Making a pillow pattern can be a fun and creative project for those seeking to elevate their interior design. Here are the steps to help you make a pillow pattern:
1. Gather Supplies: You will need some fabric or a pillow form, scissors, thread, pins and a sewing machine.
2. Select a Pattern: Look through your fabric or pattern books to find a pattern you like or create your own. Make sure to cut out a large enough piece of your fabric to accommodate your pattern.
3. Cut and Pin: Take the fabric and cut out the pattern you have selected. Use the matching pins to join both sides at the edges of your pattern along the seam line.
4. Sew: Start sewing along the edges with your sewing machine, making sure to use a wide zigzag stitch and to pin additional areas if necessary.
5. Finish the Edges: If you want to make a neat, finished edge to the pillow pattern, use a bias tape or ribbon to cover the raw edges. You can also use applicator grommets, buttons or other decorative items.
6. Stuff the Pillow: Once your pillow pattern is finished, stuff it with stuffing or a pillow form and hand-sew the opening where you stuffed it.
7. Enjoy: Now you have a beautiful pillow! Place it or give it as a gift, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
How do I calculate how much fabric I need for a pillow?
Calculating how much fabric you’ll need for a pillow depends on the size of the pillow and whether you plan to use the same print for the front and the back.
For a 16” x 16” pillow, you’ll need approximately four yards of 44” wide fabric for a single-print pillow. Two yards of 44” wide fabric should be sufficient to cover both sides with different prints.
If you intend to make piping or use a different trim, add extra length to your fabric cut as needed.
For a 20” x 20” pillow, you’ll need approximately four and a half yards of 44” wide fabric if using one print. If you’d like to use different prints for the front and back, you’ll need two and two-thirds yards of 44” wide fabric.
As with the 16” x 16” pillow, add additional length if piping or trim are desired.
If you’d like to use a different width of fabric than 44”, you’ll need to adjust accordingly. To do this, first determine the width of fabric in inches (e. g. , 42 inches). Then, divide four yards by the width in inches (4 ÷ 42) to calculate the number of yards needed for a single-print 16” x 16” pillow.
Once you’ve determined the amount of fabric you’ll need, purchase enough to allow for a few inches of room in case of mistakes. It can be helpful to purchase a few extras yards, that way you have extra fabric on-hand in case of any mistakes or to do patchwork with.
How do you figure yardage for a pillow?
Figuring out the yardage for a pillow will depend on the size of the pillow, as well as the type of fabric or trim you decide to use. Generally speaking, an average-sized pillow (18- to 20 inches) will require about one-half yard of 45-inch wide fabric or trim.
If you are making a square pillow, you can purchase a single yard of fabric in most cases.
If you’re making a larger pillow (24-inch pillow) or a pillow that has a more intricate shape, you may need to purchase a larger amount of fabric. For example, two yards of fabric may be required if you plan to use two different fabrics that are printed with a pattern.
Also, consider adding more fabric if you plan to add any kind of piping or other embellishments to the pillow. For example, one yard of piping will be enough for a 20-inch pillow, but for a 30-inch pillow, you may need to purchase two yards of trim or piping.
Also, consider adding extra fabric if you plan to make an envelope pillow or pillow with a zipper closure. In addition to the basic measurements above, you may need to add an extra one-fourth to one-half yard.
In conclusion, the yardage for a pillow will ultimately depend on the size and shape of the pillow, as well as the type of fabric and embellishments that are used.
How many pillows can you make from a yard of fabric?
It depends on the size of the pillows and how much fabric is used for each one. For example, if you are making small pillows that are about 18 inches square, you can get about six pillows from one yard of fabric.
However, if you are making larger pillows that are 24 inches square, you can get about four pillows from one yard of fabric. Additionally, if you are using thick fabric, you may need less than one yard for each pillow since it will take up more space than a thinner fabric.
If you are making pillowcases, you may be able to get up to ten pillowcases from one yard of fabric, depending on their size.
What do you need to sew a pillow?
In order to sew a pillow, you will need a variety of materials and tools.
