How to Sew a Decorative Pillow Using Bandanas

These days, bandanas come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are the perfect size to create custom pillows to decorate any room in the house!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two Bandanas, both the same size
• 12" to 18" Pillow Form OR polyester stuffing (polyfil)
• Steam Iron and Ironing Board
• Straight Pins
• Sewing Machine (optional)
• Thread
• Sewing Needle

1. Machine wash and dry both bandanas as directed on care instructions to remove sizing and pre shrink the material.

2. Iron each bandana as square as possible to more easily match edges. If necessary, trim the edges of the bandanas to make them even.

3. 
    
   Use two different colors and designs to add variety and interest!

   Pin the two bandanas with RIGHT sides together using straight pins. The pins should be perpendicular to the edge for ease of machine sewing.

4. Sew together by machine or by hand. This will be your pillow cover.
   IF USING A PILLOW FORM: Sew around three sides of the pinned material with a 1/2" seam allowance.
   IF USING POLYFIL STUFFING: Sew all four sides with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 4"-5" opening in one edge.

5. Remove straight pins and turn pillow cover right side out. Be sure the corners are fully extended by using the eraser end of a pencil to gently poke the fabric all the way out.

6. 
    
   If your pillow cover ends up too large for your pillow form, you can simply tie a knot at each corner to take up the excess fabric.

   Stuff your pillow.
   IF USING A PILLOW FORM: Slip the form into the open side of your pillow cover. Work the corners of the pillow form into the corners of your cover.
   IF USING POLYFIL STUFFING: Firmly stuff the pillow form with as much polyfil as you desire. Be sure to tuck stuffing all the way into the corners.

7. Sew the open end of your pillow cover by hand, folding the seam allowance inward as you sew.

8. Enjoy decorating any room with these custom pillows!

Tips & Warnings

• You can double check where your sewing line should be by using straight pins to pin the bandanas over the pillow form. Cut the bandanas down to size, if necessary, to fit the pillow form. The pillow form should fit snugly inside the pillow cover without buckling or bending.
• If your pillow cover ends up too large for your pillow form or is stuffed too lightly, you can simply tie a knot at each corner to take up the excess fabric.
• Be creative! You can use contrasting or coordinating bandanas.

[cdclocks]

on 7/21/2009 Very cute! ...lots of options in bandanas at craft stores these days. Cool.

[vallain]

on 5/1/2009 This sounds like a fun project.