DIY pillows: instructions on how to sew

Initially, the pillows were invented not for convenience during sleep, but for the sake of preserving complex, intricate hairstyles. The first specimens of these devices were preserved in the tombs of the Egyptian pyramids and have survived to our days in their original form. In eastern countries (China, Japan), special pillows made of stone or porcelain were called “pillows,” which were also placed under the neck for the sake of preserving hairstyles. About any convenience and speech did not go. Solid "pillows" performed exclusively supporting function for the head. To adapt to sleep on such devices, it took the habit developed over the years. These soft pillows, which are well known to all of us, were invented in ancient Greece. Most wealthy citizens of this country tried to create comfortable conditions for recreation. Since they spent most of their lives in bed, soft mattresses and pillows became an indispensable attribute of pastime. They stuffed them with down, feathers, aromatic herbs.

History remembers many precedents when the pillow became a murder weapon, but this decorative item not only took away, but also saved lives. For example, in one of the parables about the Buddha, it is said about how a pillowcase, filled with odorous leaves, on which he fell asleep, saved him from physical fatigue. From ancient Greece pillows moved to ancient Rome. Although at first there they were very skeptical, later this attribute for sleep became mandatory even for the military, hardened by the harsh outdoor life. He was given a sacred meaning: the thing that protects the dream of man. Many girlish fortune telling is associated with pillows. Spruce twigs, crests, twigs were put under them in the hope that this would “lead” to the dream of the betrothed. Bags of lavender and dried wormwood, hidden in pillows, should have normalized sleep and ward off evil spirits. To bring harm to a person, it was enough to sew a specially prepared magic attribute in his pillowcase. These beliefs are still preserved, although the digital age rejects the mystical component. Centuries later, the pillow becomes an important part of textile decoration. Some are meant only for bed, while others decorate the house. We will talk about how to sew pillows with your own hands and what is needed for this work.

Purpose and types of cushions

Depending on the destination, pillows are classified into two types:

• Decorative. Their main function is interior decoration. These pillows can be hard and uncomfortable, but it is not so important, because they always look beautiful and stylish.
• For sleep. Comfortable pillows, which are decorated with color pillowcases only. They are intended only for sleeping and most of the time are covered with a veil on a bed or hidden in niches for storing bedding.

Depending on the location of the pillows are divided into three types:

• Couch. Although the name speaks for itself, such cushions can decorate not only sofas, but also armchairs, chairs, ottomans, and chaise lounges.
• Pastures. Now this type is rare. Foot pads were popular in the Middle Ages. Then the owners of stone castles, fearing to catch a cold foot when in contact with a cold floor, ordered special pads.
• Outdoor. Pillows fold right on the floor. This is a great replacement for chairs and stools. The tradition to sit on the floor came to us from the east. For example, in Turkey, of them erect whole "beds" for guests. In Japan, it is not at all customary to use chairs. However, the Japanese are so accustomed to sit on their folded knees, that the pillows they, in fact, are not required. But for those who are trying to integrate into their lifestyle, a floor cushion will be a salvation from numb legs.

Separately, it is worth noting curly pads, which are usually referred to the group of children. They are shaped by various animals, cartoon characters, letters of the alphabet. They are decorated with drawings and inscriptions. For example, for little boys they sew pillows in the form of cars or robots, and girls are selected more gentle options: puppies, giraffes, cats, dogs, soft pupae. You can sleep on these toys, but most of the time they decorate the room and are used for games. Depending on the sewing technology, there are several more types:

• Quilted. The pillow cases of these pillows are decorated with rough seams that go through and connect three layers: two canvases and cotton wool insulation in the middle. They can act as decorations, and be used only for sleep. In a bedroom set, a warm quilt is usually attached to the pillows.
• Modular or sectional. The lower and upper parts of such pillows are connected with a special insert. Due to this, they look more volumetric.
• Turkish. Their pillowcases are lavishly decorated with fringe, and the corners - with tassels.

Pillow shape

The classic "European" form of the pillow is considered to be square or rectangular. Such things of small size are called ducks. The second most popular oriental look is rollers. These pillows are shaped like cylinders and are used not only as head restraints, but also as armrests. They are pretty tough and tight stuffed. Round pillows (puffs) are also considered to be from the East. They are very rarely used for sleeping, but are ideal for decorating sofas and as soft seating on stools. They are usually decorated with numerous folds and intricacies of fabric. All other forms belong to the group of curly pillows. The most popular include pillows in the shape of letters and hearts. On the last couple years ago there was a real “boom”. Shaggy hearts with typical inscriptions "love", filled with foam rubber, were sold in almost every home textile store.

