How to Make a Low-sew Monogram Pillow

With just minimal stitching, felt and a down pillow form, you can make a whimsical pillow to match your décor. Because felt won’t ravel, there’s no need to finish the edges of this pillow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 to 3/4 yard each of felt in two colors
• Pillow form in your choice of size (12-inch, 14-inch or 16-inch square)
• Yarn or pearl cotton in contrasting color
• Large eye needle with sharp (not rounded) point
• Pins
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Print-out of monogram letter or simple shape cut from a coloring book
• Fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk
• Ruler

1. For the back of the pillow, cut a piece of felt in Color A in a square 7 inches larger than your pillow form size. (For a 12-inch Downlite form, you’ll cut a backing square that measures 19 inches by 19 inches.)

2. For the front of the pillow, cut a piece of felt in Color B in a square 4 inches larger than your pillow form size. (For a 12-inch form, you’ll cut a square for the pillow front that measures 16 inches by 16 inches.)

3. For the front lining of the pillow (which will show through the monogram or shape after you cut it out), cut a piece of felt from Color A the same size as the pillow form. (For a 12-inch form, you’ll cut a square measuring 12 inches by 12 inches.)

4. 
   After cutting your monogram or shape out of paper, trace around it on the pillow front.

   In the center of the pillow front square, trace around your letter or other simple shape with a fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk. The marked side will be the RIGHT side of your fabric.

5. 
   Layer the smallest square of felt onto the WRONG (back) side of the pillow front piece.

   Lay the smallest square of felt in Color A on the WRONG side of the pillow front (Color B). Pin these two layers together.

6. 
   Sew a simple stitch on the traced line, sewing through both the top layer and the lining layer underneath.

   Thread your needle with yarn or pearl cotton and sew a running stitch around the outside of your traced line. You will sew the front square and the lining fabric together.

7. 
   When you cut away your shape, the lining fabric underneath it will be exposed.

   Once your shape is outlined in stitches, use scissors to cut along the inside of the traced lines to remove the top layer of fabric. Be careful not to cut through the lower layer or your stitches.

8. 
   On the WRONG side of the pillow front, trim away any extra lining fabric.

   Flip the front section over to the back and cut away the excess Color A felt.

9. 
   Create a "pocket" the same size as your pillow form by sewing up three sides of the pillow.

   Center your pillow front onto the pillow back square, WRONG sides together. Pin in place. Thread your needle with yarn or pearl cotton and stitch the front piece to the back piece with a running stitch along three sides of the square. Do not tie off your yarn at this point.

10. 
    Your pillow form should fit snugly into the pillow. You may need to pin the open side closed in order to stitch along that side.

    Insert your down pillow form, then continue sewing along the fourth side. Tie off your thread.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would prefer a down-alternative pillow form, go to shopdownlite.com.
• Use your imagination: A patterned fabric used behind the monogram or shape will give the pillow a different look.
• If you have trouble pulling the yarn through the two layers of felt, use a small diameter hole punch to make holes to stitch through.
• Pearl cotton comes in a wide variety of colors and can be found in the embroidery supplies section of your craft store, or online at dmc-usa.com.

[Sondrac]

on 7/10/2009 Great article and very well thought out and written 5*and rec

[turtledove]

on 6/23/2009 Oh, this pillow would make a great gift. 5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 3/11/2009 Cute ideas.

[eliptica]

on 3/3/2009 Thanks for the great article with excellent instructions.