Burlap Flag Pillow
Make this easy and darling Burlap Flag Pillow for all of the patriotic holidays, or even year round! It doesn’t take long, and you only need a few supplies and a couple of hours (mostly for drying time). Perfect on a porch, couch, bed, or bench!
With Memorial Day the end of May, then Flag Day on June 14th, and the 4th of July, flag & patriotic decor can be up for awhile, which I LOVE. Independence Day has long been my favorite holiday (next to Christmas), and I get so excited when I can start decorating. I made this darling burlap flag pillow for my front entry bench, and it’s perfect!
It’s really easy to make, and I used the same method as my burlap flag bunting. I already had a burlap pillow cover that’s been sitting in my closet, but I would have made one otherwise. I actually need to make a couple for my boys’ beds, so hopefully I’ll be able to post a tutorial on those soon. In addition to the pillow cover, all you need is just a couple of supplies, and you’ll have your own super cute burlap flag pillow!
Table of contents
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Supplies
I use spray paint on this project because it’s so much faster, but craft paint will definitely work too. You’ll likely need more than one coat for the proper coverage.
- Burlap pillow cover (linen or other fabric will work too)
- Painters tape
- Vinyl stars or stickers
- Spray paint, red & navy blue OR craft paint
How to make
Before you start, insert a piece of cardboard inside your pillow, so the paint doesn’t soak through. If you can get a piece that’s just about as big to fit inside the pillow, it will also keep it spread out the pillow and keep it’s shape while you paint it.
1. I cut out vinyl stars with my Silhouette, but you could always try and find star stickers the right size, which would also work. My burlap pillow cover is 20 x 20, and I cut my stars to be about 2.3 inches wide and 2.7 inches tall. I cut 14 of them—for two rows of five, and one row of four. I placed my vinyl stars on the pillow cover, keeping them on the top third. To make the stripes, I used painters’ tape, and layered two pieces to get the thickness I wanted.
2. You need to paint this in two stages–the stars, and then the stripes. I covered up the stripes with a board, so I could paint the stars and not get any blue paint on the bottom part.
3. Spray the top part navy blue (I used Rustoleum Navy), and let dry.
4. Once the blue is totally dry, move the board to the top, cover up the stars, then paint the stripes red. (I used Rustoleum Regal Red) Remove the board, and let dry.
Pop in your pillow insert, and you’re done!!! Super easy, and SUPER cute!!!
FAQ
No, you have other options. I originally made this in 2013, when burlap was very popular. If you love the pillow, but not the burlap, you can certainly use linen or another type of fabric pillow cover. I suggest using a natural or white color to make sure you can see the colors of the flag.
I typically use spray paint for this project because it’s so fast, but craft paint is great too, and I’ve used it on projects similar to this one. It may need an extra coat for the correct coverage.
More patriotic ideas
Thanks so much for stopping by! Find me on Instagram and Facebook for even more easy ideas for home. I’d love to see you there!
Updated post…originally posted in May of 2013!
Oh I love this pillow. Easy to make and so patriotic! Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com
Hi Kierste! Love your crafts as always! Do you mind telling me where you purchased your burlap pillow cover? I’ve never seen one. Love, love, love your blog and read it regularly. I have a notebook of projects, of which the majority is yours, to work on. We share the same taste in crafts and decor and I love the simpicity of your projects.
Sure! I bought the pillow on etsy, from a shop called the ruffled daisy. If you search on etsy, you’ll find several other shops that sell them as well. Glad you’ve found things you love and want to make! :) Thanks for reading!!! xoxo
AWESOME!!! I want to try to make the burlap pillow cover part myself, too. You know, do the whole thing from scratch. :) This is fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
This is so cool! Where did you get your cover? I don’t wanna try to mess with sewing burlap. 0_o
I think my mom needs one, too. :)
Kelly
Yes, I think you both need one. :)
oops…just saw the answer to my question up above. sorry! :)
I received the new Pottery Barn Catalog today. I saw a similar pillow on the front for $49.50 and thought I could make one myself a lot cheaper. Then I come here and there is a tutorial. Thanks Kierste!!!
You are so welcome! I love PB style–especially when I can make it for so much less. :)
Adorable! I love it and I can’t wait to make a couple!
Thank you, Chessa!!! xo
Kiersti! That is breath taking! Such creative people in this world. I love you all!!
robin :-)
I’m so glad love it, robin!!! xoxo
Oh, this pillow is darling, just as all of your projects are!! What talent!! Where do you find the time to always make such amazing things!!?
My kids go to bed early. :) xoxo
Love this, we are a Coast Guard family! Pinning :)
Thank you!!! xo
I LOVE that pillow! Too, too cute!
I love your pillow but I’m curious about how the fabric feels with the spray paint. Is it stiff? Does the paint crackle if the pillow gets smooshed? Thanks for sharing!
The paint doesn’t crackle at all–at least mine hasn’t! It is fairly stiff, but a burlap pillow starts out a little stiffer/scratchier anyway. I only use it for decor, and it’s usually on my front entry bench. If it was on my couch, I would probably take it off before people sat on it. :)
I love this! Hopefully I’ll get around to making one for the bench on our front porch before the 4th of July. Thanks for sharing – I’m you’re newest Facebook & Pinterest follower!
Thank you for your comment, and for following!! xo
This is just the cutest thing!!! Love it.
Thank you so much, Shannon!! xo
Really cute – found you on Pinterest! I will have to try this!
Stacey of Embracing Change
I’m so glad you found me!!! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. Hope to see you again soon! xo
I saw this on a 4th of July roundup and just had to pin it. I hope you’ll share your best post of the week on my Friday Flash Blog Linky Party going on ALL weekend at The Jenny Evolution.
Jennifer
thejennyevolution.com
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer!!! xoxo
Hi Kierste. I loved your pillow so much I had to make my own using what I had on hand. I hope you don’t mind that I share a photo of yours on my blog with a link to this post. You can see it here: http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-easiest-diy-sewing-project-ever.html Thanks so much for posting your tutorial and inspiring me. I really do adore your pillow.
Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
It turned out so darling, Tracy!! Thanks for the link and for letting me know! I’m so glad the tutorial worked well for you. xo
WOW! How cute! What a great way to work with burlap. I can see using this method for several different themes. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Katy!!!! SO glad you dropped by!!!! xoxo
I am going to use this method to make a valance for my son’s bedroom window. He just recently changed his bedding and he wanted a “flag” bed. This should work perfect as a valance. I just have to make sure I get all the measurements right!
That’s a great idea!! You’ll have to let me know how they turn out!!
I finished the valance but I don’t know how to post a picture for you.
i love this but is it also machine washable?
If you used fabric paint, you could try it. I’ve never washed burlap, so I’m not sure how it would turn out. If you do, let me know!
thanks :)
Wow……this is amazing. Looking forward to making this. Thanks a lot for sharing this.
You are so welcome!! xoxo
Lovely project. You come up with great projects.
Thank you so much, Eveline!! xoxo