Types of fabrics

A cover or pillowcase (if used for sleeping) is the main part, the “face” of a soft pillow. As a rule, it is made of durable fabric that will stand many washes and will last more than one year. For homemade pillows often use scrap materials: from old clothes (T-shirts, jeans), blankets or patchwork patchwork.
Although in recent years, synthetic fabrics and captured the textile market, it is better to choose natural:

• Silk. Delicate but skin-friendly material. Silk covers are difficult to care for, but they are ideally combined with a luxurious classic look.
• Linen. The rough texture of flax is suitable for sub-types of country music. The material is easily wrinkled. This is its main drawback, but it is hypoallergenic, pleasant to the touch. In the summer heat, flax will give a feeling of coolness, and in winter it will warm.
• Cotton. Inexpensive natural material, which is easy to care for. As for the stylistic fit, cotton covers are easy to integrate into almost any interior.
• Wool. Covers can look a little rough, but the material will warm you up well in cold winters. It is pleasant to sleep on such pillows.

When choosing a fabric for a cover, it is important to follow the rules of its compatibility with the filler:

• For "loose" packings need dense fabric pillowcases.
• For delicate stuffing (swan's down) select the same delicate fabric that will allow you to feel the filling.

Among the popular options for textiles for pillow covers can be identified fleece, felt, teak, jacquard, satin, percale, cambric, twill, tapestry.

One of the cheapest and short-lived materials is polyester. This synthetic fabric is not suitable for sewing covers. She quickly overwrites and loses form. Do not recommend using old polyester T-shirts for sewing pillowcases.

Types of stuffing

The next question that confronts those who want to make a pillow with their own hands, than to fill it? The natural fillers include swan's down, quill pen, horsehair, sheep and camel wool, and even buckwheat husks. These types of fillers require special care. Due to the high cost, they are mainly purchased for those pillows that will be used for sleeping. Decorative mostly filled with synthetic fillers:

• Sintepon. Leader among synthetic packings. He replaced the foam rubber, in contrast to which it breathes due to a special fibrous structure. The sinteponovy filler is easy, does not cause an allergy and is simple in leaving.
• Holofiber Almost weightless material that leaks moisture and odors. Holofiber fillers are ideal for pillows in the kitchen.
• Latex filler. It is made from foamed rubber. The filler keeps its shape well, therefore it is more often used for stuffing special orthopedic pillows for people with problem health.

Also there is a separate type of filler - comfort. The material is small balls that quickly restore their shape after pressing.

How to sew a pillow with your own hands

Sewing a pillow can be divided into several stages:

• Selection of materials and tools (scissors, needles, liner or chalk, thread, sewing centimeter).
• Pattern
• Directly stitching elements.
• Stuffing
• Final stitching of the hole through which the filler was passed. Joining a zipper.
• Making a cover and its decoration.

The following detailed master class will help to understand the algorithm of the work.

Pattern

Start sewing with a pattern. In essence, this is a scheme, a “template”, according to which you will have to work further. Usually the patterns are presented in finished form in specialized magazines or on sites for needlewomen. It will be rather difficult to draw a drawing for a pillow of complex shape (animals, letters), but for simple pillows or rollers it is quite possible. The main thing that should not be forgotten is the “reserves” of the fabric, which will be wrapped inside and processed by the overlock, which will prevent their delamination into fibers. The standard size of a rectangular pillow is 70x50 cm. If there are no plans for making pillowcases, then it is easy to buy a ready-made cover for such a model in any textile shop. From the seamy side of the fabric put markup after measurements. Then cut out the pattern. For pillows of complex shapes, a previously prepared template of graph paper is used, which is fastened with pins. You can cut a large piece of fabric into two and sew them together or cut a rectangle, fold it in half and get along with the connection of the sides. It will turn out on one seam less.

To make it easier for a beginner to work, first, a sketch of the finished product and a preliminary drawing of the pattern are made on a sheet of paper. Having the end result before your eyes, it will be easier to navigate.

