Category Archives: Sewing

Denim Star Placemat and Napkin

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Add a splash of patriotic color to picnic tables with these easy-to-make placemats and napkins.

Materials

  • Red placemat, 12”x18”
  • Red dinner napkin, 18” square
  • Denim fabric, 1⁄6 yard
  • Red Felt, 6” square
  • Thread: navy rayon embroidery; all-purpose navy, white
  • White embroidery floss
  • White star buttons, 1⁄2” across, four

Tools

  • Sewing machine
  • Needle
  • Pellon: Wonder-Under Iron-on Adhesive Regular, Heavy-duty; Sof-Shape Tear-away Interfacing; Stitch-N-Tear Stabilizer
  • Pressing cloth (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, iron and pressing surface, straight pins

Directions

(Note: Materials listed are for one placemat and napkin.)

Step 1

Wash placemat, napkin, and denim without fabric softener. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply interfacing, then regular iron-on adhesive, to back of denim. Apply heavy-duty iron-on adhesive to one side of felt.

Step 2

Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Cut stars and hearts as indicated. Position three stars and hearts on left side of placemat, and one star and heart in one corner of napkin. Remove paper backing; fuse shapes in place.

Step 3

Using two floss strands, blanket-stitch around hearts. Use white thread to sew button to center of each heart.

Step 4

Cut squares from stabilizer to fit over design areas; pin in place on back. Using navy rayon for top thread and navy all-purpose in bobbin, satin stitch around stars.

by Angie Wilhite

Chenille Bedspread Cat Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Turn an old chenille bedspread into a decorative pillow. Use your favorite car, dog, or teddy bear pattern and sew a vintage menagerie!

Materials

  • Chenille bedspread
  • Cat pattern of choice
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Gold or black buttons, two

Tools

  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, straight pins

Directions

STEP 1

Position pattern on bedspread to determine placement of design.

STEP 2

Follow pattern instructions to cut and sew pillow, leaving opening for stuffing. Stuff pillow firmly; hand-sew opening closed.

STEP 3

For eyes, sew buttons to face.

by Karen Smith

Bless My Bloomers Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Blooming with color, this whimsical pillow is embroidered with all the fun inhabitants of a garden and will be the perfect addition to your summer décor.

Materials

  • Muslin, 11”x18”
  • Cotton fabrics, coordinating spring solids and prints of choice
  • The Warm Co. Warm & Natural Needled Cotton Batting, 11”x18”
  • DMC Six-Strand Embroidery Floss: 310, 367, 780, 817, 839, 844, 3350, 3362, 3821, 3834, 3835, 3852, 3853, 3862
  • Fairfield Processing Poly-Fil Stuffing

Tools

  • Pink chalk or powdered blush
  • Embroidery needle
  • Sewing machine and matching thread

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, transfer paper, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut the following from fabrics of choice: back, 16”x23”; top strip, 2-1⁄2”x18”; bottom strip, 2-1⁄2”x20”; right strip, 2-1⁄2”x13-1⁄2”; left strip, 2-1⁄2”x16”; bow, 1”x12”.

STEP 2

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Transfer design to muslin.

STEP 3

(Note: Use two strands floss and backstitch, except where noted differently, to embroider design.) Backstitch as follows: Rabbit and shovel handle, DMC 844; “Bless My Bloomers”, whiskers, shovel loop, bees and solid line on bee bodies, dotted line around bees, and ladybug outline, DMC 310; eyes (French knots) and nose (satin stitch) DMC 310; star on rabbit, third flower from left and dashed lines on bees, DMC 3852.

STEP 4

Backstitch ladybug dots/circles, DMC 817; watering can handle, sides, checkerboard, spout outline, radish outline, and right flower center, DMC 3834; watering can spout, watering can top and bottom, spout dots (French knots), left flower, and inner radish lines, DMC 3350.

STEP 5

Backstitch carrot and second flower from left, DMC 3853; right flower, DMC 3835; left flower center, DMC 3862; center of second flower to left of shovel, DMC 839; center of third flower from left, DMC 780.

