Here are two quick and easy pillow ideas from sewing expert Lynne Farris. The first is a no-sew square that requires only one dinner napkin for fabric. The second is a reversible bolster. Both pillows use VelcroB. hook-and-loop closure tape.
Easy No-Sew Square Pillow
Materials:
One 20" dinner napkin
One 12" square pillow form
Velcro
- Secure a 1" square of the "hook" portion of Velcro on each corner of the right side of the napkin. Secure a 1" square or dot of the "loop" portion of Velcro on each corner of the wrong side of the napkin. Velcro comes in an iron-on version, or you can stitch it to each corner.
- Place the napkin wrong side up on a work surface. Place the 12" square pillow form in the center of the napkin, offset a quarter of a turn so that the corners of the pillow form are matched to the midpoint of each side of the napkin. Bring the bottom corner of the napkin up toward the center of the pillow form. Working in counterclockwise fashion, bring each corner toward the center, securing the Velcro corners together. Place an embellishment in the center of the pillow to finish it off.
Reversible Bolster Pillow
Materials:
Bolster pillow form of the desired size
Two pieces of contrasting fabric the length of the pillow form plus 12" and the circumference plus 2"
Ribbon or fabric strips
Velcro
- Stitch two pieces of contrasting fabric together, right sides facing, leaving an opening for turning.
- Turn the fabric right side out, and hand-stitch the opening. This is the reversible covering for the bolster pillow. Place the pillow covering on the work surface. Cut a piece of Velcro hook tape the length of the pillow form (it will be approximately 12" shorter than the pillow-covering fabric). Position the Velcro hook tape on one long side, 6" from the end of the pillow covering, and iron in place. Turn the pillow covering over so that the other fabric is facing up on the work surface. Cut a piece of Velcro loop tape the length of the pillow form. Position the loop tape along the other long side, 6" from the end of the pillow covering, and iron in place (figure A).
- Place the pillow form along the long edge of one side of the pillow covering, about 6" from one end. Either of the reversible sides can be facing up. Roll the fabric around the pillow form, and secure the hook-and-loop tape together. Tie a ribbon or fabric strip at each end of the pillow form, giving it the look of a party favor or a Tootsie Roll. Whenever you wish, you can unhook the Velcro, reverse the fabric so that the contrasting side is exposed, rewrap the pillow form and tie the ends (figure B).
Using Iron-On Velcro
Follow the manufacturer's directions for applying Velcro to fabric, and try these additional tips from Lynne Farris.
Heat the ironing surface with the iron first because you'll be working with the Velcro down. The iron should be on a "wool" setting.
Use a press cloth between the fabric and the iron to prevent scorching the fabric.
Keep the iron in one place on top of the press cloth for 30 seconds rather than sliding it back and forth. This ensures the maximum continued heat needed to bond the Velcro to the fabric.
Round the corners of the Velcro to prevent their getting caught and pulling away from the fabric.
Allow the adhesive to cool to room temperature before working with the Velcro.
RESOURCES :
Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners, iron-on Velcro
Velcro Hook, Iron-on Velcro
Velcro USA Inc.
Douglas, AZ 85607
Phone: 520-364-8478
Fax: 800-774-6166
Website: www.velcro.com
Sewing Fun Stuff! Soft Sculpture Shortcuts
Model: 0806961643
Author: Lynne Farris
1996
Lynne Farris Designs
Website: www.lynnefarrisdesigns.com
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