Sewing

Details of the future pillow are sewn together from the seamy side. The stitch should go straight along the prearranged line. It is better to use a sewing machine, as the line will be more accurate and durable. If the work is done manually, the stitch is made as small as possible. Only then will the pillow be strong. Three (two, if one cloth), the sides sew completely, and the fourth only half. The hole is necessary in order to unscrew the pillow and fill it with gasket. Some on the fourth side immediately sew a zipper. The fastener is really convenient, but you need to select models with small sliders and tiny teeth on ribbons. Too large parts of the zipper can "feel" through the case and cause discomfort. The edges of the fabric from the inside must be treated. It is better to use overlock.

Stuffing

Filling a pillow with a synthetic pad is a simple process, which is not the case with natural down. Usually it is "poured" from old covers to new ones. If you take a “lump” of fluff in your hand, then it may seem that there is nothing difficult in sorting it out. However, a couple of movements are enough and white, lightweight fluffs fly throughout the room, and trying to get into the mouth or nose. Just "pour" fluff can not. This is not vata, which retains its shape and is easily tamped. In the old case make a hole that is sewn to the same in the new pillow. Pooh gently "ted", crushed and moved by hand. This process will take more than one hour, so you have to be patient. Those who purchased fluff in the store should not break the packaging either, but act in the same way of pouring from one container to another.

How to sew a pillow?

The inversion hole is usually stitched with a hidden seam. Stitches should be small, neat. The knot is tied from the inside and the needle is pulled onto the front side. The edges of the fabric are wrapped, and the case is folded flat along the machine seam, which ended in the middle. This is important, since the discrepancy will be evident. To make the line look even neater, it is duplicated, but the needle punctures are staggered with respect to the previous ones. Then the seam will be stronger, and it will look tidier. Since the pillow will not be exhibited in the museum as an exhibit, and most of the time it will spend in a pillowcase, the fourth side “off the face” can be simply stitched with a machine. The main thing is that the line goes as close as possible to the edge. If the fabric is chosen variegated, then the thread selected in shade will not be visible on it at all.

Pillowcase

When the work on the tailoring of the pillow itself is completed, you can proceed to the most creative part, the selection of the design of the pillowcase. First you need to choose a design to the stylistic decision of the room, which will decorate this decor item. For classics it is better to use luxurious, expensive fabrics with elegant embroidery of gold or silver threads. For modern styles, models of simple cut from concise materials are suitable, because here the emphasis should be placed on the shape and color. For oriental interiors create motley pillows with numerous fringe and tassels. Covers with ruffles, ruffles, appliqués, lace, simple embroidery will decorate the room for the child. Pillows decorated with sequins, pins, bows and even fur are suitable for modern girls' bedrooms. For rustic interiors use knitted covers, decorated with buttons, flowers from ribbons.

Pillow decor options

Decorating is the most creative part of the process. Here you can fully express your imagination and create both laconic options for strict interiors, and mischievous solutions for original furnishings. For decoration of the case, suitable materials and specially purchased accessories will be suitable. Let us consider in more detail the popular methods of decorating pillows and analyze them step by step.

Color selection

First of all, you need to decide on the color solution. Covers can be monophonic, variegated or combine a moderate number of shades (two or three), selected according to the principles of analogy (the ombré effect) or contrast. The last option is easy to implement in modular covers, two parts of which are not sewn, but are connected by an insert. The hue must be selected based on the features of the color solution of the room in general and furniture in particular. If the textile decor should become a bright accent on a calm interior palette, then the colors are catchy: red, orange, yellow, green. Shiny golden, bronze, silver covers that are covered with solid rows of sequins will look stylish and original. If the pillow is just a neutral touch, then the color is also calm: white, gray, blue, pink, brown, pastel colors. For outdoor decor (patio, gazebo, garden bench) select more natural colors. For example, with the autumn landscape perfectly covers the covers of purple and brown tones with color gradation. They are complemented by a checkered rug, picturesquely laid out on a bench, and now a cozy place under the open sky is ready to read a book over a cup of hot tea.

Patchwork technology

Patchwork technique or patchwork, as it is sometimes called, allows you to create an unusual decor from old things. These pillow cases will look cute at home, but only fit in country style interiors. The work will require pieces of fabric of different colors, decorated with ornaments and images. They are cut into small squares of the same size, which is calculated from the parameters of the future pillowcase and the estimated number of segments. Then these pieces are sewn to each other, forming strips. They are also interconnected, resulting in a finished canvas.