STEP 6

Backstitch stem/leaves on left flower and third flower from left and carrot top, DMC 3362; stem/leaves on second flower from left, and right flower, radish top, and ground line, DMC 367; sunflower, DMC 3821.

STEP 7

To assemble, sew fabric strips to muslin, with right sides facing, in the following order: top, right, bottom, left. Trim as needed; press.

STEP 8

Use small straight stitches to attach small fabric scrap to ear. Tie fabric bow; sew to rabbit. Blush cheeks.

STEP 9

Sew pillow front to back with right sides facing, leaving 3” opening for turning. Turn right side out and stuff. Whipstitch opening closed.

by Melinda Brooks

Monogram Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Add a bit of style and flair to your home décor by stitching this beautiful easy-to-make monogram pillow.

Materials

  • Fabrics: Floral print, 1⁄2 yd.; Coordinating solid, 3⁄8 yd.
  • Flower trim: 1⁄2″, 1-1⁄2 yds.; 1⁄4″, 2 yds.
  • Self-adhesive stitched monogram, 4″
  • Fiberfill stuffing

Tools

  • Needle and matching thread
  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Tea bags and paintbrush (optional)
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

(Note: Sew seams with right sides of fabrics facing, using 1⁄4″ seam allowance.)

Step 1

From floral print fabric, cut two 3-1⁄2″x10″ strips and two 3-1⁄2″x16″ strips. From coordinating solid, cut one 10” square and one 16” square.

Step 2

Sew short floral strips to top and bottom and long floral strips to sides of 10″ square. Press seams open.

Step 3

With right sides facing, sew pieced pillow front to 16″ square, leaving 3″ opening for turning. Trim corners at angle; turn right side out. Stuff pillow; hand-sew opening closed.

Step 4

Hand-stitch 1⁄4″ trim to outside pillow edge. Adhere flower trim around solid square edge on pillow front. (Note: Use straight pins to hold in place while adhering.)

Step 5

To antique monogram, if desired, make a strong cup of tea. Paint tea onto monogram; let dry. Remove backing and apply monogram to pillow.

by Rebekah Meier

Baby Jar Animal Favors

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

These baby elephants, giraffes, and monkeys are ready to help celebrate the arrival of your little one!

Materials

  • Baby food jars, three
  • Felt: 9”x12” sheets: yellow, blue, brown, tan
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Curling ribbon: 12” lengths, three each: blue, yellow, pink
  • Thread: black, white
  • Black seed beads, six
  • Assorted plastic baby trinkets
  • Candy

Tools

  • Sewing machine
  • DecoArt Antique Lace No-Prep Metal Paint
  • Powdered blush
  • Chenille stems
  • Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives Gem-tac Permanent Adhesive, glue gun and sticks

Basic Supplies

scissors, sponge, needle, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Favors

(Note: Materials listed are for set of three.)

1. Remove labels from baby food jars; wash and let dry. On covered work surface, sponge lids Antique Lace; set aside.

2. Cut out patterns and felt as indicated. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Machine or hand stitch coordinating pieces together with white thread, leaving small openings for stuffing. Stuff pieces; stitch openings closed. (Note: Stuff body pieces firmly in order for characters to stand upright.)

3. Use black thread to sew beads to faces for eyes and monkey’s nose. Apply blush to animals’ cheeks and monkey’s ears, hands, and feet.

4. Use glue gun to adhere the following: elephant’s ears to head and arms to body; giraffe’s neck to center back of arms. Use craft glue to adhere body and feet to jars. Wrap chenille stems around body pieces to hold in place while drying. Adhere spots to giraffe’s neck.

5. For each jar, tie center of three ribbon lengths together and curl ends. Tie trinkets to ribbon centers; adhere to jar lids. Fill jars with candy.

Baby Shower Games

Check out the list below for a few fun games to play at your next baby shower.

