Simple Pillow

Yesterday I decided to make a quilt because I found a cute pattern online and wanted to try it out. Cory was sweet and took me to Hancock Fabrics to look around for some fabric. As we were walking I found such a wonderful print. I've seen it around on different design websites as fabric and also wall paper in different colors. I had to get it. I purchased half a yard and then took a trip over to Hobby Lobby. I started looking for other fabrics to compliment the one I had bought but couldn't find anything that I really liked. I decided to just order some Amy Butler & Heather Bailey fabrics (because I love them) online. A problem arose after I submitted my order though. My Hancock's fabric didn't go with the color scheme of the fabric that I ordered. I still really wanted to use it though so I decided to make a pillow.

I'm posting the instructions for this pillow. It's just a simple pillow without pipping.

You will need:

1/2 yard of fabric

thread

sewing machine

fiberfill (pillow stuffing)

button kit

Large upholstery or doll maker's needle

First get your fabric and cut two squares that are equal in size for your pillow. I chose to do a 16 x 16 inch pillow. Lay the pieces aside and make two fabric buttons.

To make the buttons you will need to purchase a button kit from a craft store. They're only a few dollars. This package is left over from when we recovered this chair so I don't remember the exact cost.

The instructions are on the back of the box and are quite simple. First you cut out a small circle from some scrap fabric.
Then you place the fabric right side down in a little cap.
Then you place a button shell on top on the fabric.
Next you tuck the fabric in the button shell and then place the button back on top of that.
Next you press a "pusher" down until the button snaps into place.
Wah-la! It's so simple and you feel really cool after you make a button.
Ok, now put the buttons aside and get your fabric squares. Lay the two pieces of fabric right sides together.
You may want to pin around the edges of the fabric to keep everything lined up.
Now stitch around each edge of the pillow using 1/2 inch seam allowance. Leave an opening big enough for your hand to insert the stuffing. Clip the corners of the pillow. Now using the opening turn the sewn fabric inside out.
And stuff away! Make sure to fill the corners in well.
Once it's stuffed to your liking then pin the opening together. You will need to hand stitch it closed.
Now for the buttons. Before you sew on the buttons you will need to get the upholstery needle and sew through the center of the pillow a few times (tightly) to help allow the button to sink into the pillow.
It kind of looks like a belly button. :)
Next you will hand sew with a regular needle the buttons on either side of the pillow. Make sure you do one button at a time.

And there you have it.
I'm really happy with my new little pillow. Maybe it will hold me over until I get my fabric that I ordered for my quilt. I hope you have a great weekend. July is going by too quickly, isn't it?