Pleated Pillow

While I'm debating my drape dilemma, I am trying to finish other projects. Don't we all have 2-3 projects we're working on? Remember when I said I was going to copy Layla's bench exactly- even the pillows? Well, that was the plan until I saw Kasey and her cute pillow:I think it is perfection - in fact, if I remember correctly, she had to fight others to get it.

No need to fight - it's super easy to copy. I'll show you:

I had this pillow that I bought at HomeGoods after Christmas for $5. I don't love the print, but I knew it was a shape that would come in handy. I also have some tan linen that I've been saving for something to do. I used about 2/3 of a yard. The pillow measures 25 1/2" long by 13" wide. Not a standard size, huh? Quick calculations

I need to cut 2 rectangles for the front - each 7"x26" long (Take 13 and divide it by half is 6.5. Add 1/2 inch for seam allowances - is that too confusing?) Because I want to be able to take this on and off, and I'm too lazy to sew a zipper today, I think you call it an envelope back. Ribbons hold it together. The back pieces need to overlap. Cut 2 rectangles for the back - each 8 1/2" x 26". For the pleat, I thought a 3" width was fine - so cut a rectangle 6" x 52" (double the width you want, double the length you want). That is the hardest part, seriously. If you have a different size pillow, hopefully you can follow my math and figure it out. Hopefully.

Next, fold the pleated piece in half longways and iron. I found the center and marked a line every 3" starting at the center. Then, take the first line to the right of the center and fold it to meet the center - iron. Then just keep folding marks to match. Does that make sense?

I pinned it to a front piece, and sewed it. Than sewed 2 front pieces together, finished their edges:

For the back, I finished the edge and then folded over 1" ( I could have folded over more, but I forgot what I calculated by that time). Stitch.

Line everything up, pin and stitch around the entire pillow. Finish the edges and clip the corners.

Turn inside out and push out the corners - I use a chopstick. Iron

Stitch on your ribbons. I zig-zag them on. I tried to put them about 1/3 of the way.

Pray that you did your calculations right - Moment of truth:




So cute - I love making pillows that I know are unique and not everyone else looks at them and knows exactly where you got them. They are pretty inexpensive to make and add so much to a room.

Seriously, it took me WAY longer to write this out, then it did to sew it. Next up for this project - black and white ticking seat cushions. I may or may not tuft them. I may or may not get distracted by another project.