Shut Up and Sew: Stuffed Throw Pillow

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Disclaimer: Please let me remind you that I have been sewing just about a year and my methods leave a lot to be desired. I have so much to learn.

Additional disclaimer: I have 3 little ones aged 3 months, 2, and 4. It turns out that this trio can make for some pretty hectic days. It also turns out that the time change is not my friend. So if you will please excuse the bad photography and lack of direction in my post. I apologize. I blame my absent mind and procrastination on my babies. : )

Now on with the show...

1.) Cut a paper pattern 1 inch larger than you want your actual pillow to be.

2.) Fold your fabric in half so you can cut both pieces at once.

3.) Pin the pattern in place on your fabric and cut.

4.) Now you have 2 matching pieces of fabric.

5.) Pin them together.

6.) Sew about 3/4 of the way down one side. After a few stitches, keep the needle down and turn your fabric around to backstitch where you came from.

7.) When you get to the corners, keep the needle down and turn your fabric to head down the next side. If you remember from last week's pillow cover tutorial, you can line your fabric up next to the second line over from the presser foot to make 1/2 seam allowance all the way around. Although this is not as crucial when making a stuffed pillow.

8.) Now when you make back to the original side where you started, you will only sew about 1/4 of the way down to leave an opening and then backstitch.

9.) Now you have an opening that can be whatever size you want or need to insert your stuffing.

10.) Cut the corners.

11.) Turn the pillow inside out and then run the iron over it again.

12.) An additional step I chose to add is some iron on transfer paper to spell the word eat. I printed the letters off as a mirror image in the font and size I desired. I cut them out.

13.) I arranged the letters to my liking and ironed them on.

14.) I then stuffed my pillow full.

15.) I ironed the opening down and pinned it shut.

16.) I threaded my needle and knotted the end.

17.) I stitched it closed. This is where things get crazy. There are so many different kinds of stitches that will work to sew your pillow shut.

I just do what is easiest for me which I learned from this chart I found online is called the "overcast stitch". My Mom uses the vertical hemming stitch which is great because it is nearly invisible. You can find all kinds of "how-to" videos online about how to hand stitch a pillow closed.

18.) I have even used Heat n' Bond to close my pillows to keep things super simple although that has proven to not be as durable. You could even machine sew it closed if you want. It is up to you how professional you want your pillow to look! One of these days, I will perfect an invisible stitch!

19.) Now you get to sit back and admire your pillow.

20.) Mine found a home on a bench in our kitchen. My 4 year old will know how to spell the word "eat" in no time!

Want some more ideas on how to "pretty up" your homemade pillows? Just click here.

Thanks for hanging with me. I hope these pillow tutorials have inspired you to make your own. It is so fun and addicting. We have pillows floating all over our home and I change them frequently. Pillows are such a little expense that make such a big change! Have fun!

I will be linking to these fabulous parties this week!

Happy Tuesday!