You’ve signed the lease, you’ve popped a bottle of champagne, and you’ve eaten plenty of takeout on the floor. Moving into a new place gives you a lot to celebrate and a lot to worry about! Adding on a DIY home décor project can help you personalize your space, but may feel like another hoop to jump through. Luckily, I’m here to help you take the guesswork out of shopping for home fabrics with a handy guide!
Step 1: Decide on Your Project
What, exactly, do you want to make? A deceptively simple question! Home décor projects can range from anything from throw pillows, to upholstery, to sunbrellas! Each project will have different needs, and different qualities to shop for. For example, will your piece be inside or outside? If it’s inside, you’ll want to focus on comfort and play with texture. If you’re making something for a patio or outdoor space, you’ll want fabrics that are durable and built to last.
Step 2: Decide on Your Aesthetic
Another deceptively simple question! There are a million aesthetics out there. From modern farmhouse, to modern boho, to simply just modern, it can be hard to pick from all of the beautiful homes on Pinterest. One of the best ways to discover what you like is to discover what you don’t like. Choose the aesthetics you hate, and that can help point you in the right direction!
Step 3: Order Your Swatches
Swatches are important for fashion sewing, but for home sewing, they play a crucial role. Not only can you test the feel and drape of a fabric, but you can also make sure the color and pattern ties into the rest of the room’s décor. I suggest grabbing a few swatches of different shades, textures, and fibers. Just like paint, all fabric dyes are not created the same, and a simple tint of green or red can throw off the symmetry of a space.
Step 4: Measure, Measure, Measure!
Once you’ve decided on a fabric, you’ve got to decide on how much you need. Unlike fashion patterns, many home projects require you to custom measure and draft your own pattern. Particularly if you are reupholstering furniture, you will need to make sure you get the fabric needed for your furniture piece, not a general guide. Once you’ve got your measurements, you can then proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Order your Fabrics, Tools, and Notions
You’ve got the measurements, so you’ve got the yardage of the fabric you need. While you’re online shopping, you may as well get some tools and notions along the way! Home decor sewing often requires a different set of tools than fashion sewing. Grab some extra strong or upholstery thread, as well as upholstery needles. You may also want to invest in T-pins.
Step 6: Start Sewing!
Your package from Mood just arrived at your (new!) front door! Now it’s time for the hardest part…actually sewing the project! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful new addition to your home at the end of it.
Do you have any upcoming home décor projects you’d like to shop for? Let us know in the comments below!
