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Outdoor pillows can add color and comfort to a patio, porch, or garden seating area. Choosing a suitable insert is important, especially if the pillows may be exposed to damp conditions. Here are three ways to fill or protect outdoor pillows, followed by a simple envelope-style pillow cover you can remove for washing.
The cover uses an overlapping opening at the back, so you do not need a zipper. Choose outdoor fabric if available, or use sturdy cotton that can be treated with fabric waterproofing spray. Keep in mind that a treated cover is not necessarily fully waterproof; follow the spray label and bring pillows inside during prolonged rain.
Outdoor Pillows: 3 Insert and Filling Options
1. Reuse plastic shopping bags
Clean, dry plastic shopping bags can serve as an inexpensive pillow filling. Loosely scrunch each bag and add it to the cover until the pillow reaches the firmness you want. You can add bags one at a time, or place several inside a larger plastic bag before inserting them.
Practical tip: Avoid packing the bags too tightly, which can make the pillow feel stiff. Check the filling periodically and replace any bags that become torn or damp.
2. Protect an indoor pillow insert with garbage bags
For this option, use a sturdy garbage bag or tall kitchen bag to cover an indoor insert. A mildew-resistant insert is a sensible choice. Put the insert inside the first bag, fold the extra material neatly, and turn the pillow over. Place it inside a second bag, fold the excess material again, and secure the folded edges with a stapler.
Practical tip: Use care when stapling so the fasteners do not pierce the insert. This covering can help protect the filling from moisture, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against water getting in.
3. Choose an outdoor pillow insert
An insert made specifically for outdoor use is a straightforward alternative to plastic-based filling or coverings. Outdoor inserts are designed for exterior settings and may also have a feel that is closer to a conventional pillow. Check the product details for its intended use and care instructions before buying.
Envelope-Style Outdoor Pillow Cover DIY
This removable cover has a simple overlapping back opening. The instructions below make an 18-inch finished cover; adjust the cutting dimensions if your insert is a different size.
Supplies
- Cotton fabric: outdoor fabric, or thick cotton or twill that can be treated with waterproofing spray
- Fabric scissors
- Standard sewing machine
- Straight pins
- Fabric waterproofing spray
Cut and hem the fabric
Cut one 19-inch square for the front and two 19-inch × 12-inch rectangles for the back. These measurements include a ½-inch seam allowance for an 18-inch finished cover.
For a snug fit, the finished cover is usually made 1 inch smaller than the insert. For example, use a 17-inch × 17-inch finished cover for an 18-inch × 18-inch insert. Adjust the pattern as needed, while retaining suitable seam allowances.
Take the two back rectangles and fold a ¼-inch hem along the widest edge of each piece. Fold each hem over another ¼ inch, press it with an iron, and pin it in place. Sew the hems with an ⅛-inch seam allowance.
Practical tip: Pressing the folds before sewing helps keep the hem even and makes the back opening neater.
Assemble and sew the cover
Lay the front square flat with its right side facing up. Place the two back pieces on top, aligning the outer edges and letting the hemmed edges overlap by a few inches in the middle. The right sides of the fabric should face each other. Pin around the perimeter.
Sew around all four sides with a ½-inch seam allowance. Keep the stitching even, and make sure to secure the seams where the overlapping back pieces meet the sides.
Trim the fabric at the corners without cutting through the stitching. This reduces bulk when the cover is turned right side out. Turn the cover through the envelope opening and gently shape the corners.
Insert the pillow through the opening at the back. Apply fabric waterproofing spray according to the product directions, including any instructions about drying time and ventilation. Let the cover dry fully before placing it outdoors.
Enjoy Your Finished Outdoor Pillows
With a suitable insert and a removable envelope cover, outdoor pillows are easy to customize for your seating area. Choose fabrics that suit your space, check covers and fillings for dampness, and store the pillows indoors when the weather is especially wet. These outdoor pillows can bring a comfortable, colorful accent to a patio while remaining simple to care for.
— Laura
