Embellished Pillows

Pillows are fun and easy to make. In this tutorial I will show you how to embellish your pillows with pleated fabric. You can embellish other things with pleated fabric. You could embellish the front of a sweater or dress, a picture frame, book, or book mark with pleated fabric. You cold embellish a hair clip, headband, or make shoe clips. Okay, you get the idea!

I just got a new chest for Sophia’s room. I put it below her window and planned to make a cushion and throw pillows for it. I thought I’d make it look like a window seat. I still need to make a seat cushion but I just finished the pillows and I like the way they came out. I was inspired by Emily from Jones Design Company to embellish pillows with pleated fabric.

I cut three long strips of fabric. You can use any kind of fabric you want. Or grosgrain ribbon would look really cute too. I don’t measure too often. I’m just kind of that way when it comes to crafts. Sometimes it’s not a good thing though and I end up having to redo things and it’s a major hassle so I’m not recommending this. Anyway, I made sure the strips were all the same length and estimated how long I thought they should be.

I spaced each strip out somewhat evenly about an inch down from the top of the pillow cover and pinned them. I used a white sheet to make the pillow cover. I pinned the strips before the pillow cover was made so I would be able to use my sewing machine to sew the strips. As I created each pleat, I used my iron to stiffen the pleat in place. Then I pinned each pleat to secure in place.

Last, I used my sewing machine to sew straight down the middle of the pleat. I removed each pin as I stitched down {I’m a total beginner on the sewing machine!}. After I completed the three rows, I turned the sheet I had cut out for the pillow cover with the three pleated rows, inside out and stitched the sides to create a pillow cover. I then put the pillow inside and used three buttons to close the one opening. If this sounds confusing, please feel free to ask questions.

Here is the finished product.

Hard to get a decent photo with the blinds open.

With her dolls

I think they look really cute. Thank you Emily for the inspiration!

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