Did you know that comfort and encouragement are often used interchangeably in the Bible? Our homes are a source of comfort and what can help make our homes more comfortable than pillows? I had been in search of new décor pillows for more than two years. My cousin remarked to me that I was always buying pillows, however none were to my liking. After bringing home many different pillows and not being happy with ANY of them, I knew I would just have to make them myself. Now, I am no great and wonderful seamstress, but pillows are basically just a rectangle. Anyone with a plain sewing machine and some basic skills can make a pillow.
1. Deciding on your colors, designs and sizes may be the hardest part of all. My design style is updated traditional and I wanted accents of cranberry red in all of my rooms. I made several trips to the fabric store to bring home samples until I felt I had the right colors/designs. I chose a solid textured red, two different plaids and an animal print. The plaid designs were specific to either the living room or the family room, but the solid red and the animal print were for either room. All pillows would have the same brush fringe.
2. Now just a note about fringe; I have always preferred to use the brush fringe. It gives your pillows a professional and finished look. It is relatively easy to apply, is very forgiving and covers up a lot of flaws. It does add to the cost of your project, but the result is worth it. Other options include cording that you can make yourself or purchased braid, tassel or ball fringe.
3. Once you decide on your fabrics, then decide on the sizes you want to make. Sales associates at the fabric stores can help you figure out the amounts you will need. Remember to allow for extra fabric if you are using a design. This is called a “repeat”. For example, I needed extra fabric to match the plaids so the design would continue from front to back and match up. And it is possible to have pillow forms (what you stuff into the pillows) made in any size that you would like.
4. Cutting the pillow pieces out of the fabric may be daunting, but if you are anxious about it, there are pillow patterns available for purchase. Or you can make your own designs from tissue paper or newspaper, or even rip apart an old pillow making sure to keep your seam allowances intact.
5. After your pieces are cut out it is a good idea to run a line of stitching around the edges just inside the seam line. This creates a guide for attaching the fringe. Sew the fringe to the right side of the pillow front. Then, placing right sides together, sew the front to the back leaving an opening for the pillow form. Trim your seams and corners and turn right side out. Stuff your pillow form in and hand stitch the opening together – don’t worry the brush fringe will cover up most any bad stitching!
Pillows and homes provide comfort but never forget that the source of all comfort is the Lord our God. “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (NIV)
© Mary M. Berryman All rights reserved