Simple pillows

Pillows are a good beginner project. They are fairly easy and quick to finish. And don’t we love the immediate reward? Even basic pillows offer chances for creativity–in fabric choice. As your sewing progresses, your designs can get even more creative, as well as trims, closures, and shapes.

Here is an easy how-to for sewing a basic pillow. You don’t have to be an expert to try this. So, grab your machine and fabrics, and get busy!

1.  Make a drawing. Some people can get by without this step, but it always helps me to put it on paper–dimensions and design.

OK…You are paying attention! The designs at the left are NOT the simple pillow I am talking about…I felt a little creative this day.

2.  Gather supplies:  Rulers, fabric, scissors, fabric marker. (Yes, I occasionally us

pencils–only for cut lines–or soap slivers. Ask me about that later.)

Even if you are new to this, try a different fabric on back. It is fun to mix and match, and it’s really as if you are getting two pillows for the price of one!

3.  Cut fabrics to the exact size as your pillow form. Weird, I know, but it works. For instance, if you are making a 20″ square pillow, cut your fabric 20″ x 20 “. (Forms or stuffing? It’s up to you and your wallet. Look for forms on sale at JoAnn, Tuesday Morning, Hancock Fabricks, and Ikea. I am new to Ikea, but so far, I am liking it.) If your fabric has a motif or design, center it. You’ll be much happier, even if you have a little fabric waste. (Save scraps for other projects.)

4.  Cut corners. This is a tip I learned after I was well into sewing. Some pillows end up with floppy, “dog-eared”corners. To avoid this, simply taper the corner cuts. Measure out from a corner 1/4 of the length of a side. (For a 20-incher, this is five inches.) From this 5″ mark, draw a line toward the corner, ending about an inch up from the corner. Measure the same kind of taper on the side perpendicular to the first. The lines will intersect in from the corner about 3/4″. (I’m sure there is a geometric formula at work here, but I can’t for the life of me remember it!) Cut all four corners the same. Want a shortcut? After cutting one corner, fold fabric neatly side to side, then top to bottom. Carefully cut the other three corners, using the first as a template of sorts.

5.  Pin front and back together–RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. There isn’t a sewing person anywhere who hasn’t made that mistake, either due to fatigue or distraction. Trust me, it is NEVER fun to have to go find the seam ripper.

6.  Sew, using 1/2″ seam allowance, ALMOST all the way around the pillow. Leave a 10″ gap in the bottom side for turning rightside out.

7. Turn, and carefully insert pillow form. This may take a bit of persuasion, but fold and scrunch until form is where you want it.

8.  Using a hand needle, whip stitch the opening closed.

9.  Voila! Toss [grin at pun] and enjoy! (Pictures to follow–as soon as I’m finished sewing!)