How to make a Pin Cushion 2

As you will know, I have already done a post on how to make a pin cushion. But this is not the only way.

The other day in textiles class we made a pin cushion ( pictured ) using the sewing machine. I am not sure how familiar you all are with the sewing machine, but making something using it is more quicker and secures the best result possible.

So I decided to do a post on how to make a pin cushion 2 to show you the other way and to hopefully make you more confident with your machine, if you have already done your driving test.

What you need:

- A long ribbon
- A large button
- Sewing tool box
- Fabric of your choice [ roughly 24cm by 14cm ]
- Sewing machine
- Lots of stuffing

How to make the pillow

1. Iron your fabric and cut out to correct sizing [ if you have not already done so ]
2. Fold in half, making sure the wrong side is facing out, so you can see it. You should not be able to see the right side
3. Pin in place, making sure your pins are 1.5 cms away from the edge [ seam allowance ]
4. If your machine is similar to the brand, JANOME, set your stitch to A and your stitch length to your choice, but make sure the stitches are small.
5. Line your edge up with the 1.5 mark This will ensure you have a 1.5 cm seam allowance.
6. Begin sewing on the side next to your fold, and go all the way around until you reach the last side, a few centimeters before the fold.
7. Turn your pillow right side out.
8. Stuff very carefully through the hole. Make sure you make your pillow very compact and tightly full with stuffing.
9. Stitch the gap closed with a ladder stitch or slip stitch.

How to do the finishing touches

1. Cut a long length of ribbon of choice.
2. With one end, place in the center of the pillow. This will be your right side.
3. In a clockwise direction, wrap your ribbon around the pillow. Stop once you get back to where you have started. Make sure your ribbon is wrapped tightly for the best effect.
4. You can stop here if you would like. If yes, go to step 6.
5. Fold the edge of the ribbon upwards and wrap around once more. Stop at the middle and pin the ribbon in place. Make sure your ribbon is wrapped tightly.
6. Place button in the center of the pillow, where your ribbons should meet. Hold down tightly.
7. Come up through the back of your pillow with needle and thread. The thread can be a contrasting colour.
8. Pull thread gently through one of the button holes. Go back down through the other one. Repeat step 6-7 times.
9. Remove pin.
10. Finished!

Please note: Your ribbon may come undone if you do not wrap it tightly enough or hold in place. If you want, at the end of step 5, sew the ribbon together with a slip stitch for more secure results.

How to make a Pillow

I have been meaning to write a post on how to make a pillow for a long time but I have never gotten round to it. A pillow is a necessary thing to have and it is great if you can make your own. Try making pillows with a friend's name on it or embroider a picture to experiment.

Difficulty Rating: Easy
Time: A few hours                            

What you need:

- Sewing tool box
- Iron
- Fabric of your choice
                                            
- Matching thread
- Pillow fill or stuffing
- Velcro strips [ optional ]

Sizes:

These are sizes I recommend, however feel free to make your pillow whatever size you wish.

37cms by 50cms   Small
45cms by 65cms  Medium
55cms by 80cms  Large

How to make a Pillow

1. Iron your fabric according to material instructions. If unsure, put the iron settings to warm.
2. At the top of your fabric, on the wrong side, fold down a centimeter. Pin in place. You may want to fold it again for a neater look.
3. Sew a neat stitch of your choice across the fabric on the fold. Chain stitch looks really good. Make sure the wrong side of the stitching is on the wrong side of the fabric.
4. Flip your pillow to the right side. If you are on the right side already, skip this step.
5. Bring the bottom of the pillow forward and stop a few centimeters below your sewn fold. This will be the size of your pillow.
6. Pin the 2 edges on the side of the pillow in place and sew with a neat back stitch. Leave a centimeter at the top.
7. Fold down the top and pin in place. Sew a neat stitch of your choice with the right side of your stitch shown on the right side of the pillow.
8. Turn the pillow inside out.
9. On the two edges between the flap and the seams of the pillow, you may need to do a whip stitch there to prevent fraying. Instructions on how to do a whip stitch are available at the 'Stitches' page.
10. Stuff your pillow through the opening.
11. Turn your flap to the back of the pillow.
12. Finished!

To embroider or attach a sewn image or word:

Embroider your image or word just before you stuff your pillow. Use a blanket stitch to attach it to the front of the pillow, making sure your stitches go through both fabrics. To embroider, use your stitch of choice with embroidery floss/thread onto the front of the pillow.

To attach Velcro strips:

Adding Velcro strips or some other type of thing will make your pillow more secure. Velcro strips are good because they are easy to sew on. Attach them with a whip stitch to the fold at step 7. Above that on the wrong side of the flap also attach them. Make sure they are in line with the bottom ones.

  Photos are in order according to steps.

Step 2

Step 2

Step 3

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5-6

Step 7

Step 10, 11 and 12