All-American Decorating Ideas

Give your sofa a seasonal lift.

Patriotic pillows march along a sofa slipcovered in flexible, durable white cotton canvas. The pillows are sewn from vintage mattress ticking fabric (any simple blue-and-white stripe fabric will do). They're trimmed in fun fringe and emblazoned with hand-tacked flags. You can use inexpensive store-bought flags from the hardware or grocery store for the project. If you're considering slipcovers, make sure the fabric is upholstery weight for sturdiness, and washable for low-maintenance. This white cotton duck fabric offers those traits, plus it provides a clean canvas for changing pillows with the season. For a final spirited touch, tuck a few flags into a casual bouquet of fresh flowers.

More pillow ideas.

Trapunto is the sewing method used to create a raised, or quilted, design. Stitch a cutout onto a pillow cover, then insert tufts of stuffing to raise the image.