Request for Access to Links

There was a recent update that has caused my Google Doc links to stop working. Please send me a request for access to the files until I can get them up and running again. I will grant you access through the email as soon as I am able to, thank you!

1.20.2011

How To Make Your Own Pillow Form

I decided to make the pillow form for my son's tooth fairy pillow instead of buying one.  I had the time and I already had all of the materials, so rather than spending around $10 for a pre-made form, I was able to make this one for free.  Gotta love free!

  
I forgot to take a picture of it with it stitched closed...oops!
 

I bought this white fabric several years ago at Wal-mart for $1/yd.  It was such a great price I think I bought 10 yds of it.  I've used it to make a lot of things.  Every time I'm at Wal-mart I check out their discount shelf.   Their discount fabric is now $1.50/yd, which is still a good price.   The fabric changes some from week to week so it's worth taking a minute to see what's there.

 
How To Make A Pillow Form
 
 
1.  Start by cutting two squares.  For a 16" pillow form add 1 inch for a 1/2" seam allowance on each side and 1" for the fullness of the pillow.  The cut size will be 18"x18".  (I  folded the fabric over to eliminate one seam, so the fabric piece in the picture is 17 1/2"x18.")
 
2.  Sew around the fabric using a 1/2" seam allowance.  Leave about an 8" opening at the top.  A little trick I've learned is to pin back the top layer of fabric at the opening and continue sewing on the bottom piece.  The stitching will be used later as a guideline when you slip-stitch the opening closed.
 
3.  Turn the fabric right side out.
 
4.  Cut two pieces of bonded batting 18"x18".  I took batting scraps that I had, stitched them together by using the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine, and then cut them to size.
 
 
5.  Sew around the batting with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 7" opening, then turn it right side out.  The layer of batting helps the pillow form to have a smoother surface after it is stuffed.
 
6.  Stuff with polyester stuffing then slip stitch the opening closed.
 
7.  Fold the pillow in half and insert it through the opening of the fabric cover.
 
8.  Pin and slip-stitch closed.
 
It's definitely easier to just go buy a pillow form, but if you already have everything you need to make one, and you have the time, free is always nice too!
 

Today's Fabulous Find...How to make your own pillow form. 

Pin It!

7 comments:

I Play Outside The Box said...

Thanks for this tutorial...I need to make a pillow form to fit a stitchery I have in mind.

Pink Rufflez said...

I never in a million years would have thought to make my own pillow form -- thank you so much for this brilliant tutorial!!

Grace Ng said...

Thank you so much for the great tutorial. I have made my own forms before but never thought of using batting to smoothen out the lumps in my pillow!

ShannonSews said...

I love your idea of putting bonded batting next to the cover to prevent lumps. Genius!! Thanks for the great tutorial!

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

Thanks for the batting tip ... I make my own pillow forms and get frustrated at times when they are a bit lumpy here and there ...

:)

Linda

Rinez said...

What a great tutorial. I loved the idea of using the batting; never would have thought of that. My form came out beautifully. Thank you for sharing your skills!

Janet said...

To Rinez: You're welcome, I'm glad it turned out so well for you!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails