9 Easy DIY Projects to get ready for the Holidays

1. Dining Chairs

Dining chair seats can be one of the simplest upholstery projects. Most of the time they are all “pull and staple” projects, with no sewing required. Not to mention that dining chair seats don't take much fabric at all. One yard is usually more than enough to cover two chairs. So if you have six dining seats to cover, you should only need three yards of fabric. You can even make up a little welt cording and staple it around the bottom to give your chairs a professional touch.
Watch our video about covering dining chairs if you are a little unsure.   

2. Table Cloth

Table cloths are as straight forward as can be. Take a piece of fabric large enough to cover your table, and with as much drape as you would like down the sides,  hem over the edge to keep it from fraying. If you have a table that is not a square or a rectangle, then just lay the fabric over the table, trace out the edge with chalk, add some extra for drape, and then hem the edge. For example, lets say that you have a circular table that is 3' across. Trace out your three foot circle on the fabric, then add a foot all the way around for drape. Now you have a 4' circle. Cut it out and hem the edges and there you have it, a transformed table ready for holiday gatherings.  

3.  Table Runner

Table runners, unlike table cloths which are usually made of solid, light colored fabrics, are where you can let the colors flow. It would be perfectly appropriate to use bright red, rich green or gold for a 1' wide table runner. To create one, cut a piece of fabric about 14” wide and the length of your table, plus a foot or so on each end for drape. For example, if you have a 6' table, you'll cut 14”x 96”. Hem over the edges half an inch and lay it down the middle of your table. Add a few candles and you are set to go. Remember, table runners and place mats are frequently paired with a lovely table cloth beneath.  

4. Place Mats

Why stop with a table cloth and runner when you could frame your place settings with custom place mats.  Just to give you an idea, typical place mats are 12”x 18”.  You can cut 13” x 19” rectangles and hem over the edges and there you have it. Place them one inch from the edge of the table and you are ready to seat your guests. As an added touch of elegance, print each guest's name on card stock, cut them out and prearrange the seating.   Check out this article about place mats for more ideas.  

5. Throw Pillows

A great way to get the sitting room ready for the big game, or your favorite Christmas movie, is with some new throw pillows. Novelty fabrics are great, but why not use something with a little more class as well. Try rich tones of silver, gold or deep shades of red. Instead of contrasting red and green, why not try different shades of red all in the same room. Making throw pillows is simple, simple, simple. First, cut two pieces of fabric the size and shape that you want your pillow. Lay them face to face and sew around the edge, making sure to leave an opening big enough to get your hand inside. Turn the cover right side out, stuff in your pillow insert, and sew up the opening.  

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6. Hearth Cushion

We all could use a little extra seating with so many guest, so let's use what you have. If you have a fire place try making a cushion for the hearth. This is a great way to invite guest to sit down at the fireplace. A word of warning here, if you are using your fireplace this is not a good idea. We don't want to create any fire hazards. But assuming you are not burning a fire that day, or that you have a gas fireplace that doesn't release any dangerous embers, a cushion on the hearth says to your guests that they are welcome to “sit here.”   

7. Window Cushion

If you have a window that allows, try making a new cushion for it. Everyone loves sitting in front of the window, especially when the weather's right. Nothing says holidays like the snow slowly falling outside the big picture window with a warm cup of hot chocolate in your hands. But who can enjoy the best spot in the house if they have to sit on hard wood? If you can't make a cushion for yourself, call us at Walker Fabrics.com and we can make custom window seat cushions out of any of our fabrics. We can even cut the foam insert if you don't have one. This is also a wonderful place for some fluffy throw cushions, they are great for snuggling in!

8. Christmas Tree Skirt

Why can't a Christmas tree skirt look as nice as the rest of your home. For a few weeks, before any presents are placed under the tree it certainly is going to be seen. Not to mention, who really wants to have a flat round Christmas tree skirt? Here is an idea for you...cut your fabric into a large rectangle and hem the edges. Then lay it around the base of the tree bundling the fabric up into layered piles. Your tree will look lavish and luxurious rather than flat and bare.    

9. Stockings

My last holiday recommendation is the stockings.It may be time to mount the old red felt stockings in your scrapbook. Sure they are nostalgic, but what about style? What about pizazz? That's where you come in (with a little help from Walker fabrics.com:).  Stockings are super easy to make, and you can add all kinds of personal touches to show off your designing skills. Try making them out of fabric that matches your décor. Theme a Christmas tree with one color of lights, ribbon and ornaments and make stockings to match. A real easy way to make a stocking your own is to ad trim across the top. A brush trim or tassel can make your stocking stand out. The nicer the stocking, maybe the nicer the treats that will be put inside! 

Here is a video to help you make your own Christmas Stocking.  

If you can't make your own stocking, you can have us make them for you for just $34.99.  As a Christmas gift to you, we will cover the shipping.