Without a Stitch: 10 No-Sew Projects to Dress Up Any Room

The most subtle changes can sometimes have the biggest impact—just witness the effect of new blinds, updated throw pillows, or fresh upholstery. Unfortunately, many of the small-but-powerful home decor projects on the Web require some sort of stitching, patchwork, or embroidery. But there’s good news for needle-phobes! If darning a pair of socks gives you the willies, rest assured that there are lots of ways to make a room pop without first having to thread a needle or fire up the sewing machine—if you even have one. With everyday items like an old sweater, fabric glue, or lots of staples, you can create an accent that can completely make a room. These delightful, low-cost improvements, from a window facelift to an ottoman rehab, will pay for themselves the minute a guest says, “Wow, I love this!” So, in the spirit of ingenuity, here are 10 DIY home decor projects that don’t require so much as a spool of thread.

Seating Staples

1/11
Reupholster Chair Seat

The sew factor of this reupholstery project is zero. To begin, turn the chair over and unscrew the seat cushion. Remove the old covering, replace the foam batting if necessary, and recover the cushion by pulling the new fabric taut along all sides while securing with staples. Take the rehab a step further by applying a fresh, colorful coat of paint before reattaching the cushion.

sisterswhat.com

Seal the Deal

2/11
No Sew Pillow

Pillowcases are a great way to dramatically change the look of a room without committing to a whole decor do-over. If you love the idea of making new covers but dislike sewing, try your hand at gluing! Homey Oh My explains how.

homeyohmy.com

Slip-On Seating

3/11
Reupholster Ottoman DIY

Everyday life can take a toll on a much-used ottoman, but a fresh cover will make it look like new. For a no-sew fix, Suburble has a tutorial that will get you up and covered in no time.

suburble.com

Throwing Shade

4/11
easy no sew curtains

Window treatments, whether they are draperies, shades, or blinds, can revitalize a room—but they're also expensive. This affordable DIY solution from Centsational Style was assembled using just fabric and iron-on adhesive tape. 

centsationalstyle.com

Surf in Style

5/11
DIY Lap Desk

Whether you're working from home or just browsing the web, it's always best to have something on your lap between you and the computer. A Beautiful Mess shares a tutorial for making your own lap desk to suit your style—all without breaking out the needle and thread. 

abeautifulmess.com

Stylish Storage

6/11
DIY Wall Organizer

Who says storage has to be boring? DIY Candy shares instructions for creating this surprising and smart wall organizer. Although it involves fabric and an embroidery hoop, no needle or thread is necessary. 

diycandy.com

Pleated Pendant

7/11
DIY Lampshade From Scratch

Make use of fabric scraps with this DIY lampshade. Corrie Beth Hogg of The Apple of My DIY shares her tutorial for putting it together with nary a stitch. 

Corrie Beth Hogg of The Apple of My DIY

Tasteful Textiles

8/11
DIY Fabric Art

Fabric art is a great way to create a contemporary atmosphere and tie together other elements. Choose fabrics that complement your throw pillows, window treatments, or area rug, then wrap them around a frame or canvas. Four Generations One Roof has the full instructions for this budget-friendly art project. 

fourgenerationsoneroof.com

Kids' Hideout

9/11
DIY Kids Tent

Not all no-sew projects need to be permanent fixtures in your house. This collapsible reading nook for kids is made from wooden poles, scrap fabric, twine, and glue. While you might need to adjust the living room seating to accommodate it, there's no stitching required. The Handmade Home has the tutorial.


Related: 12 Fresh Ideas for Your Kids' Room

thehandmadehome.net

Sustainable Supplies

10/11
diy swiffer pads

The first step to a dressed-up room is to keep it clean, and that means implementing—and sticking to—a regular sweeping schedule. Cut down on the amount of trash you haul to the curb every week, and spend less money on cleaning supplies by creating your own no-sew reusable Swiffer cloths, like the blogger at Bren Did has done. 

brendid.com

No Needle Needed

11/11
10 No Sew Home Decor Projects

You don't have to worry about your sewing skills with these DIY projects. 

bobvila.com

Don't Miss!

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If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!