicely wrapped up! I now have a perfect little reading space – and I shall have to invest in some of Anika’s cosy reads to settle in with! (Which reminds me – go check out her post!)
If you’re an avid crafter, make sure you’re following my DIY boards on Pinterest!
I hope you guys all enjoyed this fun craft. Would you recreate this yourselves? Which colour did you prefer? Let me know your thoughts down below!
Peace,
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Wow!!This is so cool!<3
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it 🙂 <3
Another amazing DIY!!! I currently have a reading beanbag, but if I ever need a floor cushion, I will return to this blog post for ideas. Thanks for sharing, Mia! 😀
Thank you so much, Ming! I do love a good beanbag though 🙂
Working on learning how to sew right now! This seems like a cool project
Good luck with the sewing 🙂
I love your DIY’s and I also love any sort of nook. Tbh I love both the colors so it’s really hard for me to choose one! They both look amazing
Mish | https://latteswithmish.com
Thank you, Mish! I’m glad you liked the finished product – I’m in the same boat, I love both colours x
I really enjoy your unique and gorgeous DIY’s! This is so lush looking and must be really comfy. Getting all the luxe chic vibes. I should try this out some time. I’d love some seating in my room that isn’t a desk chair, even if it’s not a real desk chair, and my bed.
Thank you so much Maryam! <3 They are *so* comfy - the official UO ones are way flatter, but I wanted mine to be full comfort so I made em chunkier. Let me know if you do try it, I'd love to see what you come up with!
Oh, for sure!
I can’t believe these were 8 bucks, even at home good you would spend 25 on each one. Added this to my Pinterest board for later. Thanks Mia!
https://kerielaine.com
Keri
I know, right?! The great thing is you have a good bit of fabric left over too, so that $8 covers some more crafts too 😉 Thanks for sharing, Keri!
wish i could make these wow!
Thank you, Erin 🙂
This looks incredible! You could honestly convince me that this was from Urban Outfitters and charge me full price for it!!! xx
Hahaha thank you, Hannah! I was super pleased with how they turned out 🙂 xx
Wow beautiful!! I love it 😍
Thank you so much, lovely! I hope you’re keeping well xx
I just wat t know when your show will be airing here in the US on HGTV. Because SERIOUSLY girl! I was in awe of the other seat cushion you made, but this are absolutely gorgeous! I love that plush fuchsia material. So gorgeous! <3
Hehehe, thank you Kate! I definitely swear too much for a US tv show LOL! I’m glad you liked the finished product <3
I love this idea and the colours you chose, Mia! It’s so autumnal and cosy but colourful too 😍
And amazing video, you make it look so easy haha! Thanks for collabing with me 💕
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thank you, Anika! <3
Wow those are beautiful! And look so comfy too! I wish I wasn’t so bad at DIY
Thank you so much lovely 🙂
This is such an ADORABLE idea! I love seeing little DIYs like this 😊
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
Thank you, Marissa – I’m glad you liked the finished product 🙂
Girl WOW!! This is so cute! I love that you included a video as well! I’ll make sure to check back for more diy tutorials! Love your site! So fun and creative!
Thank you so much – I’m glad you enjoyed the finished product 🙂 x
These cushions turned out amazing!! They look so luxe and expensive too. It’s also nice that you didn’t need a sewing machine, which is something always holds me back when it comes to sewing projects.
Eileen | yesmissy.com
Thank you so much, Eileen!
They look amazing!! I’m a big reader too but don’t really have a set space to curl up with my books. This looks absolutely perfect x
Thank you, Sophie! x
Hey, I have nominated you for a Liebster Award! Be sure to check out my post to see the instructions. Congratulations, you deserve it! 🙂
Aw thank you 🙂
Nice DIY instruction….I might try it out.
https://www.comfycozyup.com
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it 🙂
Definitely looks so comfortable, I’d like one in my reading corner as well!
Love,
Melody
https://atelierbymel.blogspot.com
Thank you, Melody – I’m glad you liked the finished product 🙂
Those cushions look so fab! Very cozy and I’m loving the colours.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Thank you, Simone!xx
These cushions are so cute and they look so well made. Awesome job!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thank you, lovely! x
I absolutely love these! The material is just stunning and really add that bit of extra luxe to them. I would love to have a go at making some form of floor cushion, so I may just have to give your method a go. Perfect for a little reading nook!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
what a great idea 😀 i know the basics of sewing but want to learn more because i have found so many things on pinterest that i would like to do 🙂