How to Do a Layout in Decorative Pillow Making

A computer's ability to copy designs on material allows for endless possibilities. You may choose to make patterns on the pillow using stitches, buttons and other sewing and craft materials. Determine the size of your pillow, choose the cloth and carefully complete the layout to prepare for the finished product.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Traditional Pillow Making Layout

1. Decide how long and wide you want the pillow and multiply these dimensions by two. Add an additional inch on the length and width to allow for a 1/2 inch seam.

2. Purchase the material.

3. Lay the material out on a hard surface such as a table.

4. Fold the material in half with the right sides or brightest sides of the material together and the dull side facing out. Smooth the material out flat.

5. Measure the fabric so the pillow is the length and width you desire. Use a straight edge measuring device and a lead or fabric pencil and make solid lines where you will cut the shape of the pillow.

6. Mark broken lines on the fabric 1/2 inch inside of the solid lines. These lines are where you will stitch to make the seams.

7. Place straight pins just inside of the solid lines to hold the two pieces of material together so they won't separate when you are cutting.

Layout for a Blue Jean Pillow

8. Put a pair of blue jeans with the front facing up on your work surface. You will use the upper part of the blue jeans to make a decorative pillow.

9. Smooth the material out and measure from the waist down to the place where you will cut below the zipper and above the leg seams. Mark the measured points on the denim and draw a solid straight cutting line across the width of the jeans using a straight edge.

10. Draw broken lines where you have measured a ½ inch seam allowance above the solid cutting line.

Layout to Make a Collared Shirt Pillow

11. Choose a collared shirt to make a pillow. Turn the shirt inside out.

12. Use your work area to layout the shirt with the front facing you. Smooth the material out neatly at the shoulder seams.

13. Calculate a measurement of 9 inches from the center of the shirt to the right shoulder and mark this point with a pencil or fabric pen. Measure 9 inches to the left shoulder of the shirt and mark the point.

14. Continue to measure 9 inches in width from the center to the sides of the shirt, and mark points going down the left and right sides of the shirt. Draw a solid vertical line connecting the dots on both sides of the shirt where you will cut off the material.

15. Take your ruler to measure and mark points indicating 18 inches in length from the shoulders to the bottom of the shirt. Connect the dots to make a solid line where you will cut off the material.

16. Sketch dotted lines 1/2 inch inside of the solid cutting lines going down the sides and across the bottom of the shirt. This will be your seam allowance.

17. Pin the fabric together with straight pins so the material won't separate when you are cutting.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress up the collared shirt pillow with a tie and put a handkerchief or a silk flower in the pocket.
• Make decorative pillows out of t-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, light weight rugs and any other suitable fabric. Short sleeves can remain attached as part of the pillow.

Resources

• Find instructions to make pillows on the HGTV site.