Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. DIY Home Decor
  4. Fabric & Paper Projects
  5. Fast Fabric Facelifts

Fast Fabric Facelifts

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Flower pillow
Check out these ideas -- each using a yard of fabric or less -- and get started with your own decorating redos.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flowered Pillows

Flower pillow

Embellish a plain store-bought pillow with funky felt flowers. Cut simple five-petal flower shapes from felt in various colors, then layer several graduated sizes to make one flower. Using a needle and thread, stitch through the centers of the flowers to tack them together. After you have created about a dozen flowers (or more for a larger pillow), stitch them to the pillow surface, bunching them tightly together to create three-dimensional blooms.

Editor's Tip: Thick, stiff felt works best for blooms that won't wilt, but you can cut flowers from any fabric that doesn't fray, such as fleece.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chair Reupholstery

Recovering a chair cushion is much easier than you think. Watch and see how to revive old chairs with this simpe reupholstery technique.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fabric Art

Showcase a beautiful piece of fabric as art with this simple technique. Watch and learn how it's done.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wrapped Vases

Rag rug doily

Show off pretty fabric scraps by wrapping them around clear glass vases. Choose a vase with straight sides, and cut a rectangle of fabric to fit around it, leaving a 1/2-inch overlap. Secure one vertical edge of the fabric to the glass using double-stick tape, then wrap the fabric, and secure the overlapping edge using fabric glue.

Editor's Tip: Make more of a statement by clustering several vases together and tying them together with a long strip of fabric.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snazzy Shade

Fabric lampshade

Add a flourish to your room with a personalized light fixture. Purchase an inexpensive lampshade from a discount store. You can re-cover cone-shape shades, but the straight sides of a drum style make this an easy project. Measure the shade from top to bottom, and add two inches for the fabric to wrap over the edges of the shade. Measure the circumference of the shade and add a 1/2 inch for overlap. Cut a rectangle of fabric that matches these measurements. Spray the wrong side of the fabric rectangle with fabric adhesive, then lay the shade on its side, centered in the rectangle, and wrap the fabric around the shade. Smooth the fabric with your fingers. Wrap fabric under the bottom edge and press into place. For the top edge, cut slits to accommodate the support wires before pressing into place.

Editor's Tip: To re-cover a lampshade that is a cone shape, look for patterns from online lamp supply stores.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Warm Quilt

Upcycled quilt

Before you toss that snagged sweater or dog-chewed throw blanket, upcycle parts into a brilliant new quilt. To prepare the wool textiles, wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat, which will shrink and tighten the fibers. Even basic sewers can achieve this graphic, modern look by simply cutting basic shapes, such as rectangles, that are all the same size. Stitching the pieces together by hand contributes to the rustic appeal. Use a sturdy thread, such as embroidery floss, and large needles to make the task easier. Finally, leave the edges unfinished, or wrap them with a band of washed cotton fabric and stitch in place.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Doily Dishes

Doily bowls

Put a bold new spin on crochet doilies, which are common estate sale items and often passed down from Grandma. Using fabric dye, stain the doilies vivid hues, such as these brights; let dry. Turn over a bowl or cup, cover it with plastic wrap, and drape a doily on top. Brush on two coats of liquid fabric stiffener, letting the first coat dry completely. Finish the catchalls by brushing them with clear shellac.

Editor's Tip: You can purchase fabric-stiffening liquid at crafts and hobby stores, or you can make a solution of equal parts white glue and water.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personal Notes

DIY stationery

Design your own stationery using lace and doilies as inspiration. Look for vintage handiwork at thrift stores and estate sales. Small crocheted coasters can decorate paper cards; dye one black for a graphic look, and use quick-drying crafts glue to adhere it to cardstock or a note card. You also can use the crochet and lace as stencils. Dip a stencil brush in acrylic paint and use a pouncing motion to apply it over the lace; remove the lace to leave the pattern behind. Use paper doilies from the wedding-supply aisle of the crafts store or lace-pattern decorative tape for other quick adornments.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift Wraps

Scrappy gift wrap

Go beyond the expected paper wrappings for meaningful gifts. Use scraps leftover from projects, or peruse the fresh new offerings at the local crafts store. Lay the fabric wrong side up on a table. Place the gift box or item in the center. Wrap as you would with paper, tucking the corners in and drawing up the opposite sides to tie.

Editor's Tip: If the fabric won't lie neatly, affix glue dots to the corners of the gift box to hold fabric in place.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Patchwork Headboard

Fabric patchwork headboard

Use scraps of coordinating fabrics to create a modern patchwork-effect headboard. To make the headboard, cut 8-inch squares from stiff florist's foam and 1/4-inch plywood. Cut 8-inch squares from quilt batting and place over foam squares. Glue all layers with Styroglue. Cut fabric into squares large enough to wrap the foam squares with at least a 1/2 -inch overlap on the back. Staple fabric to the back with a staple gun. Cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood a few inches wider than your mattress on both sides. Line up the squares facedown in your desired pattern and attach them to each other with heavy-duty tape. Top them with the plywood, and drill wood screws at 8-inch intervals to secure all the layers. Attach ring hooks to the back of the plywood to hang the headboard on the wall.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Seat

Fabric covered chair

Add style to a plain wooden chair with fabric. Remove the seat and back from the chair. Trace the seat on 1/2-inch foam, cut the foam, then attach it to the seat with spray adhesive. Cut fabric 3 inches wider than the seat perimeter. Wrap fabric over the seat, smoothing as you go and securing with heavy-duty carpet tape on the bottom. Trace the chair back on paper and add 1 inch all around. Using the pattern, cut two pieces of fabric. Lightly spray the front of the chair back with spray adhesive and press fabric onto the front, wrapping the allowance to the back. Fold under 1-inch allowance on the second piece of fabric, wrong sides together, and press. Use fusible webbing to adhere the fabric to the back of the chair, overlapping the wrapped allowance. Reattach the seat and back.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Casual Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains

Sew breezy curtain panels to accentuate your windows. Start with inexpensive café curtains from a discount store. Cut a second set of panels from coordinating fabric, adding 1 inch to the side measurement. Press all sides under 1/2 inch, then another inch, and sew hems. Lay the shorter panels over the longer set and clip together with rings to hang.

