Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Finally - Scrappy Body Pillow

Scrappy Body Pillow

16" x 38"


Sometimes life happens and the last two months have been crazy!  My computer was stolen while we were on vacation in July.  That has been a nightmare, so a lot of my spare time has been devoted to getting new items and loading software back on a new computer.  I thought all my files were backed up to the cloud but this was one that was not backed up so I had to redo everything in this pattern 😖 . But better late than never right?   I hope you have enjoyed these pillow patterns I sure enjoyed creating them!

Use all left-over pieces from a quilt to make a great matching accent pillow for a bed or couch.  This is also a great way to use packs of 2 ½" squares (mini charm from Moda)

 

Supplies:

(51) 2 ½" squares
White
(5) 2 ½" x 2 ½" squares
 (48) 2 ½" x 4 ½" rectangles
Backing
(8) 2 ½" colored squares
(2) 16 ½" x 21" rectangles
Thread to match the backing fabric
16" x 38" pillow form

Sewing:

Step 1:

Using the following diagram lay each row out.  Make the appropriate number as indicated under each row.

Make 3 - Row A

Make 3 - Row B


Make 2 - Row C

Press rows in opposite directions. Label each row.

Press rows in opposite directions.  Label each row.

Step 2:
Sew the rows together, following the diagram below.



Row A
Row B
Row C
Row A
Row B
Row C
Row A
Row B



Preparing Backing:

I love using the Hot Ruler from Clover. Purchase Hot Ruler Here  You can press on this Hot Ruler, so making the hem on the backing pieces of the pillow is sooo easy!  This ruler is 2 1/2" wide x 10" long.

Step 1:

Place one backing piece wrong side up on your ironing board.  Then place the Hot Ruler, ruler side up, along the 16 ½" side.

Step 2:

On one 16 ½" side of the backing, fold the raw edge of the fabric up to the 1/2" line and press.  Move the ruler to finish the whole backing piece. 

Step 3:

Open the pressed 1/2" hemline. 
Step 4:
Fold the raw edge to the press line and fold it up; this will enclose the raw edge of the backing on one side. 




Step 5:

For the second backing piece, sew (8) 2 ½" squares together.  Press to one side.  This strip should measure 2 ½" x 16 ½".

Step 6:

Sew this strip on one side of the second backing piece along the 16 ½" side.  This will make the piece 16 ½" x 23".  Now repeat the backing prep steps 1 – 4, making sure to place the hem on the 2 ½" square strip you added to the backing.



Step 7:
Now with matching thread, top stitch about 1/8" from the folded edge.  Repeat for the second backing piece.
Step 8:
Now, lay the pillow front on your table right side up, and place one backing piece wrong side up on top of the left side of the pillow front (This should be the backing piece with the squares attached).  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place.
 
Next, using the second backing piece, place it on the right side of the pillow front, the wrong side up.  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place. *Note: the backing pieces will overlap.


Step 9:

Once your backing is pinned in place, from the corner, measure in 3/4" and place a dot, then measure out 5" from the dot in both directions and mark a dot that is 1/4" from the raw edge.  Now mark a slightly curved line from dot to dot, do this in both directions. This line will not be straight (This will help when turning the pillow right side out, there will be no sharp points on the corners.)

Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 10:
Stitch all the way around the pillow with a 1/4" seam. When you reach the lines that are drawn on the backing, stitch on the lines, backstitching at the beginning and end to reinforce the seam at that point.

Step 11:
Now, to reduce the bulk in the corners of the pillow, follow the picture to trim the corners.  A combination of both trimming and grading the corners is needed to reduce bulk and make the corners sharp and crisp when turned right side out and pressed.  Make sure not to trim too close to the corner stitching; if you trim too close when turning, you run the risk of pushing a hole in the corners.
 
Trim all 4 corners.



Step 12:
Turn the pillow right side out, poking corners out.  I use the OESD Expert Point & Press Tool.  Purchase Tool Here  There are two different sizes of round ends on this tool to use for all kinds of turning.  My tool is round because it was one of the first made. They have now made them hexagon-shaped so that the tool will not roll off your sewing table!!
Step 13:
Stuff the pillow form through the opening in the back of the pillow.
 
*You can make your own pillow form by using (2) 16 1/2" x 38 1/2" muslin (or scrap) pieces.  Sew together, leaving a 4" hole on one side.  Turn the form right side out and stuff it with polyfill or batting scraps to the firmness of your liking.  Hand sew the hole closed, then place the form inside the pillow.
 
Enjoy!!


I hope you have enjoyed these 3 pillow patterns as much as I did making them.  

Keep on Stitchin'
Meg

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