Special guest post today from my mom, Karen!
I think it will take longer to read the directions than to actually make the pillow. But if you can sew a straight seam you should be able to sew this quick and easy pillow. I usually put cording around the edges of throw pillows but with this “one hour pillow” there’s no need to make cording, instead it has a small flange like edge, therefore making it very quick and easy.
First you need an old pillow or a pillow insert and fabric of your choosing. The size of your pillow will determine how much fabric you need. A yard or less is usually sufficient. I have two thoughts on pre-washing fabric…if you are ever going to wash your finished project, you should wash and dry the fabric on the highest setting before you begin and hopefully it will shrink all it’s going to before you cut out your project. If you’re never going to wash it then there’s no need to pre-wash. But I do recommend you iron all creases, folds and wrinkles before you start.
This may sound complicated but it’s not…Measure all the way around the pillow in both directions. To one measurement and add 3″ this is your length…Take the other measurement and divided by 2 and add 3 inches this is your width. Note: the long side will go from top to bottom, so lay your fabric accordingly if it has a direction.
Using a mat and rotary cutter or scissors cut your fabric to the measurements you’ve determined.
Put right sides together folding in half. Pin and stitch 5/8″ seam on each side, leaving open the end opposite the fold.
Turn inside out so right sides are to the outside. Press, making sure edges are straight. I first press the seam I just sewed flat.
Turn the fabric of the opening edge to the inside (approximately one inch) and iron.
Topstitch 1/4 inch from the edge…for me that’s the width between the edge of the foot and the needle. When you get to the and of the fabric back up a few stitches (keeping your needle in down position) and raise your pressure foot and turn your fabric to start your topstitching down the next side. Stitch 3 sides.
Stuff the pillow in the open end and pin the fourth side.
Topstitch a quarter-inch from edge and you are ready to decorate your favorite chair with your new pillow!
