Initially, pillows were not invented for convenience during sleep, but to preserve complex, intricate hairstyles. The first examples of these devices have been preserved in the tombs of the Egyptian pyramids and have survived to this day in their original form. In the eastern countries (China, Japan), “pillows” were called special devices made of stone or porcelain, which were placed under the neck also for the purpose of preserving hairstyles. There was no talk of any convenience. Solid "pillows" performed exclusively supportive function for the head. To adapt to sleep on such devices, it took a habit developed over the years. These soft pillows, which are well known to all of us, were invented in Ancient Greece. Most of the 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, fragrant 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 full of fragrant leaves, on which he fell asleep, saved him from physical fatigue. From Ancient Greece, pillows migrated to Ancient Rome. Although at first they were very skeptical there, later this attribute for sleep became mandatory even for the military, hardened by a harsh camping life. He was given sacred meaning: a thing that protects a person’s sleep. Many girl fortunetelling is associated with pillows. Spruce twigs, ridges, twigs were laid under them in the hope that this would “bring” the narrowed to sleep. Sacks of lavender and dried wormwood, hidden in pillows, were supposed to normalize sleep and drive away evil spirits. To bring harm to a person, it was enough to sew a specially prepared magic attribute into his pillowcase. These beliefs are still preserved, although the age of digital technology and denies the mystical component. Centuries later, the pillow becomes an important part of textile decor. Some are intended only for bed, while others decorate the house. Let's talk about how to sew pillows with your own hands and what you need for this job.
Pillows are classified according to purpose into two types:
Decorative. Their main function is interior decoration.Such pillows can be tough and uncomfortable, but this is not so important, because they certainly look beautiful and stylish.
For sleep. Comfortable pillows that adorn only with colored pillowcases. They are intended only for sleeping and most of the time they are covered with a bedspread on the 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 pillows can decorate not only sofas, but also armchairs, chairs, ottomans, deck chairs.
Footsteps. Now this type is rare. Foot pillows were popular in the Middle Ages. Then the owners of the stone castles, fearing to catch their feet in contact with the cold floor, ordered special pads.
Floor standing. Pillows stack right on the floor. This is a great replacement for armchairs and chairs. The tradition of sitting on the floor came to us from the east. For example, in Turkey, they build entire "beds" for guests. In Japan, it is generally not customary to use chairs. However, the Japanese are so used to sitting on their folded knees that they, in fact, do not need pillows. But for those who are trying to integrate into their lifestyle, a floor pillow will be a salvation from numb legs.
Separately, it is worth noting the curly pads, which are usually attributed to the group of children. They are given the form of 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 pick up more delicate options: puppies, giraffes, cats, dogs, soft dolls. You can sleep on such toys, but most of the time they decorate the room and are used for games. Depending on the sewing technology, several more types are distinguished:
Quilted. Pillowcases of these pillows are decorated with rough seams that pass through and connect three layers: two linen and a cotton insulation in the middle.They can act as decorations, and used only for sleep. In a sleeping set, a pillow usually comes with a warm quilt.
Modular or sectional. The lower and upper parts of such pillows are connected by a special insert. Due to this, they look more voluminous.
Turkish Their pillowcases are generously decorated with fringe, and the corners - with tassels.
Pillow shape
The classic "European" shape of the pillow is considered square or rectangular. Such things of small sizes are called "thought". The second most popular, eastern look is the rollers. These pillows are in the form of cylinders and are used not only as headrests, but also as armrests. They are quite tough and tightly filled with filler. Round pillows (puffs) are also considered to come from the East. They are very rarely used for sleeping, but are ideal for decorating sofas and as soft seats 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 form of letters and hearts. For the last couple of years ago, there was a real “boom”. Shaggy hearts with typical “love” lettering, stuffed with foam rubber, were sold in almost every home textile store.
Types of Tissues
A cover or pillowcase (if used for sleeping) is the main part, the “face” of the soft pillow. As a rule, it is made of durable fabric that can withstand many washes and will last for more than one year. For improvised pillows, improvised materials are often used: from old clothes (t-shirts, jeans), blankets or patchwork-style shreds. Although synthetic fabrics have captured the textile market in recent years, it is better to choose natural ones:
Silk. Delicate but skin-friendly material. Silk covers are difficult to maintain, but they blend perfectly with a luxurious classic look.
