Finishing as a Pillow

I have been meaning to take pics and write up instructions for finishing a little piece as a pillow. I finally took the time to do this today, and here it is!! I'm not big on precise measuring, but have found that it really isn't necessary with the way that I do this.

The first step is to gather your materials. I like to find a fat quarter that matches or contrasts with my stitched piece. This will be used for the border and the backing. You will also need coordinating sewing thread, and polyester fiberfill for stuffing.

The next step is to cut a 3 inch wide strip of fabric. This is what will be used as the border around your stitching. Most of the time, one length of a fat quarter does the trick. You will have plenty of left over fabric if you need two strips. I like to use a rotary cutter to cut the strips, since I can't manage to cut in a straight line otherwise :)

Next, you need to fold the strip in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and iron. The strip will now be 1.5 inches wide. Since my piece was relatively small, I knew that I could cut my long strip into 4 equal pieces and have enough. You could wait until you start pinning to cut the strip.

Next, begin pinning on your strips. I count out a certain number of threads (usually 6) so that they are lined up straight and leave an equal margin all around the stitching.

The second strip should be lined up with the edge of the first, and should be on top of the first strip.

The third strip will be lined up with the edge of the second strip and should be on top of it.

The final strip should be lined up with the edge of the third strip and should be on top of it. You will need to tuck the end of the final strip *under* the start of the first strip.

Next, you will need to cut your backing fabric. Lay your piece face down on the wrong side of the your backing fabric. Trace and cut out. You should also iron your backing piece now.

Now you are ready to sew! This will be like doing a top stitch, and I usually use one of the little notches on my sewing machine foot to guide the distance. You will start at the edge of the fabric where a strip overlaps another. You will need to end your sewing before you get to the next overlap. Repeat for the remaining three sides.

After you have finished sewing all of the strips to the front, you are ready to attach the backing. Put the pieces right side together, and pin if desired. You will need to leave an opening a couple of inches wide on the bottom side so that you can turn the piece right side out.

It's a bit difficult to see, but this is what your piece should look like after you are done sewing on the backing. Note the little opening on the bottom side.

Trim the corners to eliminate the bulk.

Turn the piece right side out. Use a chopstick or other pointed object to make sure that your corners look nice (just don't push too hard!!)

Stuff the pillow using polyester fiberfill, then sew the opening together. You're done!!

If you have any problems with the instructions, need clarification, or have any questions...please e-mail me and I'll do my best to help :)