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signed, sealed … and soon to be delivered … they’re yours

April 2, 2012 By Linda 23 Comments

Pillowgate has come to an end.  Deep throat has spoken.  And at the risk of being impeached, I’m going with full-disclosure …

… full disclosure, that is, of how I made these …

Ruffle Pillow on Porch 3

… that are part of this …

it all started with paint

… that were packed up …

Pass it on box

… and sent out this weekend to these lovely bloggers …

    DIY Show Off Project Parade    
    Adventures Of Our Fami-Ly

 

Before I jump into the tutorial, let me share a little tip.  You see, I’m cheap.  And pillow forms are just too pricey for me.  So I made my own.  I cut up an inexpensive duvet cover, sewed up along the seams and stuffed with a deconstructed $9.00 body pillow from Target.

Now onto how I made my 14” x 14” ruffle pillows …

1. I started with canvas drop cloth.  I purchased mine at Mendards.  It was on sale for $7 for a 4’ x 15’ sheet.  You can find them at any home improvement store …

image

2. Wash and dry the drop cloth.  With detergent.  And some fabric softener sheets.

… if not you’ll end up with a pillow cover that will feel fat after the first wash.  Trust me, pillow covers already have enough ‘form’ issues to deal with — what with their bloated middles and those karate chopping designers …

3.  Now it’s time to measure the width of your pillow against the fabric. Then snip.  Then rip.  That’s a huge plus about drop cloth.  You can rip a perfectly straight line …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 1 drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 2

4. Wrap your strip of fabric around the pillow. Overlap the envelope seams at 3-to-5 inches. Pin and sew.

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 3drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 4

5. Now it’s time to make the ruffle …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 5drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 6drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 7drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 8

Cut a 3 1/2” strip about 45” long.  Set machine on its longest stitch. Stich two rows.  Then pull threads and ruffle and pull and ruffle and pull and ruffle …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 10

6. And now I realized I needed my envelope pillow cover in three pieces.  This way I could “hide” the rough edges of the ruffle in a seam. So I wrapped it around the form, snipped on the right and left edges and ripped …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 11

7. Then I sewed the ruffle to the front pillow piece …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 13

… and don’t skip this step.  Trust me. the ruffle won’t stay ruffled and there will be some cursing as you deconstruct the entire pillow by removing each and every stitch …

8. And now it’s time to pin right sides together.  Stitch it all around. Cut corners and excess fabric.  Press open seams …

drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 12drop cloth ruffled pillow how to 14

… and insert pillow form …

Ruffle Pillow on Porch

Now I worked hard on these pillows …

Ruffle Pillow on Porch 2

So no butt-crack karate chopping allowed …

Ruffle Pillow on Porch 4

The Pass it On project is the brainchild of Karah at the space between.  If you want to get involved, just click here …

Oh, and for the record, I am not a crook.

Linking up …
 Funky Junk Interiors * The Shabby Nest  *   French Country Cottage * Chic on a Shoestring  * At The Picket Fence  * Addicted 2 Decorating   * Five Days … Five Ways  * Tatertots & Jello *  Serenity Now * Be Different Act Normal * Lolly Jane Boutique * Home Stories A 2 Z * Savvy Southern Style * Someday Crafts * The Shabby Creek Cottage * House of Hepworths *

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Kirby Carespodi says

    April 2, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    This is great. Your tutorial is really comprehensive–well done, you!

    Reply
  2. Rita@thissortaoldlife says

    April 2, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Love the step-by-step and clear pictures. You’ve got me thinking that maybe even I could sew a pillow. In fact, I think I can take your method and make some covers for some chair cushions that have been on my to-do list since, oh, October!

    Reply
  3. Amy@BuffaloRoam says

    April 2, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    These are so fantastic, they make me want to learn how to sew…

    Reply
  4. Kolein says

    April 2, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Yeah and I bet “you didn’t steal the tapes” either!!!

    I love your pillows!

    And thank you for allowing them their dignity!

    xo
    ~K

    Reply
  5. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    April 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I can’t wait to get mine in the mail! You did an amazing job, I love the ruffles.

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  6. Decor & Harmony @ 4290 says

    April 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Oh Nixon, you’re hilarious 🙂 Great project great pillows….I better get my butt in gear and start passing it on.

    Reply
  7. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    April 2, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    Adorable pillow — really, I MUST get some drop cloths and get to sewing soon!

    Reply
  8. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    April 2, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    yay! i can’t wait!!! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    April 3, 2012 at 1:40 am

    Those pillows are so cute! I’m definitely going to keep the ruffle tutorial in mind! Our master bedroom could use a softer touch and the ruffles are calling to me!

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:01 am

    Super cute pillows! I love the ruffles!

    Reply
  11. Kelly @ View Along the Way says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:37 am

    I love the tip on the pillow forms! I’m all about some cheap workarounds. The pillows are gorgeous!

    Reply
  12. Cre8ive Motives says

    April 3, 2012 at 4:02 am

    You did a fantastic job on your pillow Linda. Loving those ruffles. What a wonderful project!

    Reply
  13. Bliss says

    April 3, 2012 at 4:53 am

    What did the president know and when did he know it? Did he wiretap your sewing room so he could make his own pillows?

    I can’t wait to receive mine, and if I put it where I am thinking I will I am going to have to follow that tutorial because I will need two.

    Bliss

    Reply
  14. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 3, 2012 at 4:57 am

    The pillows are sew cute! Loving the ruffle accent.

    “no butt-crack karate chopping allowed …”
    That! Made me laugh =)

    Reply
  15. Anne says

    April 3, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    How adorable! I love this cover!! Some projects even make me wish I had a sewing machine… but then I recover & move on. Lol!

    Happy Easter!

    Reply
  16. Eclectically Vintage says

    April 3, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    I didn’t know Nixon could sew!? Makes me want to learn so I can fill my house with these fabulous pillows! What a fun surprise for everyone to receive!
    Kelly

    Reply
  17. Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D says

    April 3, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    They are so pretty.
    And, you pictures really make the process clear.
    ~ Dana

    Reply
  18. Daniele @WeKnowStuff says

    April 3, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    Great job Linda. Your hard work definitely shows! They look awesome! (Can’t stop laughing about the butt-crack karate chop.)

    Reply
  19. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    April 3, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    I wasn’t sure whether to start this comment with Finally! or Do pillows really need packing peanuts when mailed? but am not sure either express exactly how awesome I think these pillows are. Just beautiful. And thanks so much for the project shout outs. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    April 6, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    I am visiting via Addicted 2 Decorating. I absolutely adore your pillow.

    I created several spring projects on my blog this week. Please stop by if you have a moment.

    Have a lovely Easter weekend.

    Reply
  21. Maria says

    April 7, 2012 at 2:29 am

    What a lovely pillow! I love making pillows too, and love anything with ruffles, they just make everything so much prettier :o) Your pillow is beautiful! Love the natural look!

    Reply
  22. Diane says

    April 7, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    Excellent idea and very pretty! I may give it a try. I pinned it to share with others. Diane

    Reply
  23. Lauryn Clemmer says

    April 8, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    oh i love this! i would love for you to link this post or any other posts you want up to my weekly link party called spread the love. it’s a weekend wrap up party where you can share anything and everything you want! there is also a really awesome vinyl giveaway going on there right now too, so go check it out! http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/2012/04/spread-love-5-decallove-giveaway.html
    have a wonderful weekend!
    {love} lauryn @ lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com

    Reply

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