Linen. The rough texture of flax is suitable for country subspecies.The material is easily creased. 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 that is easy to care for. As for stylistic compliance, cotton covers are easy to integrate in almost any interior.
Wool. Covers may look rough, but the material will perfectly warm in the cold winter. It’s good 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" padding you need dense fabric pillowcases.
For delicate stuffing (swan fluff), the same delicate fabric is selected that will allow you to feel the filling.
Among the popular textile options for pillow covers are 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 its shape. Do not recommend using old polyester t-shirts for sewing pillowcases.
Types of stuffing
The next question that arises for those who want to make a pillow with their own hands, than to stuff it? Natural fillers include swan fluff, goose feather, horse hair, sheep and camel hair, and even buckwheat husk. These types of fillers require special care. Due to their high cost, they are mainly purchased for those pillows that will be used for sleep. Decorative mostly stuffed with synthetic fillers:
Synthetic winterizer. The leader among synthetic gaskets. He replaced the foam, in contrast to which he breathes due to the special fibrous structure. The sintepon filler is lightweight, non-allergenic and easy to clean.
Hollofiber. Almost weightless material that lets moisture and odors through. Holofiber fillers are ideal for kitchen pillows.
Latex filler.It is obtained from foamed rubber. The filler holds its shape well, therefore it is more often used for stuffing special orthopedic pillows for people with problematic health.
There is also a separate type of filler - comfort. The material is small balls that quickly restore their shape after being pressed.
How to sew a pillow with your own hands
Sewing pillows can be divided into several stages:
Selection of materials and tools (scissors, needles, liner or crayon, thread, sewing centimeter).
Pattern.
Directly stitching the elements.
Stuffing.
Final suturing of the hole through which the filler was passed. Attaching a zipper.
Making a cover and its decoration.
The following detailed master class will help you deal with the algorithm of the work.
Pattern
It is necessary to start sewing with a pattern. In essence, this is a scheme, a “template”, which will have to work in the future. Typically, patterns are presented ready-made in specialized magazines or on sites for needlewomen. To draw a drawing for a pillow of complex shape (animals, letters) on its own will be quite difficult, but for simple little thoughts or rollers - it is quite realistic. The main thing that should not be forgotten is the “reserves” of the fabric, which will be wrapped inward and processed with an overlock, which will prevent their delamination into fibers. The standard size of a rectangular pillow is 70x50 cm. If there are no plans to make a pillowcase, then for such a model it is easy to buy a ready-made cover in any textile shop. From the wrong side, marking is applied to the fabric after measurements. Then the pattern is cut out. For pillows of complex shapes, a pre-prepared template from graph paper is used, which is fixed 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 by connecting the sides.Get one less stitch.
To make it easier for a beginner to work, a sketch of the finished product and a preliminary drawing of the pattern are first made on a sheet of paper. Having the final result in front of your eyes, it will be easier to navigate.
Sewing
Details of the future pillow are sewn together from the wrong side. The stitch should go exactly along a pre-defined line. It is better to use a sewing machine, as the line will turn out more accurate and durable. If the work is done manually, then the stitch is made as small as possible. Only then will the pillow be strong. Three (two, if the fabric is one), the sides are stitched completely, and the fourth is only half. The hole is necessary in order to turn out the pillow and fill it with packing. Some on the fourth side immediately sew a zipper. The zipper is really convenient, but you need to pick up models with small sliders and tiny cloves on the ribbons. Too large parts of the zipper can be “felt” through the case and cause discomfort. The edges of the fabric from the inside must be processed. It is better to use an overlock.
Stuffing
Filling a pillow with synthetic stuffing is a simple process, which cannot be said about natural fluff. Usually it is "poured" from old covers into new ones. If you take the “lump” of fluff in your hand, it may seem that there is nothing complicated in sorting it out. However, a couple of movements and white weightless fluffs scatter all over the room, and striving to get into the mouth or nose. You just can’t “pour” fluff. This is not cotton wool that retains its shape and is easy to tamp. A hole is made in the old case, which is sewn to the same in the new pillow. The fluff is neatly tedious, crushed and moved with your hands. This process will take more than one hour, so you have to be patient. Those who purchased fluff in the store, too, should not tear the packaging, but act according to the same scheme of pouring from one container to another.
How to sew a pillow?