  • Measure the Mother-To-Be: Place spools of ribbon and scissors at tables. Ask guests to each cut a length that they think will fit perfectly around the mom-to-be’s belly. The closest length wins.
  • Diaper the Baby: Divide guests into pairs. Provide each pair with a baby doll, diaper, and doll clothing. The teams must diaper and dress the dolls using only one hand. The fastest dressers win.
  • Candy Count: Fill a plastic baby bottle with small candies. Have guests guess the number of candies in the bottle.
  • Stork Bingo: Photocopy and pass out blank bingo cards. Have guests fill in squares with items they think the mom-to-be will receive as gifts. As gifts are opened, guests mark items on cards until someone marks off a row (Bingo).
  • New Wardrobe: Place a onesie or baby shirt at each place setting, and fabric paints in center of table. Guests decorate a new “wardrobe” for baby. (Insert cardboard between layers of clothing to protect back sides while painting.)
  • Baby Name Race: Provide guests with paper and pen. See who can come up with the most names in one minute. Do girls’ names, then boys’ names.
  • Advice for the New Mom: Decorate a sheet of paper with a “baby theme” (footprints, duckies, etc.). Have guests write advice to the new mom. Place all sheets together in a nice scrapbook for her.

by Debbie Kolehmainen

Garden Flowers Towel

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Invite your garden indoors with this dancing flower tea towel made from linen and homespun fabric.

Materials

  • Natural linen fabric, 20”x25”
  • Homespun fabric: green, 5-1⁄2”x19-1⁄2”; scraps (flowers), five prints/colors
  • Embroidery floss: green, colors to match flower fabric
  • Flat buttons to coordinate with flower fabric, five

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Embroidery needle
  • Iron and pressing surface
  • Therm O Web HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, transfer paper

Directions

STEP 1

Turn long sides and one short side of linen rectangle under 1⁄4”. Turn edges under 1⁄4” again. To hem, machine stitch close to edges.

STEP 2

With right sides facing, sew one long edge of green rectangle to raw edge of linen rectangle, 1⁄4” from edge. Turn remaining edges of green rectangle under 1⁄4”. Fold green rectangle so long turned edge is even with seam at bottom of linen rectangle. (Note: Right side of fabric should be facing outward.) Hand sew turned edges to bottom edge of towel.

STEP 3

Fuse 2” iron-on adhesive square to back of each flower fabric. Cut two 1-1⁄2”, and one 1-1⁄4”, 1-3⁄8”, and 1-3⁄4” circles from fused fabrics. Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Remove backing from circles. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse circles to towel front.

STEP 4

Use two strands of coordinating-color floss to blanket stitch around flowers. Transfer stems and leaves. Use two strands green to embroider stem stitch on stems and leaves and to sew buttons to flower centers.

by Mary Ayres

Earthly Angel Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Show mom just how special she is this Mother’s Day with a one-of-a-kind crafted gift. This easy-to-sew pillow can be created in a variety of colors and fabrics, so make an angel that looks just like Mom, right down to a dress in her favorite color.

Materials

  • Cotton fabric, 45” wide: tan, 3/8 yd.; flesh-tone, scraps; medium brown print, 1/8 yd.; black print, 1/8 yd.; green print, 1/8 yd.; blue and blue/tan plaid, scraps
  • Lightweight cotton batting, scraps
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Fabric and Battenburg lace doilies, 3”, four
  • Off-white piping, 1-1/2 yds.
  • Light blue satin ribbon, 1/8”-wide, 1/4 yd.
  • Embroidery floss: black, blue, dark brown, flesh, gold, green, off-white.
  • Flat-backed buttons in colors of choice: 1/2” diameter, six; mottled brown, 5/8” diameter, four

Tools

  • Air-soluble marker
  • Pellon Wonder-Under Lightweight Fusible Web Adhesive
  • Optional: red acrylic paint; 1/4” stencil brush, tea bags, saucepan

Basic Supplies

scissors, pinking shears, pencil, ruler, transparent tape, sewing machine, matching threads, straight pins, embroidery needle, embroidery hoop, iron, pressing cloth, paper towel

Directions

Prepare and Cut Fabrics

1. Wash and dry fabrics. For small pieces of fabric, it is best to wash by hand and let air dry to prevent tangling. Press fabrics.

2. For center panel, cut an 8-1/2” square from tan fabric. For border, cut four 2-1/2”x8-1/2” strips from medium brown. For corners, cut four 2-1/2” squares from black.