Editor's Tip: For a no-sew option, secure hems with fusible webbing and an iron.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curtain Call

Yellow console table with curtain

Add pretty curtains to a console table to hide storage. Make curtains by sewing a rod pocket, or use fusible webbing for a no-sew option. Embellish with a ribbon or a strip of coordinating scrap fabric along the bottom edge. Hang the curtains between the table legs using tension rods.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lamp Love

Green and white fabric covered lamp

Create a designer lamp in minutes with a splashy fabric. Cut fabric pieces 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the lamp base and lampshade. Iron a 1-inch hem on both long edges and one short edge of each piece. Lightly spray the lamp base and shade with spray adhesive and wrap fabric around each piece, smoothing as you wrap. If necessary, secure the hemmed edges with a thin bead of fabric glue.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flirty Pillows

Pink pillows

A yard of fabric is all it takes to make pillows as large as 30 X 30 inches. Cut a front and back piece of fabric to the desired pillow size, adding 1 inch to the length and width for the seam allowance. Place the fabric right sides together and pin, leaving an opening for stuffing or pillow form. Sew around the pinned fabric. Reach into the open seam and turn the fabric right side out: press. Insert stuffing or pillow. Hand-stitch opening closed.

DIY Tip: Create ruffles from ribbon by sewing two rows of basting stitches 1/4 inch apart down the center of the ribbon, leaving long trends. Pull the bottom threads to gather into ruffles.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Cabinet Panels

fabric storage

Reface a pair of doors while also hiding the cabinet's contents by lining the glass panels with patterned fabric. On the back of each door, stretch the fabric over the glass and use a staple gun to fasten the edges to the wooden frame. For a tidy appearance inside, conceal the staples with glued-down coordinating ribbon.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fabric-Filled Dining

101183988

Set a mood in your dining room by combining coordinating fabrics to make a powerful statement.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Adorable Glass Charms

101183966

Use up even the tiniest bits and pieces of leftover or favorite fabrics with these wineglass charms. Cut small squares of selected areas of the fabric and insert each into a frame pendant. Earring-hoop wire threaded through the pendant loop makes it easy to attach the charm to a wineglass stem.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pattern-Filled Runner

101183990

Stitch up the perfect table runner -- custom-fit to your own table -- by making a fabric "sandwich" with a piece of same-size batting in between. With right sides out and the layers pinned together, sew straight quilting lines through all pieces along the length of the runner. Cover the raw edges with binding tape adhered with fusible web.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Adorable Chair Cover

detail of chair cover

You don't need to slipcover an entire chair to give it a fresh new look. Make this chair-back cover with just two squares of fabric and use fusible web to adhere a fabric shape to one piece. Finish with coordinating binding tape adhered to the edges with fusible web.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pillow Covers

101183974

Give a standard pillow form a fresh look by sewing an easy slipcover. Allowing enough fabric for an overlap, sew two sides of the fabric together, folding under the raw edges at the overlap. Slip the cover over the pillow, then close the opening with three covered buttons fitted with coordinating fabric.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creative Nook

overall of desk

To jazz up an office pick large-scale patterns for big decorating impact.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Display Board

101183975

Covered in retro-inspired fabric, a stretched artist's canvas becomes a practical memo board. A sheet-metal square added to one side makes a magnetic spot for hanging bits and pieces, and the vellum calendar will keep you on schedule.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Stationery

101183982

Abstract fabric cutouts dress up plain card stock to make custom all-occasion greeting cards that also look great framed. Gel pen outlines and a decorative scalloped edge finish off the cards.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Decorative Balls

101183978

Group together fabric-covered balls to make a great filler for a bowl, a glass vase, or a basket. Cut fabric strips from coordinating fabrics and use glue to adhere the strips to plastic-foam balls. Select a variety of fabric patterns and use both small and large balls for extra interest.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Flowered Pillows
    2 of 25 Chair Reupholstery
    3 of 25 Fabric Art
    4 of 25 Wrapped Vases
    5 of 25 Snazzy Shade
    6 of 25 Warm Quilt
    7 of 25 Doily Dishes
    8 of 25 Personal Notes
    9 of 25 Gift Wraps
    10 of 25 Patchwork Headboard
    11 of 25 Sweet Seat
    12 of 25 Casual Cafe Curtains
    13 of 25 Curtain Call
    14 of 25 Lamp Love
    15 of 25 Flirty Pillows
    16 of 25 Custom Cabinet Panels
    17 of 25 Fabric-Filled Dining
    18 of 25 Adorable Glass Charms
    19 of 25 Pattern-Filled Runner
    20 of 25 Adorable Chair Cover
    21 of 25 Pillow Covers
    22 of 25 Creative Nook
    23 of 25 Display Board
    24 of 25 Custom Stationery
    25 of 25 Make Decorative Balls

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Fast Fabric Facelifts
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.