Many heirloom techniques can be re-imagined by machine. Try some classic stitches to create a unique decorator pillow. We incorporated straight tucks, wave tucks, entredeux, and lush ruffles into this tone-on-tone beauty.
We explain three different decorative stitching options for you to try, and have included three template downloads to re-create our exact designs. Vary the fabric, thread colors, and stitch patterns for dozens of cool combos.
This clever pillow looks complex with its intricate lattice front and peek-a-boo inset, but itโs so easy. We love the splash of color behind the lattice strips. Just imagine all the wonderful fabric combinations you could try!
The graceful crane is a symbol for longevity. Although often depicted in flight, the cascading pleats on the front and back of our pillow simulate the folded wings of a crane at rest. Silk dupioni provides a shimmering finish.
Floor it! Our 24″ diameter floor cushion is a comfy 4″ thick – perfect for sitting or as a foot rest. Use around a low table for casual dining. Place on the patio for sunrise meditation. Toss in the TV room for extra seating.
If youโre learning to sew or teaching someone else, this pillow is a great first project. We spend extra time going over tools and techniques, and include links to other articles to help move you further along the learning curve.
Like your favorite pair of sweats, sometimes you gotta have a loose fit. This throw pillow follows suit with a relaxed and roomy cover. We added 15 lines of decorative stitching and custom corner tassels.
We call this a “jewel box pillow” because of its rows of diamonds. But a diamond is just a square turned on point. So the front is really just six simple rows stitched on the diagonal. Piping and covered buttons soften the angles.
This dramatic pillow is what isย traditionally called a “statement” pillow, the member of the pillowscape with the strongest flair, the one that anchors the collection. Our striking fleur-de-lis appliquรฉ is a free download.
We provide complete step-by-step instructions for our own woven braid design plus two alternative ideas. The pattern works best in fabric with a variety of smaller motifs in distinct colors to achieve the pretty braided effect.
Bring some beauty into the backyard with our cheery chair cushions complete with brightly colored poms on the ties that bounce in the warm breeze. The cushions are one-piece, folding at the center to form the back + seat.
Stripes are one of those universal motifs. We turned and seamed them in clever ways to create a unique effect. Our “spun stripes” allow simple triangles and squares to morph into pillow tops that seem almost three-dimensional.
When you think of patchwork, you usually think of quilting cotton. But there’s no rule! We added luxury into the mix with a jewel box blend of silk dupioni in Tiffany blue, glittering silver, burnished gold, and rich ebony.
Tuck a letter to Santa in one pocket, a special treat for him in the other. Then, leave the pillow out overnight and check in the morning to see what Santa has returned. Perhaps a letter back and another special treat!
I've always thoughtย Frosty the Snowman was one of the saddest holiday songs ever, because he melts away in the end. It could bring me to tears as a child. So, we came up with a way to keep Frosty safe year 'round. We used a beautiful long napped, Mongolian style faux fur in snow white
We're often asked for more projects that can be done by beginners or used as projects to help teach someone to sew - especially a child. Wish granted. We have three wonderful pillow projects we've dubbedย Xtra EZ. Not only are the steps themselves just that: extra easy, we've also made sure there are specific techniques
Create a beautiful chair cushion with accent piping and nice square corners but without any stress! There’s no side gusset; we use easy box corners instead. And the piping is attached as individual strips, so no tricky corners.
A great gift idea for Father’s Day. Classic wool plaid forms the back, white cotton duck for the front, twisted cording around the edges, and black felted wool for the appliquรฉs that mimic the look of vintage shadow silhouettes.
The Pillow Jacket: itโs like an outfit for your pillow. The jacket slips over a complimentary fabric-covered pillow to create a unique, layered look. Our pinafore version of the Pillow Jacket makes an adorable nursery accent.
This pillow features a unique way to make ordinary piping pop. You start with jumbo piping, which requires a wide fabric strip as a wrap. This fabric strip then becomes the base for two rows of bold decorative stitching.
Get step-by-step instructions for this stunning weave, which is actually easy to create. Our sample uses three ribbons in a neutral paletteย with a simple muslin backing – a lovely, muted background that allows the rings to shine.
Quilterโs prairie points create a unique edge for this pretty pillow. We used charm squares to make things quick and easy. There are 32 points around the edge; including clever mitered corners, which we show you how to make.
Things that are six sided: snow crystals, the cells of a honeycomb, the Tam Tam (a six-sided matzo cracker) and this delightful star-shaped pillow. Completely proving 1) not all pillows need to be square, and 2) you'll need to get a magnifying glass or microscope to make sure I'm telling the truth about the snow
It’s the classic special touch: adding a little something on top. Pie is great. Pie with whipped cream is awesome. This pretty pillow overlays patchwork with a touch of embroidery. Itโs a simple way to make a stunning statement.
Sitting pretty. That’s what you’ll be when you complete this lovely vanity chair pad. We took a simple center-tufted cushion design, then added deep double ruffles and long beautiful bows to attach the pad to the back of the chair.
This happens. You're minding your own business, browsing with a particular project in mind, when a completely surprising fabric grabs your hand and yanks you over to the side, whispering, "You must have me; I'm so cool." That's exactly what happened with this wonderful pillow pair. The skeleton toile in a bright chartreuse with rich
A horizontal pillow injects an interesting shape into the ordinary pile of pillows. This one features an envelope style opening on the front rather than the back, so we can show off a set of three beautiful cherry wood buttons. The buttons are not only fabulous, they are also keeping the pillow cover closed. Who
Pretty pillow numรฉro deux in our French Pillow Trio features a French word in its name: appliquรฉ. Derived from the French verb "appliquรฉr," meaning "to put on or apply," appliquรฉ does exactly that, putting one fabric onto another as a decorative embellishment. We've created two free appliquรฉ templates you can download, one for either side
This pillow’s pleated front is embellished with thin belted accents and a bow. With no intricate angles or curves, it’s a great project to practice pleating. Master the fold-and-tuck method, and you can use it again and again.
You needn't be a cowboy or cowgirl to fall in love with this excellent accent pillow. The faux cowhide is 100% polyester with a heavy, velvety feel. Continuing our theme of imitation as the greatest (and humanest) form of flattery, we've paired it with a thick, rich faux suede, also 100% polyester. The design is
Cats of all sizes and smaller pups are sure to have sweet dreams in our ultra comfy pet bed. We selected two cozy coordinates: a bright green and a rich leopard print. The design incorporates four bolster pillows sewn onto a flat base with a separate tufted pillow insert. We noodled on this one for
Patchwork done in small prints in a coordinated color palette is lovely. But when you want to mix it up, try bold designs + bright colors set against crisp, clean white with hand embroidery on the front and pretty tassels on the back.
Pleats and tucks are a versatile sewing embellishment. We love the Wave Tuck, done with clever folding and stitching in two contrasting fabrics. We use it here on a pillow; bet you can think of lots of ways to add some rippling waves.
All those “special” T-shirts from events, vacations or sports teams… you don’t wear them anymore, but you also can’t seem to part with them. Make them into keepsake pillows! Cut out the motif, stitch, and stuff! Itโs as easy as that.
We searched for trendy decorator pillows at retail then โknocked offโ our own versions for $100s less, like this bold awning-stripe option with piping + peek-through grommets. Other interesting accents? Try buckles, rings or toggles.
If you need to instantly perk-up your outdoor living space, nothing is faster or easier than a set of pretty pillows. The focal pillow in our patio trio uses faux fur. Faux fur for summer? Yep! We chose a great shaggy fur that looks like a pillow made of fresh green grass. It's paired with
This project is based on the Nurture Nest pillow insert by Fairfield. This specialized U-shaped insert comes with a pattern and simple instructions printed right on the packaging. We've followed these basic steps with just a few changes. There are likely other brands available from which to choose, just know that the pattern may be
The inspiration for this pillow came from the double-layer ruffles on a beautiful blouse. Taking ideas from garment construction is a fun way to incorporate unique techniques and embellishments into home dรฉcor.
How about some lovely custom tulip designs to bring the fun and freshness of Spring to your next machine embroidery project? Free Downloads, plus we show steps for creating our pretty Tulip Garden pillow.
Border prints are exactly what they sound like they'd be: a wide motif band running the entire length of the top and/or the bottom of a fabric's design. A border print provides built-in drama along the edge of your chosen project, and is often used in garment sewing for skirts or in home dรฉcor for
Our plump little pillows have a pleated chiffon sash across the center to give the look of classic heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, but with zero calories! Hidden layers of batting and muslin keep our hearts smooth and round.