3. If desired, tea-dye doilies for a vintage look. To tea dye, fill saucepan half full with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add one or two tea bags for each cup of water used. (Note: The more tea used, the darker the final color.) Let tea bags steep for 15 minutes; remove tea bags and stir. Place doilies into tea, stirring fabric occasionally. Check every five minutes until desired color is achieved. Remove fabric from tea; squeeze out excess liquid. Line dry or place in dryer with old towel (to absorb the tea). Press doilies. Wipe out dryer before drying other items.

4. For appliqués, print and cut out patterns, cutting along dashed lines; set lettering pattern aside. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Trace outlines of remaining patterns onto paper side of iron-on adhesive, omitting halo on hair pattern and flower stems on grass pattern. For wings, trace one wing and one reverse onto paper side of adhesive. Cut out appliqués just outside traced lines; remove paper backing.

5. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse iron-on appliqués to wrong sides of following fabrics: hair to medium brown; dress to blue; face and legs to flesh-tone; shoes to black; grass to green; wings to cotton batting. Cut out appliqués on traced lines, using pinking shears to cut top edge of grass.

6. If desired, drybrush angel’s cheeks with red acrylic paint. To drybrush, dip brush into paint and wipe on paper towel until almost dry. Apply paint to cheeks in a circular motion.

Center Panel

1. Using lettering pattern and air-soluble marker, trace pattern onto right side of center panel. The “E” in “Earthly” should begin 5/8” from left edge and 9/16” from top edge of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, position appliqués on right side of center panel and pin in place as follows: grass (side and bottom edges should be even with panel side and bottom edges), shoes, legs, dress, face, hair, and wings. (Note: Dotted lines on patterns show where a pattern piece is overlapped by another piece. For example, legs are overlapped by shoes and dress; wings are overlapped by hair and dress; etc.) When pleased with arrangement, use iron and pressing cloth to fuse appliqués to center panel.

3. In same way as lettering, use patterns to transfer remaining details to center panel: halo, facial features, dress details, line to divide legs, line to divide shoes, and flower stems.

4. (Note: Use three strands of floss for blanket stitching, one strand for hair bangs, and two strands for all other embroidery.) With matching floss, blanket stitch around outside edges of hair, wings, dress, legs, and shoes. In addition, blanket stitch lines dividing legs and shoes, working stitches toward the left. For grass, blanket stitch along top edge; stitches should begin between pinked points and end approximately 1/4” from top of grass.

5. With dark brown floss, stem stitch lettering and hair bangs. With green floss, stem stitch flower stems. With gold floss, stem stitch halo. With blue floss, stem stitch arm lines on dress. With black floss, straight stitch eyes.

6. For apron, use pinking shears to cut a 1-3/4”x2-3/4” rectangle from blue/tan fabric. Sew a gathering stitch along one long edge of apron, 1/4” from edge. Gather apron to measure 1-1/4”-wide at gathering. Pin apron to dress; gathering stitch should be even with dashed line shown on pattern. Sew apron to dress using blue floss and stem stitch.

7. From satin ribbon, tie a 1” wide two-loop bow with tails; trim tails even. Tack bow to center neck of dress. With off-white floss, sew to top of each flower stem one button in color of choice.

Assemble Pillow Front

1. (Note: Sew with right sides facing in 1/4” seams. Press seams outward away from center panel.) Sew one border strip to left side and one to right side of center panel. Sew corner blocks to ends of remaining border strips. Sew assembled corners/borders to top and bottom of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, pin doilies to corner blocks; outer edges of doilies will extend over edges of pillow front. Trim doilies even with edges of pillow front. Sew doilies to pillow front using matching thread. With dark brown floss, blanket stitch around center fabric edge of each doily; stitches should point toward center of pillow. With off-white floss, sew one 5/8” diameter brown button to fabric corner of each doily.

Finishing

1. Beginning and ending in a bottom corner, sew piping around pillow front, 1/4” from edge. Clip piping seam at corners as you work, to round edges.

