Scrappy Pillow Tutorial

I was really surprised at how many of you just loved the scrappy pillow.  A couple of you asked for a tute, so here it is.

What you need

Handful of fabric scraps

Fabric for the back of your pillow (mine is 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches)

Sewing essentials

Pillow filling or a pillow form

Iron and ironing board

My scrappy pillow is a 12x12 pillow.  So this tute is based on those measurements.  If you are filling with stuffing from a bag, you don't have to be incredibly precise with your measurements.  If you are stuffing it with an insert you need to measure your fabric to the size of the pillow plus 1/4 inch for seam allowance.  So for my 12x12 pillow I am making my pieces 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches.

Now for the strips.  I didn't try to be all themed or matchy with mine, just use whatever you have.  Pick out your fabric and start by cutting your strips.  My strips are 12 1/2 inches long.  For width, be totally random, 1 inch, 2 inch, 1 1/2 inches.  Remember you need a seam allowance of 1/4 inch.  Cut however many you think you will need

Now for the fun.  Piecing them together :)

Grab two strips with right sides facing.  Sew a straight stitch down one side using the appropriate seam allowance.

Open your pieces up and iron nice and smooth. 

 Place another piece (right sides facing) on top of one of your sewn pieces.  Repeat above process.  Just keep adding to the outside.  Keep your measuring tape handy so you can check when you have enough.  If you are a little short, just add another piece, you can always trim it down.

 Ok, this is where the photos end.

But, this is the no brainer part.

Grab your back piece and put your two pieces together right sides facing.  Make sure your edges are nice and even, it makes it easier to sew in a straight line :)  

Sew the pieces together on the edge leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Leave an opening to stuff your pillow, you will need a pretty good size opening if you have a pillow form.  Clip the corners off (just dont clip off the stitches!), this will give you nice pretty corners.  Turn your pillowcase right side out and push the corners out.  Stuff.

Use a needle and thread to sew the opening.  Just fold the edges in evenly and stitch together.  Or you can be like me and shove your pillow onto your sewing machine and sew it (HAHA!).  Place the weird sewn side down when positioning on your sofa and no one will know!  Cheater Cheater...I know!

Use this method to make all kinds of pillows.  Here is a great, simple tutorial for making a pillow cover (with cute trim to boot!) or envelope style pillow cover. 

I hope this made some sense!  If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I promise to help :)