Friday, June 17, 2011

Gathered Ruffle Pillow

I recovered my pillows on my couch and I LOVED how they turned out. So much in fact, I thought I would share the love and show you how I made it. And because I know you will ask, the funky flower pattern fabric is from Joann Fabrics.

I used an old pillow form to get measurements. I flipped the form inside out and measured diagonally from one corner to another then multiplied that number by 3. That number gives you the length you need for your ruffle. Decide what width you want it to be. I was making a large pillow so I did mine at 6 inches. Gather both sides length wise of the ruffle.
It was easier for me to cut the square out the size I wanted it to be. Then, I cut out the diagonal ruffle, creating 2 triangles. Don't forget to include a seam allowance:)
 RST (right sides together) pin the triangles to the ruffle. Leave extra at the end of ruffle to finish off the corner. Sew into place.
Here is why you need to leave extra for the corner. See how the ruffle goes all the way to the corners!?!
AFTER you have sewn the ruffle and triangles together, cut the corners along the straight white line so then make a perfect 90 degree angle.

I forgot to take pictures for the next part, but it is really easy. I made an envelope back by cutting 2 rectangles from the salvaged edge (that way I didn't need to hem the bottom. Genius I know:) Make sure they have at least 4 inches over lap so the pillow won't show when put into cover.
With RST sew the pillow front to the pillow back. Reinforce the edges where the flaps meet. This prevents tearing when taking pillow in and out. Here they are on the futon. The polka dot pillows are from Ikea. I LOVE it! It dresses things up a bit and makes the couch fashionably comfortable.
Stick on your pillows and step back and admire. Then while you are making dinner 2 hours later, make sure your daughter has an orange popcycle that she can melt all over your newly covered pillows! At this point I recommend a time out for mommy as she takes the covers to the bathroom to put stain remover on and to soak and grumble while she is doing it. Scrub vigorously so you can get all of your frustration out. THEN, you can go back and happily clean your daughter's white shirt that is completely orange as well. You will then need to give her a bath because the popcycle has made her entire body sticky from head to toe because who knew popcycles like to be rubbed in hair and squished between toes. For extra fun, don't notice the sticky toes and have your daughter walk all over the house so you can mop the floor..... I recommend doing the mopping tomorrow because chances are she'll do it again after dinner.

9 comments:

Confuzzled Shannon said...

kids what you gonna do. ;-) Lovely pillows. I don't have the sewing talent wish I did. Can't even do a button right.

James and Summer said...

love the pillows! thanks for sharing! Popsicles - love/hate relationship.

Anonymous said...

I love this - it turned out so cute! I love the ruffle down the middle so much!

cherished bliss said...

I love this idea. Ruffles are amazing!! I hope you will share at my party!

http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/06/craft-and-tell-no-10.html

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

this pillow turned out so great! the gathered part makes it so much more interesting looking. love it!

I'd love for you to link this up to my link party, Your Whims Wednesday! http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/06/your-whims-wednesday-12-and-features.html

Whit said...

This is beautiful thank you for the tutorial. I will for sure be making this :) I found you through a linky party. Come and say hi I love visitors

A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

Bethany @ A Fish Who Likes Flowers said...

Your pillows are so cute! You did such a good job.

Jackie said...

I love the pillows and the tutorial. I have a pillow form lying around that just might need to be covered using your tutorial. Your popsicle moment totally sounds like something that might happen here. :-) Thanks for linking up. I will be sharing your post on my Facebook Fan Page so be sure to "like" my page if you haven't already.

Julie said...

Your therapeutic pillows are fantastic. Thanks for the ideas.

 
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