DIY Network

Pillows Pillows From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-101

In this segment, April gives Sara a primer on the various fills that are available for stuffing throw pillows: shredded foam, down, polyfill and poly combined with silk and cashmere. Then they make a variety of simple throw pillows from various fabrics such as faux fur and silk dupioni to add some color to the couch.

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Floor Pillows

Floor Pillows

Materials
Fabric
Matching thread
Sewing machine
Scissors
Pillow form
Batting

1. When choosing the right fabric for a pillow, consider how the pillow will be used. If it will receive hard wear, select a sturdy, firmly woven fabric that will retain its shape.

	Figure A
	Figure B

2. For most pillows, cut the pillow top and back 1" longer and wider than the finished size of the pillow form (figure A).

3. To prevent dog-eared corners, fold the pillow top into fourths and mark a halfway point between the corner and the fold on each open side.

4. Mark lines with a fabric pencil, tapering from the raw edges at the center marks to the mark at the corner. Cut on the marked lines.

5. Use this front piece as a pattern to cut the back piece so all the corners are tapered (figure B).

6. Lay the two pieces down with the right sides facing each other and pin the edges together.

7. Sew three of the sides together, keeping in mind the 5/8" seam allowance. Trim any extra fabric and cut the corners.

8. Use an iron to press open the seam, and then turn the fabric so the right side is out.

9. Gently easy the pillow form into the fabric, starting with the upper edges and working the rest in slowly. You can add batting to the corners and sides if necessary.

10. Sew up the remaining side (this will be the bottom side of the pillow).

Couch Pillows

Couch Pillows

Materials
Fabric
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins
Pillow insert

1. Cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size of the pillow, making sure to add extra for the seam allowance.

2. Place the two pieces of cut fabric with right sides together and stitch around three of the four sides. On the fourth side sew around the corners and leave an opening to insert your pillow form.

3. Turn the fabric right side out and insert the pillow form.

4. Pin the opening closed and hand-stitch shut.

RESOURCES :

Waverly floor pillow fabric
Product #6499481 (Tobago Driftwood) Phone: 1-800-423-5881
E-mail: waverly@fsco.com
Website: www.waverly.com

Marimekko couch pillow fabric
Product #529290-120 (Vilikko Melon)
Product # 52914-325 (Poukama Multi)
Textile Arts
P.O. Box 3151
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Phone: 888-343-7285
Fax: 631-725-1714
E-mail: info@txtlart.com
Website: store.txtlart.com

Waverly couch pillow fabric
#647651 Bedford Cord in Ecru
Waverly Fabrics
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-7900
Fax: 212-213-7682
Email: waverly@fsco.com
Website: www.waverly.com

Floor pillow fabric
Fabric.com
Product #AB-308 (Faux Fur Ranch Mink Brown)
Product #UR-087 (Ultra Suede Moleskin)
Product #DPSR-028 (Silk Dupioni Green Quartz)
Phone: 1-888-455-2940
Website: www.fabric.com

Couch pillow fabric
Fabric.com
Product #DPSR-009 (Silk Dupioni Cafe)
Product #DPSR-028 (Silk Dupioni Green Quartz)
Phone: 1-888-455-2940
Website: www.fabric.com