How to Make a Corset Pillow

Corset pillows are simple and fun to make.

A corset pillow makes a unique accessory and conversation piece in a young woman's dorm, apartment or home. Simple and easy to make, it can be constructed from a variety of fabrics with any kind of lace or trim desired to match a specific room's decor. It also makes a great gift for a shower, birthday or Valentine's Day for a friend or relative. Handmade gifts like these pillows are especially treasured by recipients because of the extra thought and care put into the construction.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 yards fabric
• 3/4 yard lace trim, 2 inches
• matching thread
• 2 yards corset lacing, 1/3 inch ribbon or pearl cords
• sewing machine
• scissors
• 18 small grommets
• mallet
• polyester pillow stuffing

Instructions

1. Cut the cloth into two 18-inch-by-24-inch rectangles. Halfway down the sides of the rectangles, cut out a half-circle about 8 inches long and 3 inches deep to form the curve of a woman's torso.

2. Take one fabric panel and press. Space and punch two lines of nine holes each for grommets, three inches apart, down the middle of the panel. Stop four inches from the top and bottom of the panel. For each grommet, take the backside of the grommet and insert into each hole. Cover the back grommet with the front grommet at the face of the pillow. Tap firmly with the rubber mallet several times until the grommet pieces snap together. Repeat with all 18 holes.

3. Place the two panels together, front grommet-side in, and sew the sides and bottom together. Fill tightly with polyester pillow stuffing. Turn in both edgers one-fourth of an inch at the top of pillow, add lace trim between edges, and sew the pillow shut.

4. Lace corset lacing, ribbon or pearled cord through the grommets starting at the bottom of the pillow and working up. Tie a bow at the top of the grommets, and trim any access lacing, ribbon or cord. Display the pillow on a bed or sofa.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a medium-weight cloth such as a broadcloth, cotton/poly blend or brocade for the pillow. Suggested colors include red, pink, black, white or ivory. Delicate rose, lace, tapestry or heart prints also are very effective.

References

• Vogue Fabrics: Corset Lacing Tape
• DIY Life: Install Grommets in Ten Minutes