The eversion hole is usually sewn with a blind seam. The stitches should be small, neat. The knot is tied from the inside, and the needle is pulled to the front side. The edges of the fabric are wrapped, and the cover is folded exactly along the machine seam, which ended in the middle. This is important because the mismatch will be striking. To make the line look even more accurate, it is duplicated, but the needle punctures are staggered relative to the previous ones. Then the seam will be stronger, and it will look neater. Since the pillow will not be exhibited in the museum as an exhibit and it will spend most of the time in a pillowcase, the fourth side “from the face” can simply be flashed with a typewriter. The main thing is that the line goes as close to the edge as possible. If the fabric is chosen mottled, then the thread selected according to the shade will not be noticeable on it at all.
Pillowcase
When the sewing work on the pillow itself is completed, you can proceed to the most creative part, the selection of pillowcase design. First you need to choose a design for the stylistic solution of the room that this piece of decor will adorn. For classics, it is better to use luxurious, expensive fabrics with elegant embroidery with gold or silver threads. For modern styles, models of simple cut from concise materials are suitable, because here the emphasis needs to be done on the shape and color. For oriental interiors create colorful pillows with numerous fringe and tassels. A room for a child will be decorated with covers with ruffles, ruffles, appliqués, lace, simple embroidery. For modern girl's bedrooms, pillows decorated with sequins, pins, bows and even fur are suitable. For rustic interiors use knitted covers decorated with buttons, ribbon flowers.
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 austere interiors and mischievous solutions for the original decor. To decorate the cover, both improvised materials and specially purchased accessories are suitable.Let us consider in more detail the popular methods of decorating pillows and step by step we will analyze them.
Selection of colors
First of all, you need to decide on the color scheme. Covers can be plain, colorful or combine a moderate number of shades (two to three), selected according to the principles of analogy (ombre effect) or contrast. The latter option is easy to implement in modular covers, the two parts of which are not stitched, but are connected by an insert. The shade must be selected based on the characteristics of the color scheme of the room as a whole and furniture in particular. If textile decor should become a bright emphasis on a calm palette of the interior, then the colors are chosen catchy: red, orange, yellow, green. Shiny golden, bronze, silver cases that are covered with continuous rows of sequins will look stylish and original. If the pillow is just a neutral touch, then the shade is chosen calm: white, gray, blue, pink, brown, pastel colors. For street decor (patio, garden furniture, garden bench), more natural colors are selected. For example, with the autumn landscape, covers of crimson and brown tones with color gradation are in perfect harmony. They are complemented by a checkered plaid, picturesquely laid out on a bench, and now a cozy place in the open air is ready for reading a book with a cup of hot tea.
Patchwork technique
Patchwork technique or patchwork, as it is sometimes called, allows you to create an unusual decor from old things. Such pillow covers will look cute at home, but will only fit into country-style interiors. For work, pieces of fabrics of different colors, decorated with ornaments and images, will be required. They are cut into 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, you can not complete the entire pillowcase, but only a separate part of it. For example, a combination of pieces of fabric with a variegated checkered pattern on one half will organically combine with embroidery on a plain burlap on the second.
Applique
The appliqué technique is the sewing of individual pieces of fabric onto a canvas in such a way that the result is a picture. The decoration method is somewhat similar to folding a puzzle. The master has a large number of parts that need to be put together. Application happens:
Flat. This is a simple technique in which pieces of fabric are applied to a case and sewn completely.
Volumetric. A more complex technique, which is characterized by the presence of convex elements. For example, shuttlecocks, ruffles and bows with ribbons appear on the ballerina's dress. Sometimes, to obtain additional volume, a soft filler is placed under a piece of fabric.
When working with fabric, there is a “reverse” application. On the cover, the pillowcases are cut out according to the template. The edges must be sewn. Preferably on a typewriter. Then, a similar part is cut from a piece of another fabric and sew it from the wrong side. It is best to work with a pre-prepared template.
Printing on fabric
Printing on fabric can be ordered in specialized salons, which with the help of special equipment will accurately transfer the image to the material. However, you can make a pillow 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 inks in spray cans and stencils. Drawings, as a rule, select concise, since only an artist-master can display complex color transitions. The fabric must be laid out on a flat horizontal surface.For reliability, it is better to fasten it with pins or press down on the edges with something heavy. The area that should remain untouched is isolated with masking tape or cling film. Now they apply a stencil and fix it. You can begin to colorize the image.
