DIY: Appliqued Bunny Pillows

Spring has sprung and I am seeing bunnies, eggs, chicks, and flowers. I love everything about the Easter season...including decorating the home! I have always wanted pillows to match the changing seasons, but honestly, where do people keep all those pillows? So, I had a great idea! What if I made pillow covers that could easily be stored when not in use and quickly put on existing pillows to change up the home decor? Follow along as I share how I made these adorable pillow covers in just 2 hours!


What You Will Need

You will need 2 pillows, preferably the same size. Pick out a nice weight fabric for the pillow cover. In this case, I used a cotton canvas fabric in off-white. Next, choose a fun print for the bunny. This fabric doesn't necessarily have to be heavy. I have successfully used cotton, muslin, and even chenille.

If the fabric you choose for your cutout bunny is flimsy at all, I highly suggest purchasing some iron-on interfacing. This will give you added stability and a better overall aesthetic.

Go to Google or draw out your own bunny outline. Print and cut out the bunny to use as a template.

Be sure you have a tape measure, scissors for fabric, pins, matching thread, iron, ironing board, and a sewing machine. Here we go!

Step One

Measure your pillow's dimensions and add a 1/2 inch to each side. I like to add an inch and a 1/2 along the bottom so I have plenty of room later. (You'll see why!)

Using the measurements you just took, mark out a square on your heavier fabric. I like to fold the fabric and then cut the remaining three sides, but you can cut all four sides, if you wish.

Remember to square-up your square so it will not be crooked! I do that with a steel carpenter square.

Step Two

Lay out the fabric you have chosen for the bunny. Lay your pattern on the fabric and pin down well. Cut around the shape carefully.

Step Three

Assuming you need to add stability to your bunny cutout, open your iron-on interfacing and lay it across your table with the glue dots up. I like using HeatnBond, fuseable, lightweight interfacing.

Place the bunny (right side up) on the glue side of the interfacing. Pin down well and cut around it.

To adhere the iron-on interfacing to the fabric, you will need an iron. Turn it on a high setting and turn the steam off. Be sure to take the pins out of the bunny cutout, leaving the interfacing attached. It will stick to most fabrics because of its naturally rough texture. Place the iron on the bunny and press firmly for a few seconds. Move around until you have adhered the interfacing to the fabric bunny.

Step Four

Find the middle of the pillow cover fabric. To do that, fold it in half and half again. Mark the center with a piece of chalk. Do the same to the bunny.

Match the center of the bunny with the center of the pillow cover and pin down well. Now, it's time to sew!

Step Five

I prefer to set my sewing machine stitch on a medium sized zigzag, but you can use a decorative or blanket stitch, as well. Sew around the edges carefully. Trim any excess threads when done.

Step Six

With right sides together, pin the sides of the pillow cover together. Remember, you will want to leave the bottom open so you have a place to insert the pillow.

Here, I pop over to the serger and serge the seams together for a nice finished look, but you don't have to do that step. No one will see the inside seams of your pillow! If you do use a serger to sew the seams, I suggest going back over the seams with a straight stitch on the sewing machine. This will make the seam stronger.

Step Seven

Turn the pillow cover case right-side-out and press. Put the pillow insert in the pillow and whip stitch the bottom closed with some thread and needle. And, tada! You have a darling bunny pillow for Easter!

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