For materials, you will need your choice of fabric, such as cotton, linen, or velvet, as well as some type of filling such as batting, foam, or feathers. Other items you may need include scissors, pins, and thread that matches the colors of the fabric you have chosen.
When it comes to the tools needed to sew your pillow, you will need a sewing machine, measuring tape, an iron, pins, and an ironing board. If you do not have a sewing machine, you can hand sew your pillow.
If you decide to hand sew, needles, scissors, and thread are also essential.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials and tools, you can begin the process of making your pillow. To ensure that your pillow is even and consistent, begin by cutting the fabric into two pieces of the same shape.
Next, pin the two pieces of fabric together and sew along the edges, removing the pins as you go. Once the sewing is finished, turn your pillow right side out and stuff it with your chosen filling. Finally, hand stitch the opening closed, smooth out your pillow with an iron, and it’s ready to be displayed.
How do you make a professional pillow?
Making a professional-looking pillow requires attention to detail and knowledge of proper sewing and cutting techniques. Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of fabric you’d like to use, such as woven cotton or linen, and measure out the size of your desired pillow.
Additionally, it’s important to be precise when cutting the fabric so that it’s even on all sides and the seams meet precisely. Once the fabric is cut, pin it wrong-side together and sew along the edges with a 1/2” seam allowance.
If you’d like to add buttons, you can do so now by hand or using a sewing machine. When creating the pillow form, you’ll want to consider using a hypoallergenic stuffing material that won’t irritate your customers.
Once the pillow form is inserted, stitch along the last open edge and you’ll have a professional-looking pillow.
What is pillow stuffing called?
Pillow stuffing is usually referred to generically as “filling” or “stuffing. ” Depending on the type of pillow, the filling can vary in material. For example, pillows may contain synthetic fibers such as polyester or down, a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, natural filling such as feather or cotton, or foam and latex.
In addition to different materials, pillows also feature twoand different fill powers, which relates to how “fluffy” or “lofty” the pillow will be. Pillow stuffing is an important component to consider when choosing a pillow, as it helps customize comfort levels and can provide additional neck and shoulder support.
What size cording is used for pillows?
The size of cording used for pillows depends on the size of the pillow and the desired look for the finished product. Typically, a five-strand cording is used for standard pillows, but sizes can go anywhere from three-strand to eight-strand cording.
The smaller the number of strands, the thinner the cording, so the pillow may look more delicate. However, the additional strands provide for more stability when stuffing the pillow with filling. For example, an 8-strand cording is more sturdy, making it better for larger pillows or those with extra firm filling.
The size of the cording also depends on the material used. For example, nylon cord is thinner than cotton or polyester, so a 6-strand nylon cording would be thinner than a 3-strand polyester. Bottom line, the size of cording used for pillows depends on the desired look and finished size of the pillow.
How do you stuff a pillow without stuffing?
You can stuff a pillow without stuffing by using a range of different materials. You can use fabric scraps, old t-shirts and towels, filling them into the pillow cover, or stitch the pillow shut after adding in leaves, scraps of foam, beans, or other items.
You can also use polyester stuffing made from recycled plastic bottles, which is a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional pillow stuffing. There are also many other materials you can use instead of stuffing, including old cardigans and bedding, which can be cut into small pieces, and polyester batting which can be bunched up and placed inside the pillow.
Whatever material you choose, it should be firm, yet soft so you get a comfortable pillow.
Can you stuff pillows with fabric scraps?
Yes, you can stuff pillows with fabric scraps! Using fabric scraps is great for creating unique, one-of-a-kind pillows that fit in with any decor. It’s an easy and affordable way to create a unique piece of decor for your home or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
To stuff your pillows with fabric scraps, measure the size and shape of your pillow and cut the fabric scraps so they fit and have a slight overhang on the edges. With right sides together, sew the scraps together on all sides, except the bottom.
Turn your pillow cover right side out and fill with the desired amount of fabric scraps. Once filled, finish off the bottom by hand-stitching it closed. This is a great way to upcycle fabric scraps into something special and one-of-a-kind.