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DIY Stenciled Burlap Nautical Pillow

This post is sponsored by Plaid for Blueprint Social, but the ideas and opinions are all mine.
 
The nautical theme is in right now, and I’m joining the ranks wholeheartedly!  Are you a fan?  I’ve always been obsessed with simple stripe patterns and at-sea symbols, so this is totally up my alley!
I wanted to bring the fun nautical trend into a decor piece for my home, so I created a burlap pillow using Stencil1 and FolkArt Multi-Surface Paint.  I hope you love it…rope, anchor and all!
This was such a fun project, and it’s unique because of the color scheme that I incorporated. I moved away from the traditional red, white, and blue to create a more out-of-the-box piece that still follows the theme.  It does require some very basic sewing, but it was really no big deal, even for an amateur seamstress like myself.

 

I work with burlap all the time because I absolutely love its shabby-chic look and versatility.  This time around, I chose to do something totally out-of-the-norm and paint it!  I must admit that I’m very pleased with how it turned out!

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own stenciled burlap nautical pillow:


-FolkArt Multi-Surface Paint in three different coordinating colors (I used Parchment, Bright Pink, and Steel Gray)
-Stencil1 Stencil Packet, which includes 3 Nautical Designs (available at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores)
-Burlap
-Batting
-Fabric scissors
-Foam Brushes
-Sewing machine and thread

I love that these stencils are large enough to use on walls, floors and furniture.  The options are virtually limitless!  They’re durable and re-usable too! Simply wipe clean with a little soap and a wet cloth.

 

I wanted to go for a more white-washed look on my fabric instead of the typical brown burlap, and Folk-Art Multi-Surface Paint was the perfect medium!  It can be used for indoor and outdoor applications and on a myriad of surfaces from tin to wood to fabric, plaster, ceramic, canvas, concrete, plastic, glass, and the list goes on!  The paints are dishwasher safe too!

 

I was impressed with how well the paints covered my burlap.  They’re slightly thicker than the craft paint that you may be used to, which is really nice, because a little goes a long way!
Start by cutting two pieces of burlap.  Mine were 15″x15″.  Next, paint your burlap pieces.  I used FolkArt Parchment for this part.  I just blotted the paint on with a foam brush, trying to get it as even as I could.  It looks blotchy in this photo because the paint was still drying, but you will be amazed at the finished look. A few stray paint brush streaks just add to its nautical character.  If you’d like, you can go back and add more paint to other areas as it’s drying to even out the tone.  Fabric will be slightly stiff after drying.

 

Now measure and cut your center piece to fit your anchor. Mine was 7 1/4″ square. White wash this piece with FolkArt Parchment, just like you did the other two larger squares.  Let dry.

 

After your paint is dried, begin stenciling on the rope design.  I used FolkArt Steel Grey and stenciled four evenly-spaced rows.  Stenciling on fabric using paint is a genius technique that can be used to really personalize colors and patterns to match the decor of your home!

You’ll run out of pattern, so slide your stencil over, line it up with what you’ve already done, and continue painting.

All done.  Now let it dry completely.

Stencil on your anchor now using Bright Pink. Now distress the edges a little with Steel Gray paint to make them pop.  Let dry.  Meanwhile, zigzag stitch or serge around the sides of your pillow pieces.

Sew your anchor square to the front of your pillow.  Next, grab your other square, put right sides together, and sew around three sides, using 1/4″ seams, leaving what will be the bottom of your pillow open.  Clip the corners, making sure not to cut through seams, then turn right side out.  Stuff the pillow with batting, then hand stitch the bottom closed.

Ta da!
Stencil1 are perfect for creating the layered look!  The finished pillow has plenty of dimension and appeal.

I’m thinking this would look really nice on an outdoor porch swing or patio bench, but it’d also make a great indoor accent.

What do you think?  I’m loving it!  Anchors away!

To see more projects like this, feel free to browse the link list below!

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Comments

  2. Love it!! Please come share this on my Chic By You Link Party @ http://chicbytab.blogspot.ca/2014/03/chic-by-you-wednesday-link-party-5.html . Hope to see you there.

    • Hi Jeannie! Yes. The paint definitely makes the fabric stiff, so my pillow is strictly for decor purposes. It certainly wouldn't be fun to lay on. Although, if you painted just a small design or portion instead of covering the entire piece fabric like I did, it probably would be fine. Great question!

  10. That is a great pillow design. Thanks for sharing & all of the info on how to do it
    Pinned. Thanks for linking up at the Bloggers Brags Weekly Pinterest Party
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