Inside: Learn how to sew a DIY pillow mat for summer fun outside. Pillow beds can be a great cushion for a lounge chair, or just lounging on the grass. This DIY sewing tutorial makes an easy pillow mat.
Summer is here! We’ve had some beautiful weather {mixed in with the rainy, cool days} and we are loving the summer weather. These DIY pillow mats are the perfect way to enjoy lounging out on a summer afternoon.
DIY Outdoor Pillow Bed
These DIY outdoor pillow beds make a perfect spot for laying on the grass, or they can also be used as a padding for a lounge chair. Either way, what a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
I made the blue one first, then my son requested a larger version for himself. So now we have two. These have been used outside, and as a fun mat inside for movie night.
Other fun outdoor sewing projects
How to sew a Pillow mat for outside lounging
Supplies for the pillow mat:
- Fabric: I used this from IKEA {Link here} You will need around 2.5 yards of 60″ wide thickish fabric.
- Pillows 4/5 – IKEA has the most reasonable prices I found. {We bought 4 of these.}
- You can order both of these for reasonable shipping. Join the free IKEA Family program for discount shipping.
Side note: I ordered this fabric piece and what I thought was a 2-pack of pillows. I should have known the deal was too good to be true… when the order arrived it was fabric and two pillowcases {haha} We returned the cases and bought four pillows instead. This piece of fabric was about 1/2 price from the home decor fabric I bought at a Joann fabric clearance sale. This precut piece is long enough to make a 4-5 pillow bed and have enough for the ties.
Below I will show you how to measure the pillows and fabric, then you can use the leftover fabric to cut 3″ wide strips of fabric for the ties. The ties should be 3″ wide and about 16-18″ long.
Fold the fabric in half with the long sides together. Line up a pillow with one end of the fabric, then lay all the pillows side by side {barely touching}. Cut 1″ to the outside of the last pillow. Use the extra to cut straps.
Depending on the size of your pillow, the fabric might be a bit too wide {see above} I wanted the pillows to fit well in the mat, so I folded over 1.5″ on the selvage long edge and sewed it down. With right sides together, sew the two short ends of the fabric. One long edge should be open.
Use the pillows or measurements to mark where to sew the lines on the mat. Measure the total length of the mat, and divide by the number of pillows. Then measure and mark on both sides {the open side and the fold side} Sew the horizontal lines to make the pillow sleeves.
To create the ties, take each strip of fabric and fold the sides in to the middle, then fold again and pin or clip.
Fold all the way down the fabric, sew the double fold edge of the fabric, then sew all the ties.
In the center of each pillow sleeve, sew a tie in place. When tied, this will close each whole, keeping the pillow inside.
Stuff the pillows in each sleeve, then tie it shut. For the blue mat I used long narrow pillows, it was actually pretty hard to get each pillow in the sleeve as they were so narrow. The wide pillows/sleeves on the green mat were much easier to use.
Now you have a finished mat and you can get enjoying it! Share yours on social and tag me @lifesewsavory with your makes!!
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