Lace
Cases with lace look very gentle and touching. This "female" option is great for shabby chic, provence and organically flows into children's bedrooms for newborns. Thin lace, as a rule, decorates only a separate part of the cover: a strip in the center, from one side or paired openwork ribbons that “close” a neat pattern in the middle. Due to the special sophistication, this decoration is combined with pastel shades. Contrast is appropriate in double pillowcases. They are sewn from the lower plain layer of ordinary fabric and the upper lace. You can knit such a part manually using a hook and special yarn.
Knitted pillowcases
Knitted pillowcases bring warmth and comfort to the interior. To work, you will need yarn (about 500 grams per medium-sized cover), buttons, knitting needles or a hook. We must not forget that natural threads strongly "sit down" after washing. So that the pillowcase does not become too small for a pillow, it is better to use blended yarn. Technician knitting mass. Some prefer laconic “pigtails” and “bumps”, which are usually decorated with homemade sweaters, while others prefer complex patterns with “spider webs” and, again, patchwork technique, but in a slightly different guise. A pillowcase can be sewn from separately knitted (usually crocheted) patches of yarn of different colors. To cover the case, use not zippers, but buttons that are organically combined with yarn.
Embroidery
The cover can be decorated with solid embroidery or decorate only part of it. For the first option, embroidery techniques with threads (floss) cross and a half cross (tapestry) are suitable.You need to work either with burlap or with ordinary fabric on which the canvas is fixed. After embroidery is completed, it is dismissed along the thread. For partial decoration, embroidery with ribbons, chenille or work in the technique of "smooth surface".
We use old clothes
Wonderful pillowcases for pillows are obtained from old jeans, shirts and sweaters. In the last two cases, the sleeves and the lower part of the clothes are cut off, leaving only the collar and the “chest” piece of fabric. It is not necessary to cut a shirt or sweater at the seam. The second part will be the back of the case. Then the remainder of the shirt is sewn on both sides on the sides. Sew a zipper to the bottom. The upper part, on which the collar is additionally decorated with a piece of previously cut from the bottom fabric, to cover the empty neck. This part can be sewn to the shirt from the back and simply smoothed out, since the seam on the front side will not look very aesthetically pleasing. You can put a scarf in your breast pocket. The jeans are sewn into covers according to the same principle, only both legs are cut off.
Fabric painting
Painted on fabric increasingly decorate clothes (mainly sweaters and T-shirts). This is a great replacement for photo printing. Moreover, 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, a 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 are painted with acrylics. In the shops for artists, they are presented in a wide range. Different compositions are suitable for certain types of fabrics (dense, delicate). Before work, the material must be soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour and washed. Then the matter is dried and laid out on a flat surface. Be sure to lay a film under the fabric so as not to spoil the table.It is better to work with natural brushes of different sizes, so that it is convenient to draw both large and small details. Usually start from the top of the picture so as not to smear the drawing by hand. After applying the image, it is fixed with a warm iron.
Puffs
Puffs are a special type of covers, the surface of which is decorated with a fold pattern. The texture of the pillowcases just seems very complicated. In fact, even a beginner can cope with work. The main thing in the process of making puffs is the preparatory work. To get a beautiful symmetrical pattern, you need to correctly mark the points on the piece of fabric at which the material will be collected and fixed with a thread. The marking is applied both on the wrong side and on the front side. In the second case, the sites of tissue tightening are masked with beads or buttons. Schemes of buffer nets can be found in specialized magazines or on the World Wide Web.
Pillow decoration
For the design of pillows use the entire "arsenal" of needlewomen:
Bows and ribbons. They combine beautifully with embroidery, lace and look good as laconic decorations for plain covers.
Buttons Combined with knitting, applique, painting and puffs. Acrylic paints look original, where accent areas are filled with sewn buttons.
Fringe. It is an integral part of Turkish pillows. As a rule, it is sewn along the contour of the cover and combined with tassels.
Ruffles, ruffles. Combined with embroidery and lace.
Sequins. They are used in the same way as buttons to highlight accent areas. From sequins you can make a whole picture. For the manufacture of a continuous web, details of different colors and an embroidery pattern will be required.
Beads, beads. Used in embroidery.
In addition to the above jewelry, cabochons, metal inserts, zippers, and decorative chains are used.