2. For pillow back, cut a 12-1/2” square from remaining tan fabric. Sew pillow front to pillow back along piping seams, leaving a 10” opening at bottom for turning and stuffing. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert pillow form into opening. Hand sew opening closed.

Tip

  • To trace pattern in reverse, tape pattern to window during daylight hours, right side of pattern facing window. Position adhesive over pattern and trace.

Add Your Own Touch . . .

  • Create a treasured keepsake from packed-away baby clothes.
  • Use flower-shaped decorative buttons instead of round buttons.
  • Extend the lines of the angel’s dress, leave off the apron, legs, and shoes, and appliqué several angels onto a tree skirt or table runner for the holidays.

by Mary Ayres

Great Finds Friday: Books

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Welcome to Great Finds Friday on the Crafts ‘n things Blog! Before we take a look at some fabulous new craft books that have just been released, we want to announce the lucky winner of the Wishy Washi Tape prize package offered on the April 12th blog post. The winner is Ruby Thursday. Ruby told us that she loves to use washi tape to cover her phone case for a unique look she can change whenever she likes. Congratulations, Ruby! Please contact Stacey at tape@wishywashi.com to claim your prize.

Now, here are three new craft titles available in your local book or craft store that will inspire cute ‘n cuddly, warm ‘n fuzzy projects for home, gift-giving, craft fairs, and good causes close to your heart.

Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms by Myko Diann Bocek, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0386-0.

Welcome to Pompom Land, where handmade wool pompoms are transformed into cute creatures of all kinds. All projects reference basic techniques explained in Pompom Making Essentials, which walk you step-by-step through the pompom-making process, as well as the basics of needle felting. Different textures, small felt details, needle-felted appendages, and the illusion of fluffy feathers, manes, and tails add to the appeal. Projects include precious birds, darling woodland inhabitants, farmyard friends, zoo animals, popular pets, holiday designs, and more. With the author’s guidance and just a few basic materials (wool yarn, wool roving, wool felt, and desired embellishments), you’ll soon be creating personalized, beloved pompom critters for all occasions. Adventures in Pompom Land retails for $17.95.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters Around the World edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman, Storey Publishing (www.storey.com), ISBN: 978-1-61212-042-3.

When extra skeins of yarn are left over from knitting and crochet projects, it’s easy to collect quite a yarn stash. Editors Durant and Eckman scoured the crochet community to find the best crochet patterns using only one skein of yarn. The result is 101 gorgeous projects by well-known pattern designers from the U.S. and abroad. Projects hail from a wide variety of contributors, many of whom are bloggers, published designers, yarn shop owners, Etsy shop sellers, authors, and creative-industry professionals. Projects are organized by yarn weight and include scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, bags, purses, jewelry, baby clothes, home décor, and amigurumi (Japanese-style crocheted stuffed toys). The book also includes clear stitch diagrams and a techniques glossary that will help even new crocheters succeed. Crochet One-Skein Wonders retails for $18.95.

Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond by Aimee Ray, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0363-1.

In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn’t just for paper anymore. Now, she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. The book’s 20+ projects feature a wide array of techniques beyond basic embroidery, all fresh and accessible and with extra motifs so you can personalize your creations. Techniques include cross stitch, redwork, crewel, sashiko, stumpwork, and more. Designs are delightfully modern and enhance a variety of surfaces including cloth, paper, canvas, and upcycled ready-made clothing. Don’t miss the Flower Hill Zipper Pouch (the perfect quick, creative, colorful accessory), the Butterfly Wrist Cuff (learn to tint fabric with crayons), and the Canvas Cuckoo Clock (the clock really works).  Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond retails for $14.95.

I’d like to send these three beautiful books to three lucky winners! Simply leave a comment that answers this question: “What new-to-you craft do you most want to try?” We’ll announce the randomly-selected winners here on May 10th.

Happy Crafting!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff

Floral Heart Ring Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Delicate embroidered details accent this beautiful satin heart pillow to create the perfect keepsake of your wedding day.

