How to Make Decorative Pillows From Felt

Felt makes colorful, easy-care pillows for a bed or sofa. With its array of colors, felt will fit into any decor. Felt also needs no hemming and will not fray, so it is easy to work with as well. Make a wool felt by washing and drying wool sweaters, or buy cotton or cotton-blend felt by the yard. Felt is even available made from recycled bottles, making it a green alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Craft paper
• Small, sharp scissors
• Cotton fabric
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle

Instructions

Reverse Applique

1. Cut a pattern from craft paper. Use the pattern to cut two pieces of felt, one for the front and one for the back.

2. Make a pattern for applique shapes from craft paper. Try initials, hearts, stars or abstract designs. Trace the applique template onto the piece of felt that will be the front of the pillow. Use small, sharp scissors to cut out around the tracing.

3. Cut patterned fabric to fit behind the applique holes, with at least 1/2 inch extra. Pin the fabric in place. Sew around the cut out openings, 1/8 inch from the felt edge.

4. Lay the pillow front on the work surface, right side up. Lay the pillow back over it, right side down. Pin around the edges. Sew around the edges, 1/4 inch from the edge, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning. Turn the pillowcase right side out. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill, and hand sew the opening closed.

Felt Flower Pillow

1. Cut two squares of felt for the front and back of the pillow. This pillow should be at least 6 inches square.

2. Cut other felt into 100 petals: elongated half-circles with flat bottoms and rounded tops. Lay some of the petals in a circle around the edge of one of the felt squares. This will be the pillow's front. Pin the petals so the straight edge is toward the middle and the rounded edge points to the edge of the pillow. Sew across the bottom of each petal.

3. Pin another layer of petals overlapping the first circle. Sew across the bottom of each of these petals. Continue until you reach the flower's center.

4. Fold a petal in half and then in half again so it is in quarters. Hand sew the point of this folded petal to the center of the flower. Repeat with three more petals to make the center of the flower.

5. Lay the pillow back on top of the pillow front, right sides facing, and pin around the edges. Don't catch any of the petals in the seam as you sew around the pillow, leaving a 4-inch opening. Turn the pillow right side out, stuff with fiberfill and hand sew the opening closed.