Step 1
Cut out 18 7" squares using a rotary cutter and pad, or fabric scissors, a cardboard pattern and a marker.
Step 2
Arrange the squares into six strips of three squares each. Working one strip at a time, pin the connecting edges of the three squares with wrong sides together.
Step 3
Thread your needle and, with a simple running stitch, sew the squares in each strip together using a 5/8" seam on the right side of the fabric. Be sure to conceal your beginning and ending knots and match beginning and ending edges accurately.
Step 4
Sew three strips together, long edge to long edge, in the same way. You will have a square comprised of nine smaller squares; repeat with the remaining squares. You will have two nine-piece squares, each measuring approximately 18" × 18".
Step 5
With wrong sides together, pin the 18" squares together on three sides, carefully matching the seams and corners.
Step 6
Using a running stitch, sew them together on the three pinned sides with a 5/8" seam. Carefully match seams front and back. Double stitch at each intersection, and double stitch at the corners as well.
Step 7
Insert the pillow form, being attentive to corners. Push the insert down enough to pin the opening closed.
Step 9
<b>Pillow Variations</b> While pillows are fun and relatively easy, they also offer a canvas to embellish with detailed handwork once you get going. There are all sorts of interesting things you can do to add to the intricacy of pillows. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking: - Try using alternative stuffing materials. Balsam smells great and would make a lovely tiny pillow, while flax seed or buckwheat are sometimes used in horseshoe-shaped neck pillows, which can be heated in the microwave. - Add a closure. Use snap tape, a zipper, hook and eye tape, buttons, or an overlap to allow your pillow to be opened and changed. - Get detailed with embroidery, mixed stitches, appliqués, or smaller components sewn together. Incorporate pockets, beaded sweater bits, and button plackets from the sweaters you cut up. - Add decorations, such as a flange, edging, buttons, or fringe.
Step 10
Excerpted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603421556/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=craftfocom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603421556" rel="nofollow">"The Sweater Chop Shop"</a> (c) by Crispina ffrench, used with permission from Storey Publishing. Main Image: Illustration by (c) Marguertie Sauvage, incorporating photo by Kevin Kennefick. How-to illustrations by (c) Crispina ffrench.