Materials

  • Fabrics, 1/3 yd. each: ivory satin, unbleached muslin
  • Fairfield Industries Poly-fil Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
  • Sheer ivory ribbon, 1/3 yd.
  • Light avocado silk ribbon, 3 yds.
  • Scallop-edge ivory bridal lace, 3/4 yd.
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss: Lavender Lt (#211), Pistachio Green Vy Lt (#369), Yellow Lt Pale (#745), Delft Blue (#800)
  • Plastic wedding rings, two

Tools

  • Chenille needles: #22, #24
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Mechanical lead pencil

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut two 12”x13” rectangles from satin fabric. Print pattern. Center pattern face down on wrong side of one fabric rectangle. Tape fabric, right side up, to light box or sunny window; use mechanical pencil to trace pattern. (Note: Inner heart line is seam allowance; do not trace.) Circles on pattern represent French knots; use very small dashes when tracing pattern onto fabric to ensure knot will cover pencil mark. (Note: Mechanical pencil draws much thinner lines than traditional pencil; floss must cover pattern lines.)

STEP 2

Sew zigzag stitch around raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling. Baste heart outline. Place fabric in embroidery hoop.

STEP 3

(Note: For all embroidery, use two strands floss and #24 tapestry needle. Use #22 needle for silk ribbon leaves.) Stem stitch Pistachio Green Vy Lt vines. Use silk ribbon to stitch lazy daisy leaves. For flower petals, wrap floss three times around needle to stitch Delft Blue French knots on solid circles, stitch Lavender Lt French knots on open circles. For flower centers, wrap floss two times around needle to stitch Yellow Lt Pale French knots.

STEP 4

To make pillow form, trace two hearts onto muslin; cut out hearts 1/4” beyond traced line. (Note: Sew with right sides together with 1/4” seams throughout.) Sew pieces together, leaving 4” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Whipstitch opening closed. Set aside.

STEP 5

Sew satin pieces together, 1/4” inside basted line, leaving 4-1/2” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn. Carefully press as needed.

STEP 6

Sew center of sheer ribbon length to center of embroidered pillow front. Place pillow form inside pillow; whipstitch opening closed.

STEP 7

Beginning at center top and using photo as guide, sew lace to pillow edge with scallops toward embroidered center. Tie rings onto ribbon.

Other Options

  • Use white or off-white floss and silk ribbon on white or pastel satin pillow.
  • Replace French knot flower centers with seed beads.
  • Stitch flower/vine design on bouquet ribbons.

Lasy Daisy Stitch Using Ribbon

To create the Lasy Daisy stitch using ribbon, bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

T-Shirt Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Rescue a favorite old t-shirt from the garage sale stack, then cleverly restyle it into a custom lounge pillow for your kid’s room.

 

Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Pillow insert, 14”x18”

Tools

  • Sewing machine and coordinating thread
  • Air-soluble fabric marker
  • Hook-and-loop tape (optional)
  • Beacon Adhesives Liquid Thread (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler or yardstick, straight pins

Directions

STEP 1

Place shirt flat on table, right side up. Use scissors to split side seams and to remove sleeves along seams. Cut across top of shirt just below neck, separating it into front and back sections.

STEP 2

Decide which way you want your artwork oriented, horizontally or vertically. Use fabric marker to draw a 19-1⁄4”x14-1⁄4” rectangle on front of shirt, encompassing artwork; cut for pillowcase front.

STEP 3

Draw 20”x15” rectangle on back section of shirt; cut for pillowcase back. Cut rectangle in half, creating two 15”x10” pieces.

STEP 4

Place pillowcase front on table, right side up. Place two pillowcase back sections on top of front section, right side down, lining up outside edges and overlapping edges at center. Pin fabric to secure.

STEP 5

Sew, or glue, layers together 5⁄8” from outside edge of rectangles. If necessary, let glue dry. Turn pillowcase inside out through center opening. Insert pillow. If desired, sew or glue small piece of hook-and-loop tape to opening to help keep it closed; follow package directions.

Tips

  • Sew a bunch of t-shirt designs together to make a comforter cover.
  • Use size L or XL t-shirts with center artwork for best results.

by Aimee Dolby