In the patchwork technique, it is not possible to make out the entire pillowcase, but only a separate part of it. For example, a combination of shreds of fabric with a different-color checkered pattern on one half will be organically combined with embroidery on a single-toned sackcloth for the second.

Application

The appliqué technique is the sewing of individual pieces of fabric onto the canvas so that the result is a picture. The way of decorating is somewhat similar to folding a puzzle. The master has a large number of parts that need to be put together. Application is:

• Flat. This is a simple technique in which pieces of fabric are applied to the boot and sewn completely.
• Bulk. Более сложная техника, для которой характерно наличие выпуклых элементов. К примеру, на платье балерины выступают воланы, рюши и бантики с ленточками. Иногда, чтобы получить дополнительный объем, под кусочек ткани подкладывают мягкий наполнитель.

При работе с тканью встречается "обратная" аппликация. На чехле наволочки по шаблону вырезают деталь. Края нужно обязательно прострочить. It is desirable on the machine. Then a similar detail is cut from a piece of other fabric and sewn from the wrong side. Work best with a pre-prepared template.

Fabric printing

Printing on fabric can be ordered in specialized shops, which with the help of special equipment will precisely transfer the image to the material. However, you can arrange the cushion cover yourself. You can try to transfer the image using a hot iron from a regular photo, but the result will be dull and short-lived. It is much easier to work with a set of markers or paints in cans and stencils. Figures, as a rule, are selected concise, since only a master artist can display complex color transitions. Fabric must be spread out on a flat horizontal surface. For reliability, it is better to fasten with pins or flatten along the edges with something heavy. An area that should remain intact is isolated with masking tape or cling film. Now apply the stencil and fix it. You can start coloring the image.

Lace

Covers with lace look very gentle and touching. This "feminine" option is great for Shabby chic, Provence, and organically merges into children's bedrooms for newborns. Thin lace, as a rule, is adorned with only a separate part of the cover: a strip in the center, from one side or paired openwork ribbons that “close” the neat pattern in the middle. Because of the special refinement of such decoration is combined with cases of pastel shades. Contrast is appropriate in double pillowcases. They are sewn from the lower monochromatic layer of conventional fabric and the upper lace. You can manually tie such a part with a hook and special yarn.

Knitted pillowcase

Knitted pillowcases bring warmth and comfort to the interior. The work will require yarn (about 500 grams on the cover of a medium size), buttons, knitting needles or a hook. We must not forget that natural threads strongly "sit down" after washing. To the pillowcase does not become too small for the pillow, it is better to use mixed yarn. Technician knitting mass. Some prefer laconic "pigtails" and "bumps", which are usually decorated with homemade sweaters, while others prefer the complex patterns of "spider webs" and, again, the patchwork technique, but in a slightly different guise. The pillowcase can be sewed from separately connected (usually crocheted) shreds of yarn of different colors. To cover closed, do not use zippers, and buttons, which are organically combined with yarn.

Embroidery

The cover can be decorated with solid embroidery or decorate only part of it. For the first variant, embroidery techniques (floss) with a cross and a semi-cross (tapestry) are suitable. It is necessary to work either with a sacking or with a usual fabric on which the canvas is fixed. After the embroidery is completed, it is dispensed by a thread. Embroidery with ribbons, chenille or work in the “satin-stitch” technique is suitable for partial decoration.

We use old clothes

Wonderful pillowcases are made from old jeans, shirts and sweaters. In the latter two cases, the sleeves and the bottom are cut off at the clothing, leaving only the collar and the “breast” piece of fabric. Cutting a shirt or sweater along the seam is not necessary. The second part will be the back of the case. Then the shirt remains are sewn from two sides on the sides. A zipper is sewn to the bottom. The upper part, on which the collar, is additionally decorated with a piece of fabric previously cut from the bottom, to cover the empty neck. This detail can be sewn to the back of the shirt and simply smoothed, since the seam on the front side will not look very aesthetically pleasing. You can put a handkerchief in your chest pocket. Jeans stitched covers on the same principle, just cut off both legs.

