Okay, those of you who commented and emailed. This really is the most basic thing you can make with a sewing machine, yet adds some real spice to your couch, chairs, or bed. I recommend using napkins if you aren’t comfortable with measuring and cutting fabric yet. Although…..I know Targets dirty little secret. You ready? Lean in close because I am going to whisper……”Their napkins aren’t perfect squares” Yup, you heard it here. I have yet to have any of my squares line up perfectly…it really doesn’t matter because you can’t tell in the end, just don’t freak if every side looks like there is some slack before you turn them rightside out. The key is a steady hand while sewing a straight line and using the guides on your machine.
Step One…cut a hole in the box……Step Two…put your…….KIDDING those of you who know what that is…..
Step One:
Put the right sides of the napkins facing each other and pin along three edges, leaving one side open. The great thing is you have a ready made seam that is about 5/8 in. with the hem of the napkins (Yes I realize these napkins don’t remotely match, but it is so you can see.)
You then need to sew up those three sides by sewing along the seam that the edge of the napkin created which should line up on the 5/8 line on your sewing machine guide.
Once you have sewn the three sides, turn your pillow inside out so the right sides should be facing out and the edges are on the inside.
Make sure you iron your pillow so the edges lay flat.
Stuff your pillow with batting or if you have a plain pillow insert,put that in.
Because I don’t know how to put in zippers next, I had to sew my pillow inside the cover. This can get a bit tricky trying to shove all the pillow guts to the back and sew up your last side. You will be an official pillow wrangler by the end of it all.
With the last open side, fold/flip in your napkin edges and pin. You are now going to sew along the very edge of the pillow, so go slow on the pedal to keep your seam straight and so you can get as close to the edge as possible. If you screw up, seam rip that bad boy and start again.
On two of my pillows the stuffing was smaller than the actual cover. So after I sewed the pillow in, I then pinned all the way around the pillow 5/8 of an inch and sewed to create a lip.
Wave your magic wand…presto chango….and pillows!
Can’t touch this….I am moving on to designing pillow covers now….(kisses tip of pointer finger and points to ample behind with sizzle sound….HOT!) So I will put some of my masterpieces or disasterpieces online for you when they are done. Although I admire so many of my friends who make all sorts of things with yarn and material…I need to find my own niche and I love home decorating so I think curtains and pillows will be my outlet. I want to see some pics if any of you end up doing this (cough, cough…HOLLI!) If one of my instructions was unclear, leave a comment or email me.
As far as the the little dress is concerned…that is from a pattern and there is no way I am qualified to explain that. You can go to my flickr for some pictures of the pattern and cut outs.
For better ideas…visit my friends who craft.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! disasterpieces - I’m afraid that’s all that might come from me. still - i vow to try. now to get my hands on a sewing machine…
thanks for the lessons, Kel.
I love doing pillows! A Very fun and Easy first sewing project, I think
They look great. I need to head to target and get some of those napkins, great idea for pillow coverings.
Those are so cute! Mrs. M who comments on my blog sews a lot. I have no sewing talent in me but I could surely sew a straight line…surely?
Step Three Is my favorite… when she opens the box.
I so want to try this. We have a hand me down couch, peachish pink with flowers and pillows covered in gray fleece. Just doesn’t work together! My eyes will be on the lookout for something to go with my couch, I am thinking stripes?! Suggestions? I don’t have much practice with decorating since we have been apartment living and moving too much in our married lives. Sorry for the book of a comment!
you pick such cute material for things. i can’t wait to see what Caleb’s taggie looks like! if you learn how to make baby beanie hats, let me know. i can’t find any cute ones for boys in dark colors like navy, red, or green… just light blue & yellow and variations of light blue & yellow, like stripes or polka dots. it gets cold here and he needs to be covered when we go to the windy beaches of carmel. my mom is coming in a few weeks. i’ve asked her to bring her sewing machine. i think i’ll go on a fabric hunt this week. i’m sure they’re the easiest thing to make.
great pillow directions! Pretty soon you will be making you and Chloe matching dresses! You have such a great eye for color! I did expect to see Chloe with the pillow cover on her head!