Let’s Create a Pillow!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  During this post, I will demonstrate how to make a pillow that has piping and a zipper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

howtweettuttifruitti-mvistacarnival-modpiping632-m

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made a 26″ square pillow so I used 3/4 yard of How Tweet Tutti Fruitti, 1 and 1/4 yards of Vista Carnival, 3 yards of piping and a 27 inch  zipper.

 

 

 

 

 

PROCEDURE:

 

The first step to making my pillow was to cut a front out of the beautiful How Tweet Tutti Fruitti. I made a 27 inch square cut. Next I chose Vista Carnival for my back. I also cut a 27 inch square.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         Next, to cover the piping, cut strips on the bias at least 2″ in width for small cord but if you choose bigger diameter of cord make sure you allow wider strips of fabric.                     The photo to the left demonstrates fabric cut on the bias.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Now, sew the strips of fabric with right sides together as shown in the photo. Continue until all the strips have been sewn together to make one continuous strip.

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA       Surge all the pieces of fabric to prevent raveling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     Place your piping inside your bias strip of fabric and using your zipper foot make close stitches next to your piping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Attach the piping to the fabric that was cut out for the front side of the pillow. When I first start adding the piping, I leave about 3 inches not stitched down so I can make a neat finished edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In these photos, I have tried to capture the steps I take to make a clean finished cord. First as already stated, I leave approximately 3 inches  not sewn. Sew the piping all the way around until you get within 2 inches from the end of your piping. Next as shown, use a seam ripper and take the stitches out until you are even with  the not sewn piping then cut piping only not the fabric. Tuck under the raw edge of the fabric and enclose the 3 inches of piping that you had left not sewn. Then stitch down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA      To add the zipper start with the front of the pillow. Attach the zipper to the edge that was created when you attached the cord to the fabric. Place your zipper face down and stitch the right side.

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  Next attached the left side of the zipper to the face of the back cover fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  Last step in creating this pillow is to sew the front and back of pillow together still using your zipper foot. Make sure to UN-zip the zipper before you start sewing the front to the back this will enable you to turn the pillow right side out when finished. As you are stitching the front and back together, make sure to stitch as close as possible to the piping.

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     These two photos show the back and the front finished.

 

Now that you know how to sew your very own pillow, you can create pillows to match your home decor!

Happy Sewing!!!!