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How to Make Burlap Map Pillows (Hessian Cushions)

I love maps and traveling. I decided to put all this together and make these unique luggage tag burlap pillows (hessian cushions) using world map fabric.

These map pillows have a real vintage vibe. The luggage tags shape give the impression they are definitely from a different era.  I also love to make shaped pillows that aren’t the traditional square shape.

*My English family and friends give me a blank look whenever I say burlap as they call it hessian. As I follow so many American bloggers and crafters burlap is what I’m used to, plus I prefer the word to hessian.

Also, further apologies to my English family and friends but I’m using the word pillow rather than cushion.

Map burlap pillows what you need

Fun & Unique Luggage Tag Burlap Map Pillows (Hessian)

Actually, the real reason I made these pillows is that I had some lovely map fabric leftover from lining my vintage map suitcase.

However, I didn’t have enough scrap fabric to make a whole pillow. That’s when I came up with the idea of combining it with burlap and making my luggage tag map pillows.

How these map burlap pillows are personalized, is by filling out the luggage tag details. I made one of these as a Christmas gift for my sister-in-law.

I personalized the pillow with her name, and as my husband’s family is from Norway, I’ve put Bergen as the destination.

The other map pillow is for me, so it has my name and Hong Kong as the destination. Hong Kong is my favorite city, as I was born and raised there. My family lived in Hong Kong for 30years.

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What You Need to Make Burlap Map Pillows (hessian cushions)

Map fabric

How to Make Map Pillows

1..Firstly, make a template for the pillow. This can be any size. Simply draw out a luggage label shape onto scrap paper (or even newspaper) and cut it out. This will be the size and shape of the burlap pillow.

pillow template

2. Next, using the paper template and the rotary cutter cut out the burlap/hessian for the tag side of the pillow.

hessian cushion pattern

3. Next, for the other side of the pillow, cut 2 pieces of fabric. One piece of map fabric and the other a piece of burlap. The burlap fabric will be the top half of the pillow shape, and the map fabric the bottom half. Just like the picture below. Allow for a 1cm seam where the two fabrics will join.

Map pillow fabric

4. Next, stitch these two pieces of fabric together, to form the map side of the burlap pillow.

5. Before sewing both sides of the pillow together, personalize the luggage label. Do this, by writing on the burlap side with a sharpie and a letter stencil.

I wrote a name, a destination and flight no: Just like an old fashioned luggage tag.

Stencilling on burlap

Stencilling on burlap

map-burlap-pillows-luggage-tags

6. After stenciling, then stitch the pillow right sides together. Remember to leave a small gap for stuffing. Then turn your pillow right side out.

Fitting the tag Pillow Grommet/Eyelet

7. The next step is slightly tricky, inserting the curtain grommet. If you know someone with a grommet machine or have a friendly local sewing shop that will do this bit for you that’s brilliant.

If not then you can try fixing the grommet yourself, as I did by using a combination of pliers and a hammer. Place the grommet where you would like the luggage tag hole on the hesssian cushion. Mark the spot and cut the fabric to make a hole.

The grommet comes in 2 pieces, one for each side. With the help of a hammer and pliers, you should be able to fix the 2 parts together. That is why used metal grommets, they are more malleable.

If you are not sure about this part then, you can just make a hole and sew around it without the grommet.

Adding the grommets
adding curtain eyelets to hessian cushion

8. Finally, all that is left to do is to stuff the burlap map pillow with fiberfill and stitch up the hole. Then, tie some old rope through the hole to complete the luggage tag look.

Map burlap pillows- Made to look like a luggage tag can be personalised.
This map burlap pillow looks like a luggage tag. It even has writing on the other side which can be personalized. Full tutorial

My sister-in-law loved her luggage tag pillow by the way. It went really well in her map-themed guest room, where she even has one of my map lampshades.

I have lots of map-themed crafts and DIY’s in my home, so my burlap pillow went really well with that. It looks good next to both my personalized map chairs and vintage suitcase side table.

Personalized map burlap pillows to look like luggage tags  and map chair both tutorials on Pillarboxblue.com
Burlap-map-pillows-hessian-cushions

If you liked this post then you will probably like some of my other personalized map crafts:
Easy Map Table Mats With City Maps
Denim World map floor cushion

There is a tutorial on Pictureboxblue on how to print your own personalized map pillows.

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[…] Check it here. […]

Lesley McNeill

Saturday 14th of May 2022

When I saw this on Facebook I was looking for luggage tags! Disappointed but they are a lovely idea for a map themed room.

Claire Armstrong

Sunday 15th of May 2022

Thank you, yes they are a bit too big for luggage tags 😂

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[…] Luggage Tag Map Burlap Pillows are a genius way to travel! Unique, fun and mapped with your favorite places. Get the easy DIY from […]

Carolann

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

I just love them! Burlap always looks so home grown to me and I can't wait to try this myself. Just beautiful!

Claire Armstrong

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

Thank you so much. We call burlap hessian in the UK so when I first read American blogs I didn't know what you were talking about when mentioning burlap.

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[…] Luggage Tag Map Burlap Pillows| Pillar Box Blue […]