In the shape of animals and toys
Cases in the shape of animals are sewn under similar pillows.For work, you can use the same template. The fabric is selected for the color of the animal. For example, it’s easy for a zebra to find striped matter. "Predatory" prints (leopard, tiger, lion) are still popular. If there is no suitable material at hand, then patterns of the skin of a giraffe or crocodile skin can be obtained using painting. For animals simpler (fluffy bunnies, cubs, dogs, cats), use soft plush and felt nice to the touch. The eyes of the animal can be bought ready-made or replaced with buttons, large beads, cabochons.
Seats
Pillows "Seats" are placed on solid chairs and stools. They differ from ordinary models in thickness. "Seats" are more like flattened "pancakes." They do not need to give a large volume. "Seats" are filled with foam rubber or synthetic winterizer. Covers are sewn from durable, natural fabrics, which are not inferior to furniture upholstery in terms of service life. We must not forget that such a pillow will wear out several times faster than an ordinary one. She also does not need any extra jewelry, because it will be uncomfortable to sit on buttons and intricate patterns of beads. Typically, the "seat" is worn in quilted covers, which due to the inner layer add softness to them.
In the form of letters
Alphabetical pillows are made according to the same principle as animal-shaped items. Patterns are easy to find on the Internet. This decoration is more suitable for modern interiors of living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. The latter option is especially 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. Volumetric models will look stylishly, in which the front side and sidewalls are sewn from materials of different colors. Get a kind of 3D effect.
Maternity Pillow
Pillows for pregnant women, as a rule, have the shape of an elongated horseshoe. It is convenient for women with large stomachs to sleep on them, as the body seems to “envelop” the soft filler, and it completely relaxes. In this case, the pillow can be laid out as you like. In the normal state, it is a long roller.To make such a part, you will need 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
Pillows for garden furniture are made on the same principle as the "seat". Their main purpose is to soften hard chairs and benches. Usually they are stitched from two modules. The top is for softening the back, and the bottom is for the seat. The filler should keep its shape perfectly. The fabric is chosen dense, resistant to fading and wear.
Initially, pillows were not invented for convenience during sleep, but to preserve complex, intricate hairstyles. The first examples of these devices have been preserved in the tombs of the Egyptian pyramids and have survived to this day in their original form. In the eastern countries (China, Japan), “pillows” were called special devices made of stone or porcelain, which were placed under the neck also for the purpose of preserving hairstyles. There was no talk of any convenience. Solid "pillows" performed exclusively supportive function for the head. To adapt to sleep on such devices, it took a habit developed over the years. These soft pillows, which are well known to all of us, were invented in Ancient Greece. Most of the 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, fragrant 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 full of fragrant leaves, on which he fell asleep, saved him from physical fatigue. From Ancient Greece, pillows migrated to Ancient Rome. Although at first they were very skeptical there, later this attribute for sleep became mandatory even for the military, hardened by a harsh camping life. He was given sacred meaning: a thing that protects a person’s sleep. Many girl fortunetelling is associated with pillows. Spruce twigs, ridges, twigs were laid under them in the hope that this would “bring” the narrowed to sleep. Sacks of lavender and dried wormwood, hidden in pillows, were supposed to normalize sleep and drive away evil spirits. To bring harm to a person, it was enough to sew a specially prepared magic attribute into his pillowcase. These beliefs are still preserved, although the age of digital technology and denies the mystical component. Centuries later, the pillow becomes an important part of textile decor. Some are intended only for bed, while others decorate the house. Let's talk about how to sew pillows with your own hands and what you need for this job.
Content
Appointment and types of sofa cushions
Pillows are classified according to purpose into two types:
Depending on the location of the pillows are divided into three types:
Separately, it is worth noting the curly pads, which are usually attributed to the group of children. They are given the form of 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 pick up more delicate options: puppies, giraffes, cats, dogs, soft dolls. You can sleep on such toys, but most of the time they decorate the room and are used for games. Depending on the sewing technology, several more types are distinguished:
Pillow shape
The classic "European" shape of the pillow is considered square or rectangular. Such things of small sizes are called "thought". The second most popular, eastern look is the rollers. These pillows are in the form of cylinders and are used not only as headrests, but also as armrests. They are quite tough and tightly filled with filler. Round pillows (puffs) are also considered to come from the East. They are very rarely used for sleeping, but are ideal for decorating sofas and as soft seats 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 form of letters and hearts. For the last couple of years ago, there was a real “boom”. Shaggy hearts with typical “love” lettering, stuffed with foam rubber, were sold in almost every home textile store.
