CHARLI Pillow Pattern made with FS NATURAL and OLIVE Heavyweight Linen

As we welcome warm and sunny days on the farm, my time set aside for personal sewing projects becomes limited in exchange for time outside. This results in simplified projects, dreaming up designs I can complete in a couple hours in the early morning. Just as my lifestyle changes with the seasons, my sewing habits do too. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

This week, I created new throw pillow covers for my tiny apartment, a project I have had on my to-sew list for months. The vintage grain sack covers I made for winter were feeling too thick for summertime, so I replaced them with some light and airy linen covers. I made a total of four pillow covers; two for my bed, two for my couch. I chose a NATURAL and OLIVE linen from Fabrics-Store to complete this project. If you have followed along on my other sewing projects, you know these are my go-to colors. I prefer the slightly heavier linen for upholstery and home goods, especially items like this that will be worn and loved a lot. 

CHARLI Pillow Pattern made with FS NATURAL and OLIVE Heavyweight Linen

For creating the covers, I referenced the CHARLI Pillow Tutorial and made my pillow covers using the envelope style closure. I prefer this method since it does not require any hardware, special sewing machine foot, etc. I can usually sew up some pillow covers in a few hours with materials I already have on hand. Like I said, for me, spring and summer are for simple sewing projects. However, if you prefer a different closure, this free pattern also includes instructions for a side seam zipper. In the past, I have made pillow covers with buttons or ties. The options are endless and so fun to customize to express your personal style. 

I love how easy and cost effective it is to change out pillow covers. Rather than buying all new throw pillows, I have pillow forms to use year-round, then simply change out the covers with the season. It’s crazy how much changing throw pillows can impact a space! My tiny apartment is feeling lighter and brighter for the summer days ahead. 

CHARLI Pillow Pattern made with FS NATURAL and OLIVE Heavyweight Linen

The best part of this project? This olive green color linen! It is my favorite color from FS yet. It is a true earth tone with a brown undertone, so calmly to look at and wear. I have visions of making a couple pillow shams, a duvet cover, and a pair of short overalls in this color next! 

Pillow covers are a wonderful place to start for beginner seamstresses and a fun project to work on in a group setting. I hope this inspires you to keep creating even in a busy season. Start small and keep it simple. 

Happy sewing, 

Morgann