This DIY stenciled pillow cover is an easy way to make a custom accent pillow using leftover fabric. The finished piece adds a warm, thankful touch to holiday decor and works well year-round.
If you follow this blog, today’s post may feel familiar: I’m combining three of my favorite things—my Silhouette Cameo, contact paper, and drop cloth fabric—to create a simple, stylish pillow.
When I reflected on what I’m grateful for, one word kept coming to mind: “Blessed.” I wanted a throw pillow that reflected that feeling, so I made a stencil and painted the word onto a drop cloth pillow cover for a neutral, farmhouse-inspired look.
I already had pillow inserts waiting for covers, and some leftover drop cloth material from a curtain project, so this was the perfect quick craft. The neutral texture of drop cloth holds paint beautifully and gives a relaxed, handmade character to any room.
I made a 20 × 20 inch cover because I didn’t have enough fabric for a larger size, and I like a full-looking pillow so the insert is slightly larger than the cover. This approach gives the pillow a plump, finished appearance.
Supplies for DIY Stenciled Drop Cloth Pillow Cover
- Drop cloth fabric and a finished pillow cover in the size you prefer (mine is 20 × 20 inches)
- Silhouette Cameo or another cutting machine (or a craft knife if cutting by hand)
- Contact paper to create the stencil
- Design file or lettering created in Silhouette Studio or comparable software
- A scrap piece of cardboard to insert in the pillow while painting
- Foam stenciling brush or small foam pouncer for paint application
I began by sewing the pillow cover from my drop cloth scraps—if you need guidance, see my easy pillow cover tutorial for a step-by-step method. With the cover ready, I designed a script word in the cutting software so the entire word would cut as a single connected piece; this keeps the stencil stable and makes painting easier.
I used a script font I love and added laurel accents to frame the word, inspired by popular chalkboard art motifs. After converting the design to a cut file, I cut it from contact paper and carefully removed the negative areas to create a stencil.
Before painting, slide a piece of cardboard into the pillow to prevent paint from soaking through to the back. Position the contact paper stencil on the pillow and press firmly, smoothing the edges so the paint won’t bleed under the stencil. A flat scraper or a credit card works well for this.
When stenciling, use a small foam brush and apply paint in an up-and-down tapping motion rather than brushing across the stencil. Use a minimal amount of paint on the brush—too much paint increases the chance of bleed-through and softens the edges of the design. Dab lightly and build up color gradually for crisp lines.
Once the paint was applied, allow it to dry slightly but not completely before lifting the contact paper. Removing the stencil carefully prevents smudging and preserves sharp edges. If you plan to launder the pillow cover, consider using fabric paint or a textile medium mixed with acrylic paint to ensure wash durability.
I was thrilled with the result—the simple “Blessed” script framed by laurel accents looked clean, warm, and handmade. Because I used materials I already had, the project was essentially free and quick to complete.
This method is versatile: swap the word, change the font, or experiment with different motifs to create holiday-themed pillows, seasonal accents, or personalized gifts. Stenciling on drop cloth gives you a neutral canvas that works with many interior styles, from farmhouse to modern casual.