Types of Tissues
A cover or pillowcase (if used for sleeping) is the main part, the “face” of the soft pillow. As a rule, it is made of durable fabric that can withstand many washes and will last for more than one year. For improvised pillows, improvised materials are often used: from old clothes (t-shirts, jeans), blankets or patchwork-style shreds.
Although synthetic fabrics have captured the textile market in recent years, it is better to choose natural ones:
When choosing a fabric for a cover, it is important to follow the rules of its compatibility with the filler:
Among the popular textile options for pillow covers are fleece, felt, teak, jacquard, satin, percale, cambric, twill, tapestry.
Types of stuffing
The next question that arises for those who want to make a pillow with their own hands, than to stuff it? Natural fillers include swan fluff, goose feather, horse hair, sheep and camel hair, and even buckwheat husk. These types of fillers require special care. Due to their high cost, they are mainly purchased for those pillows that will be used for sleep. Decorative mostly stuffed with synthetic fillers:
There is also a separate type of filler - comfort. The material is small balls that quickly restore their shape after being pressed.
How to sew a pillow with your own hands
Sewing pillows can be divided into several stages:
The following detailed master class will help you deal with the algorithm of the work.
Pattern
It is necessary to start sewing with a pattern. In essence, this is a scheme, a “template”, which will have to work in the future. Typically, patterns are presented ready-made in specialized magazines or on sites for needlewomen. To draw a drawing for a pillow of complex shape (animals, letters) on its own will be quite difficult, but for simple little thoughts or rollers - it is quite realistic. The main thing that should not be forgotten is the “reserves” of the fabric, which will be wrapped inward and processed with an overlock, which will prevent their delamination into fibers. The standard size of a rectangular pillow is 70x50 cm. If there are no plans to make a pillowcase, then for such a model it is easy to buy a ready-made cover in any textile shop. From the wrong side, marking is applied to the fabric after measurements. Then the pattern is cut out. For pillows of complex shapes, a pre-prepared template from graph paper is used, which is fixed 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 by connecting the sides.Get one less stitch.
Sewing
Details of the future pillow are sewn together from the wrong side. The stitch should go exactly along a pre-defined line. It is better to use a sewing machine, as the line will turn out more accurate and durable. If the work is done manually, then the stitch is made as small as possible. Only then will the pillow be strong. Three (two, if the fabric is one), the sides are stitched completely, and the fourth is only half. The hole is necessary in order to turn out the pillow and fill it with packing. Some on the fourth side immediately sew a zipper. The zipper is really convenient, but you need to pick up models with small sliders and tiny cloves on the ribbons. Too large parts of the zipper can be “felt” through the case and cause discomfort. The edges of the fabric from the inside must be processed. It is better to use an overlock.
Stuffing
Filling a pillow with synthetic stuffing is a simple process, which cannot be said about natural fluff. Usually it is "poured" from old covers into new ones. If you take the “lump” of fluff in your hand, it may seem that there is nothing complicated in sorting it out. However, a couple of movements and white weightless fluffs scatter all over the room, and striving to get into the mouth or nose. You just can’t “pour” fluff. This is not cotton wool that retains its shape and is easy to tamp. A hole is made in the old case, which is sewn to the same in the new pillow. The fluff is neatly tedious, crushed and moved with your hands. This process will take more than one hour, so you have to be patient. Those who purchased fluff in the store, too, should not tear the packaging, but act according to the same scheme of pouring from one container to another.
How to sew a pillow?
The eversion hole is usually sewn with a blind seam. The stitches should be small, neat. The knot is tied from the inside, and the needle is pulled to the front side. The edges of the fabric are wrapped, and the cover is folded exactly along the machine seam, which ended in the middle. This is important because the mismatch will be striking. To make the line look even more accurate, it is duplicated, but the needle punctures are staggered relative to the previous ones. Then the seam will be stronger, and it will look neater. Since the pillow will not be exhibited in the museum as an exhibit and it will spend most of the time in a pillowcase, the fourth side “from the face” can simply be flashed with a typewriter. The main thing is that the line goes as close to the edge as possible. If the fabric is chosen mottled, then the thread selected according to the shade will not be noticeable on it at all.
