I’m excited to share with you the art of making pillows, and I’ll guide you through it effortlessly. To get started, you’ll need to cut bias strips of fabric in 2” widths, a simple process that can be achieved with a few easy steps. Once you have your fabric prepared, cut out two squares for the front and back sides of your pillow.
How Do I Hem the Edges of a Pillow to Prevent Fraying?
Pillow fraying can be a real annoyance. But don’t worry, it’s an easy problem to solve. Hemming the edges of your pillow can give it a clean and professional look, and prevent further fraying.
Gathering Your Materials
- Pillow
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Thread or yarn (optional)
Measuring and Cutting
Measure the pillow edges to determine how much fabric you’ll need to hem. Cut two pieces of fabric, each slightly longer than the measurement, depending on the desired hem allowance.
Sewing the Hem
Place the fabric pieces on either side of the pillow edge, aligning the edges. Pin the fabric in place. Turn the pillow right side up and sew along the edge, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
Tying Off the Thread (Optional)
If you’re using a sewing machine, remove the excess thread. If you’re using needle and thread, tie off the thread with a knot. Trim the excess thread.
Final Check
Inspect the pillow for any loose threads or uneven stitches. If necessary, make any necessary adjustments to the hem.
What’s the Best Way to Turn a Pillow Right Side Out after Sewing?
Sewing a pillow can be a fun DIY project, but turning it right side out can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Follow these simple steps to get your pillow looking its best:
Prepare Your Pillow
- Start by folding the pillow in half lengthwise, with the seams facing inwards.
- Place the zipper or opening at the top, making sure it’s centered and secure.
Turn the Pillow Right Side Out
- Hold the folded pillow edges together with one hand, and with the other hand, carefully push one edge through the opening.
- Continue to push the edge through until you feel it pop out the other side.
- Use your fingers or a blunt tool to guide the edge through the opening, making sure not to push too hard and cause the pillow to bunch up.
- Repeat the process with the other edges, working your way around the pillow.
Fluff and Inspect
- Once all the edges are turned, fluff the pillow to ensure it’s evenly filled.
- Inspect the pillow to make sure all seams are secure and the edges are even.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the filling or seams to get your pillow looking its best.
With these simple steps, you should be able to turn your pillow right side out and enjoy your newly sewn pillow. Happy sewing!
Do I Need to Use Interfacing for Making Pillow Cases?
Sometimes, making pillowcases can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! One common question we get is: do I need to use interfacing for making pillowcases? Let’s dive into the answer.
First, what is interfacing? Interfacing is a layer of fabric that’s inserted between the outer fabric and the pillow insert to give your pillowcase structure and stability. Think of it like a built-in liner that keeps the filling in place and makes the pillowcase look smooth and professional.
So, do you need interfacing when making pillowcases? The answer is: it depends. If you’re making a simple pillowcase with a basic shape, you might not need interfacing. However, if you’re creating a custom pillowcase with a more complex design, or if you’re using a lightweight or silky fabric, interfacing is a good idea.
Here are a few scenarios where interfacing is particularly useful:
- Custom pillowcases: If you’re creating a one-of-a-kind pillowcase with a lot of curves or corners, interfacing will help keep the fabric stable and prevent it from tearing or stretching out of shape.
- Lightweight fabrics: If you’re using a lightweight fabric like cotton lawn or silk, interfacing will help provide additional structure and prevent the fabric from drooping or losing its shape.
- Silk or slippery fabrics: If you’re working with slippery fabrics like silk or satin, interfacing will help you achieve a crisp, professional finish.
On the other hand, if you’re making a simple pillowcase with a straightforward shape and using a sturdy fabric, you might be able to get away without using interfacing.
Can I Use Pre-made Pillow Inserts or Make My Own?
When it comes to making a pillow, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to use a pre-made pillow insert or create your own. Both options have their pros and cons, which we’ll explore below.
- Pre-made Pillow Inserts Pre-made pillow inserts are widely available at most craft stores and online retailers. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. The advantages of using pre-made pillows include:
- Convenience: Pre-made pillow inserts are quick and easy to order, and they arrive at your doorstep within a few days.
- Consistency: Pre-made pillows are made to standard dimensions, ensuring a consistent look and feel.
- Variety: You can find pre-made pillows in a range of materials, from cotton to down alternative.
- Making Your Own Pillow Insert If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own pillow insert from scratch. This option allows you to customize your pillow insert to fit your specific needs. The advantages of making your own pillow insert include:
- Customization: You can choose the material, size, and shape of your pillow insert to suit your design vision.
- Cost-effective: Making your own pillow insert can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made ones, especially if you’re using affordable materials.
- Personal satisfaction: Creating something with your own hands can be a fun and fulfilling experience.
When deciding whether to use a pre-made pillow insert or make your own, consider the following factors:
- Your design vision: If you have a specific design in mind, making your own pillow insert might be the better option.
- Your level of crafting experience: If you’re new to sewing or stuffing pillows, using a pre-made insert might be less intimidating.
- Your budget: If cost is a concern, making your own pillow insert could be a more affordable option.
