How to make a pillow.

Who doesn't need a pillow here or there?
I will say this is the simplest and most basic way to begin sewing!
I put a monogram and ruffle around the pillow, but that is optional.

So let's get started...

First you are going to cut out your fabric.
Determine what size you would like your pillow to be... {mine is 20''x12''}
If you don't know what size, just find a pillow you like and measure it!



I cut out my fabric and did a monogram on the front, but you can skip that step!

Next I am going to create a ruffle, but this is OPTIONAL!
Just skip down if you want to do a basic pillow...

To determine how much ruffle you are going to need...

Circumference of the pillow x 2.5 = length of strip for ruffle
{64 x 2.5 = 160}
since my fabric is 54'' wide, I am going to cut 3 strip of my fabric length

Cut a piece of paper 6''.  This will give us about a 2.5'' ruffle after folding and seam allowance.
Place the paper on the fabric, as a guide and cut your strip.



Once you get started, you can also fold the fabric and use it as a guide to cut your strip... {trick from my mom}



Now fold and iron the strip of fabric in half.
{make sure your seams connecting each strip are inside the fold}




We will now ruffle the fabric strip.
I have a ruffle foot for my machine that does the work for me.
If you do not have one, it is a wonderful investment, especially for fabrics that will not gather easily!

If not then you can do two different things...
1.  For thicker fabric, I suggest folding the fabric and sewing to create your own ruffle.
2.  Thinner fabrics, using a basting stitch {length 5} and sew at the top of the ruffle. Make sure you catch both edges of the fabric.  Then gather by pulling the bottom thread.  {i explain how to gather in this post, making a 3 tiered skirt}

Your ruffle should look something like this...



Now we are going to put our pillow together...
If you didn't do a ruffle, then pick up the tutorial right here!

Place the first piece of fabric on the floor with RIGHT SIDE facing you.
If you have a ruffle, place the ruffle on top meeting the edges of the fabric, with the ruffle inside the pillow.
Pin your ruffle in place. 



Sew around the pillow and attach the ruffle.
You will come now need to attach the two raw ends of the ruffle together to make a circle.
You can do this after you pin and determine, where they will meet...
But I like to sew around to determine where they are going to meet exactly...
So if you do this, make sure to stop sewing about 2 inches from where they are going to meet.



Estimate and cut your ruffle to the length you will need...
Now separate the seam to give you room to sew the two ends together



Sew the two ends together, fold, and iron.
You should get something like this...



Finish attaching the ruffle to the pillow edge.
If you have extra, don't worry... just gather some more as you sew to attach the end of the ruffle!

You should end up with something like this...



Now place the other piece of fabric on top of the ruffle, wrong side down.
The ruffle should be INSIDE the two fabric squares.
Pin into place.



Now sew around the edges of the pillow, but...
Leave an opening on the bottom of the pillow!!! {about 3 inches}
You will turn and stuff through this opening.



Now turn your pillow ride side out!



Grab your help and begin stuffing your pillow... I just used a bag of stuffing from Hancocks.


{Asher loves helping!}

After stuffing, you will need to put out your needle and thread.
You will hand stitch the opening closed!
I forgot to take a picture of this step, but I bet you can do this by yourself!!!
Just fold the seam of the pillow under and tack it down to the ruffle.
You will not see this often, because it is at the bottom, back of the pillow.
I used a blind stitch, but any stitch will do... just get them connected!!!  :)

You should end up with something like this...