Pillowcase
When the sewing work on the pillow itself is completed, you can proceed to the most creative part, the selection of pillowcase design. First you need to choose a design for the stylistic solution of the room that this piece of decor will adorn. For classics, it is better to use luxurious, expensive fabrics with elegant embroidery with gold or silver threads. For modern styles, models of simple cut from concise materials are suitable, because here the emphasis needs to be done on the shape and color. For oriental interiors create colorful pillows with numerous fringe and tassels. A room for a child will be decorated with covers with ruffles, ruffles, appliqués, lace, simple embroidery. For modern girl's bedrooms, pillows decorated with sequins, pins, bows and even fur are suitable. For rustic interiors use knitted covers decorated with buttons, ribbon flowers.
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 austere interiors and mischievous solutions for the original decor. To decorate the cover, both improvised materials and specially purchased accessories are suitable.Let us consider in more detail the popular methods of decorating pillows and step by step we will analyze them.
Selection of colors
First of all, you need to decide on the color scheme. Covers can be plain, colorful or combine a moderate number of shades (two to three), selected according to the principles of analogy (ombre effect) or contrast. The latter option is easy to implement in modular covers, the two parts of which are not stitched, but are connected by an insert. The shade must be selected based on the characteristics of the color scheme of the room as a whole and furniture in particular. If textile decor should become a bright emphasis on a calm palette of the interior, then the colors are chosen catchy: red, orange, yellow, green. Shiny golden, bronze, silver cases that are covered with continuous rows of sequins will look stylish and original. If the pillow is just a neutral touch, then the shade is chosen calm: white, gray, blue, pink, brown, pastel colors. For street decor (patio, garden furniture, garden bench), more natural colors are selected. For example, with the autumn landscape, covers of crimson and brown tones with color gradation are in perfect harmony. They are complemented by a checkered plaid, picturesquely laid out on a bench, and now a cozy place in the open air is ready for reading a book with a cup of hot tea.
Patchwork technique
Patchwork technique or patchwork, as it is sometimes called, allows you to create an unusual decor from old things. Such pillow covers will look cute at home, but will only fit into country-style interiors. For work, pieces of fabrics of different colors, decorated with ornaments and images, will be required. They are cut into 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.
Applique
The appliqué technique is the sewing of individual pieces of fabric onto a canvas in such a way that the result is a picture. The decoration method is somewhat similar to folding a puzzle. The master has a large number of parts that need to be put together. Application happens:
When working with fabric, there is a “reverse” application. On the cover, the pillowcases are cut out according to the template. The edges must be sewn. Preferably on a typewriter. Then, a similar part is cut from a piece of another fabric and sew it from the wrong side. It is best to work with a pre-prepared template.
Printing on fabric
Printing on fabric can be ordered in specialized salons, which with the help of special equipment will accurately transfer the image to the material. However, you can make a pillow 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 inks in spray cans and stencils. Drawings, as a rule, select concise, since only an artist-master can display complex color transitions. The fabric must be laid out on a flat horizontal surface.For reliability, it is better to fasten it with pins or press down on the edges with something heavy. The area that should remain untouched is isolated with masking tape or cling film. Now they apply a stencil and fix it. You can begin to colorize the image.
Lace
Cases with lace look very gentle and touching. This "female" option is great for shabby chic, provence and organically flows into children's bedrooms for newborns. Thin lace, as a rule, decorates only a separate part of the cover: a strip in the center, from one side or paired openwork ribbons that “close” a neat pattern in the middle. Due to the special sophistication, this decoration is combined with pastel shades. Contrast is appropriate in double pillowcases. They are sewn from the lower plain layer of ordinary fabric and the upper lace. You can knit such a part manually using a hook and special yarn.
Knitted pillowcases
Knitted pillowcases bring warmth and comfort to the interior. To work, you will need yarn (about 500 grams per medium-sized cover), buttons, knitting needles or a hook. We must not forget that natural threads strongly "sit down" after washing. So that the pillowcase does not become too small for a pillow, it is better to use blended yarn. Technician knitting mass. Some prefer laconic “pigtails” and “bumps”, which are usually decorated with homemade sweaters, while others prefer complex patterns with “spider webs” and, again, patchwork technique, but in a slightly different guise. A pillowcase can be sewn from separately knitted (usually crocheted) patches of yarn of different colors. To cover the case, use not zippers, but buttons that are organically combined with yarn.