Fabric painting

Fabric painting is increasingly decorated with clothes (mainly jackets and T-shirts). This is a great replacement for photo printing. In addition, the drawing will not be stamping, it can be "taken from the head." For beginners it is better to purchase special stencils. In any case, the template will be needed, since it is difficult to work on errors with such a picture. This is not a pencil that is easy to erase with an eraser. Brush movements must be accurate. Fabrics painted with acrylic paints. In the shops for artists, they are presented in a wide range. Different compositions are suitable for certain types of tissue (dense, delicate). Before work, the material should be soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour and washed. Then the matter is dried and laid out on a flat surface. Under the fabric be sure to put a film in order not to spoil the table. It is better to work with natural brushes of different sizes so that it is convenient to paint both large and small parts. Usually start from the top of the picture, so as not to smear the hand drawing. After drawing the image, it is fixed with a warm iron.

Puffs

Puffs - a special type of covers, the surface of which is decorated with a pattern of folds. The texture of pillowcases only seems very complicated. In fact, even a novice can handle the job. The main thing in the process of making puffs is the preparatory work. To get a beautiful symmetrical pattern, you need to properly mark on a piece of fabric the points on which matter will be collected and fixed with thread. Marking is applied from the back and from the front side. In the second case, the places of the cloth are masked with beads or buttons. Schemes of “grids” of puffs can be found in specialized journals or on the World Wide Web.

Pillow decoration

For the design of pillows use the entire "arsenal" of needlewomen:

• Bows and ribbons. Beautifully combined with embroidery, openwork and look good as a concise decoration for plain covers.
• Buttons. They are combined with viscous, appliqué, painting and puffs. Original look images applied with acrylic paints, where the accent zones are filled with sewn buttons.
• Fringe. Is an integral part of the Turkish pillows. As a rule, it is sewn along the contour of the cover and is combined with tassels.
• Ruffles, ruffles. Combined with embroidery and lace.
• Paillettes They are used in the same way as buttons to highlight accent zones. From the sequins you can make a whole picture. For the manufacture of continuous fabric will require details of different colors and an embroidery pattern.
• Beads, beads. Used in embroidery.

In addition to the above ornaments, they use cabochons, metal inserts, zippers, clasps, decorative chains.

In the form of animals and toys

Covers in the form of little animals are sewn under similar pillows. For work, you can use the same template. The fabric is matched to the color of the animal. For example, zebra is easy to find striped matter. "Predatory" prints (leopard, tiger, lion) are still popular. If there is no suitable material on hand, then patterns of the skin of a giraffe or crocodile skin can be obtained with the help of painting. For animals that are simpler (fluffy bunnies, bears, dogs, cats), they use soft plush and pleasant to the touch felt. The eyes of an animal can be bought in finished form or replaced with buttons, large beads, cabochons.

"Seats"

Seat cushions are placed on solid chairs and stools. They differ from ordinary models in thickness. "Seats" are more like oblate "pancakes". A large amount of them do not need to give. Seats are filled with foam rubber or padding polyester. Covers are sewn from durable, natural fabrics, which are not inferior in life to furniture upholstery. We must not forget that such a pillow will wear several times faster than usual. She doesn’t need any extra decorations either, because buttons and intricate patterns of beads will be uncomfortable to sit on. Seats are usually dressed in quilted covers, which add softness to them due to the inner layer.

In the form of letters

"Alphabetical" pillows are made on the same principle as products in the form of animals. Patterns are easy to find on the Internet. This decoration is more suited to modern interiors of living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. The latter option is particularly relevant, since a child from an early age can be carried away by learning in the form of a game. Small letters-pillows sew from felt. Three-dimensional models, in which the front side and sidewalls are sewn from materials of different colors, will look stylish. Get a kind of 3D-effect.

Pillow for pregnant women

Pillows for pregnant women, as a rule, have the shape of an elongated horseshoe. It is convenient for them to sleep on women with already big stomachs, since the body is as if enveloped by a soft filler, and it completely relaxes. In this case, the pillow can be expanded as you like. In its normal state, it is a long roller. For the manufacture of such parts will require a lot of hypoallergenic filler and a good cut of natural fabric, pleasant to the body. Sizes are selected individually, based on the characteristics of the woman's body.

For garden furniture

Garden furniture cushions are made on the same principle as the seat mats. Their main purpose is to make softer stiffer chairs and benches. Usually they are stitched together from two modules. Upper is designed to soften the back, and the bottom - for the seat. The filler should perfectly keep the shape. Fabric choose a dense, resistant to fading and wear.