In August, we got a new sofa (which we LOVE), but it didn’t look great with our existing black end table. The table is high quality with excellent storage so I wasn’t ready to get rid of it. I thought maybe I could cover it and do a little DIY (killing two birds with one stone- such a gross saying, but you know what I mean).
before
Sometimes when you’re packing up your whole house, taking a little DIY break is exactly what you need! I saw this vintage ad from Rit Dye and thought it would be fun to be inspired by it and redo it in a modern way:
First off, I figured, how about a table cloth to cover up the black table?! And instead of dying the whole thing pink, how about a dip dye so the bottom has a fun ombre look with pom pom trim?
Next, I love the bow accent and thought that I’d bring it in on a throw pillow instead of decorating a light shade. I thought some tassel trim on the pillow would mix it up a little. Now that I had my plan, it was time to make the pillow and table cloth!
Supplies-
Rit Dye (Petal Pink)
White fabric (I used these drapes with the pom pom trim because I had it on hand)
Pom pom trim (if you don’t use the drapes)
Scissors
Gloves
Yarn
Ruler
Cut fabric for the table cloth
I choose to make a fitted table cloth so I measured the height of the end table. I added an inch to account for seam allowance. Next, I used a measuring stick and pencil to mark where to cut.I cut the fabric along my pencil mark.
Next, I traced the top of the table on my fabric. Once again, an inch was added to account for seam allowance. I cut out where I traced.
Make tassels for the pillow. I made two for the top corners and used these super easy instructions.
Dye your fabrics
Now it is time to dye the bottom of the table cloth and the tassels! I did the dying in my sink with boiling water and putting on rubber gloves. To get the right amount of dye, start by pouring a little in the water. Test an extra piece of fabric in the dye. Keep adding dye until you are happy with the color.
Once you like the color, start dying the bottom of the table cloth. Dip in the fabric- I did about 3 inches and then hold it in longer closer to the bottom so it is darker at the ends. I purposely dipped in the fabric at different heights to give it variation, but if I were to do it again, I’d keep it more uniform.
I threw the tassels into the dye until they were a light color pink I liked. The yarn I used didn’t accept the dye super well, so these sat in the dye longer than the cotton drapes.
Since I was happy with the dying I had done, I rinsed the fabric and tassels in water and then hung them up in the sun to dry.
Pillow prep
Now, I was ready to work more on the pillow. I cut out the fabric to make the”x pillow cover. I cut out a 19”x19” square for the 18” pillow insert. To make up the back of the pillow cover, I cut out a 8″x19″ piece of fabric and a 13″x19″ piece of fabric. These will overlap to make an envelope opening on the back to slip the pillow into the cover.
I wanted to make a bow motif for the front of the pillow. First, I marked a grid on the pillow so I could add the bows to the pillow equal distances apart.I mixed a little dye with water and used a paint brush to test out a method for painting bows on the fabric. It worked best for me to push most of the dye off the brush after I dipped the brush and then paint it on the fabric. That way the dye didn’t bleed on the front of pillow.I did a pink bow pattern, but the beauty of this project is that you could do anything in any color you want! I think a watercolor look would be fun! Or black plus signs. Honestly, anything would work!Sewing time
It is officially time to sew everything together! My little helper sat on my lap while I sewed the table cloth top to the base. I also sewed the pillow cover up- for the back I hemmed one edge on both pieces. Then I pinned all the pieces of the pillow cover together, right sides facing each other. I am obviously super concentrated and tired in this photo- haha!I left the tassels on the outside since they are so bulky and then at the last minute flipped them in.How sweet is that little face?! This was the first time he’d seen me sew since he was tiny, so he was super fascinated with it. His job was to push the back stitch button 🙂
Assemble everything
Now that the pillow and the table cloth were complete, I put the table cloth on the table. Next, I put the pillow cover on the pillow.I am super happy with how this little project turned out! The dip dyed table cloth really brightened up the end table. I also like that the storage on the table is now hidden (yay for another place for ugly toys)!This little corner feels bigger and totally freshened up.Plus Lucy really likes it!The pillow is so happy with the sweet bows and fun tassel trim.Probably my second favorite part of this project (besides the custom ability), is how cheap it is! I had everything I needed at home, but even if you don’t, the supplies are very affordable.Let’s see the before and after one more time!
Now my question for you- is there something you can dye to give your décor a fresh start?
Lamp / swans / tray / Shopkeeper’s Home book / Nate Berkus book / pink pillow cover / sofa
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Anastasia says
I love the updated look! I’ve been wanting to make a tassel pillow – thanks for some new inspiration! Also – love that you have a sewing helper, that’s exactly what I do when my daughter wants to join a sewing project!