Embroidery
The cover can be decorated with solid embroidery or decorate only part of it. For the first option, embroidery techniques with threads (floss) cross and a half cross (tapestry) are suitable.You need to work either with burlap or with ordinary fabric on which the canvas is fixed. After embroidery is completed, it is dismissed along the thread. For partial decoration, embroidery with ribbons, chenille or work in the technique of "smooth surface".
We use old clothes
Wonderful pillowcases for pillows are obtained from old jeans, shirts and sweaters. In the last two cases, the sleeves and the lower part of the clothes are cut off, leaving only the collar and the “chest” piece of fabric. It is not necessary to cut a shirt or sweater at the seam. The second part will be the back of the case. Then the remainder of the shirt is sewn on both sides on the sides. Sew a zipper to the bottom. The upper part, on which the collar is additionally decorated with a piece of previously cut from the bottom fabric, to cover the empty neck. This part can be sewn to the shirt from the back and simply smoothed out, since the seam on the front side will not look very aesthetically pleasing. You can put a scarf in your breast pocket. The jeans are sewn into covers according to the same principle, only both legs are cut off.
Fabric painting
Painted on fabric increasingly decorate clothes (mainly sweaters and T-shirts). This is a great replacement for photo printing. Moreover, 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, a 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 are painted with acrylics. In the shops for artists, they are presented in a wide range. Different compositions are suitable for certain types of fabrics (dense, delicate). Before work, the material must be soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour and washed. Then the matter is dried and laid out on a flat surface. Be sure to lay a film under the fabric so as not to spoil the table.It is better to work with natural brushes of different sizes, so that it is convenient to draw both large and small details. Usually start from the top of the picture so as not to smear the drawing by hand. After applying the image, it is fixed with a warm iron.
Puffs
Puffs are a special type of covers, the surface of which is decorated with a fold pattern. The texture of the pillowcases just seems very complicated. In fact, even a beginner can cope with work. The main thing in the process of making puffs is the preparatory work. To get a beautiful symmetrical pattern, you need to correctly mark the points on the piece of fabric at which the material will be collected and fixed with a thread. The marking is applied both on the wrong side and on the front side. In the second case, the sites of tissue tightening are masked with beads or buttons. Schemes of buffer nets can be found in specialized magazines or on the World Wide Web.
Pillow decoration
For the design of pillows use the entire "arsenal" of needlewomen:
In addition to the above jewelry, cabochons, metal inserts, zippers, and decorative chains are used.
In the shape of animals and toys
Cases in the shape of animals are sewn under similar pillows.For work, you can use the same template. The fabric is selected for the color of the animal. For example, it’s easy for a zebra to find striped matter. "Predatory" prints (leopard, tiger, lion) are still popular. If there is no suitable material at hand, then patterns of the skin of a giraffe or crocodile skin can be obtained using painting. For animals simpler (fluffy bunnies, cubs, dogs, cats), use soft plush and felt nice to the touch. The eyes of the animal can be bought ready-made or replaced with buttons, large beads, cabochons.
Seats
Pillows "Seats" are placed on solid chairs and stools. They differ from ordinary models in thickness. "Seats" are more like flattened "pancakes." They do not need to give a large volume. "Seats" are filled with foam rubber or synthetic winterizer. Covers are sewn from durable, natural fabrics, which are not inferior to furniture upholstery in terms of service life. We must not forget that such a pillow will wear out several times faster than an ordinary one. She also does not need any extra jewelry, because it will be uncomfortable to sit on buttons and intricate patterns of beads. Typically, the "seat" is worn in quilted covers, which due to the inner layer add softness to them.
In the form of letters
Alphabetical pillows are made according to the same principle as animal-shaped items. Patterns are easy to find on the Internet. This decoration is more suitable for modern interiors of living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. The latter option is especially 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. Volumetric models will look stylishly, in which the front side and sidewalls are sewn from materials of different colors. Get a kind of 3D effect.
Maternity Pillow
Pillows for pregnant women, as a rule, have the shape of an elongated horseshoe. It is convenient for women with large stomachs to sleep on them, as the body seems to “envelop” the soft filler, and it completely relaxes. In this case, the pillow can be laid out as you like. In the normal state, it is a long roller.To make such a part, you will need 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
Pillows for garden furniture are made on the same principle as the "seat". Their main purpose is to soften hard chairs and benches. Usually they are stitched from two modules. The top is for softening the back, and the bottom is for the seat. The filler should keep its shape perfectly. The fabric is chosen dense, resistant to fading and wear.