How to Make a Pillow Out of a Bikini

Make a pillow out of a bikini that holds special memories from a trip.

Commit to green art projects, make a beach-themed accessory or push the limits of your creativity by sewing a pillow out of a bikini. You can make a pillow out of just about anything using two basic sewing techniques: applique and patchwork. Each method has its own advantages. Attaching an applique does not require you to work with small pieces of fabric or cut and measure material -- just place and stitch. Patch-working fabric scraps requires intermediate sewing skills and time, but results in an pillow of indistinguishable origin -- no one will ever know they are snuggling up against your swimwear.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Applique glue
• Bikini
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Stuffing

Instructions

Applique

1. Cut two 12-by-12-inch squares of fabric. Spread the fabric out on a flat surface.

2. Stack the fabric, one on top of the other, sandwiching the decorative side in the middle.

3. Sew along three sides of the squares, leaving the fourth open.

4. Invert the pillow; it should resemble a pillow case.

5. Apply glue to the back of the bikini and stick it to the decorative side of the fabric. Consider wrapping the bikini around the pillow, placing the bikini top on the front half and the bikini bottom on the back or putting the bikini on the pillow as if it were wearing the swimsuit.

6. Stitch around the edge of the bikini applique. Slide the pillow over the sewing machine as needed to reach the border of the applique. Do not sew through the entire pillow case, i.e., ensure the back and front of the pillow are not sewn together. Use a decorative stitch such as the zig-zag.

7. Invert the pillow case. Sew along three-quarters of the open edge. Turn the pillow inside out.

8. Stuff the pillow through the small opening.

9. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and sew closed by hand.

Patchwork

1. Cut the bikini into squares or strips. Ensure the edges are straight.

2. Cut rectangles or strips of fabric the same size.

3. Stack one strip on top of another, decorative side in.

4. Sew along one edge of the strips to attach them.

5. Open the piece and iron it flat.

6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 until you have a large rectangle of fabric.

7. Fold the fabric in half, decorative side in.

8. Sew along the edges of the rectangle, including the folded edge. Leave a 2-to-3-inch opening along one side.

9. Invert the pillow.

10. Stuff the pillow through the opening.

11. Stitch the pillow closed. Be sure to enclose the raw edges inside of the pillow.

References

• Craft Stylish; Applique a Throw Pillow; Kayte Terry; 2010
• Craft Stylish; How to Make a Ring Pillow with Vintage Lace; Linda Permann; 2009
• Craft Stylish; Sew a Back-Friendly Pillow; 2007