seasonal craft

PILLOW TALK: June, 2008 — Dovetales Antiques & Home Magazine, Autumn, 2006; Issue 0603 Cut, fold and stitch your way to a harvest of fabulous fall pillows. Follow our quick and simple directions to create one-of-a-kind custom cushions. — By Michelle A. DiPersio
The entire pillow is made from a single long piece of fabric; the trick is in the folding. Just stitch four simple straight lines and you’ll have a fun, new decorating accent. The measurements given are for an 18-inch pillow. Let’s start with what you’ll need. 1. One pre-made pillow form. Forms are available at most craft and fabric stores. We used an 18-inch pillow form. Feel free to adjust our measurements for different-sized pillow forms. 2. A length of fabric. 1 1/4 yards of 55-inch fabric will make 2 pillows. 3. Decorative trims. Add trims, lace, tassels, fringe or covered buttons to give your pillow that expensive, custom-made look. Colorful accents will garnish your new pillow with a touch of elegance and sophistication. 4. Sewing skills. The ability to sew a straight line on your sewing machine is all you need to craft your own unique cushions.
Perfect Homemade Pillows; Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Cut a piece of your favorite fabric 19 inches wide by 45 inches long. Try some different styles and designs for multiple pillows; you may want to choose different fabrics that coordinate well together.
STEP 2. Sew a simple hem on each edge of the short (19-inch) side. To sew a quick and easy line, fold under the edge of the fabric 1 inch and then again 1 more inch. Begin stitching the hem-line along the fold.
STEP 3. At this point, you may want to add a piece of decorative trim, colorful fringe or lace accent to one of the finished edges of your fabric. Check out your local craft stores for a length of trim or fashionable braid.
STEP 4. Lay your length of fabric down with the right side facing up. Fold in one of the short (19-inch) edges towards the middle of the piece. Measure in 12 inches and crease your fold. If you’ve added trim or edging to one of your edges, fold in this side first. Next, fold the opposite short (19-inch) edge toward the middle of the material. Measure in 11 inches and make your crease. After this fold, your second layer should be overlapping your first. Make sure the total length of your material is 18 inches between the folded edges.
STEP 5. You should now have an 18-inch by 19-inch square piece of fabric with the wrong sides facing out. Pin down each side to secure all the layers and sew the side-seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remove the pins and turn the material right side out. You now have a custom-made pillow case.
STEP 6. Stuff your new pillow cover with a pre-made 18-inch pillow form. Forms come in a variety of sizes and can be found at most craft and hobby stores. Make sure yours is the correct size.
STEP 7. For a few different looks, you can adjust the distances of the short edges when they’re folded in. For example, you can fold in the first edge 8 inches and the opposite edge 15 inches. Always make sure that you end up with a total of 18 inches between the seams.
STEP 8. To make a 14-inch pillow, cut your strip of fabric 15 inches by 41 inches and follow the step-by-step directions from there. A 16-inch pillow requires a length of fabric 17 inches by 43 inches and a 20-inch pillow uses a piece 21 inches by 47 inches. Remember to use the appropriate-sized pillow form for filling. Although pre-made forms come in many different sizes, textures and thicknesses usually remain the same. However, you can special-order custom pillow forms. Select fillings range from simple foam to soft, goose down.
STEP 9. Autumn leaves, vibrant plaid and bright red solids are just a few of the cloth designs appropriate for this fall project. Mix and match different styles and sizes to create a sofa full of harvest cushions for the holidays.
STEP 10. For a full bounty of autumn-inspired fabrics, quality materials and decorative trims, please visit Calico Corners of Hanover, Massachusetts. They carry an elaborate selection of everything you’ll need for tackling your own pillow project. Gather your materials and get started with your pillow party today!