pillow Point of View ribbon Tutorials

May Point of View Reveal- Pillows!

Each month I am completely surprised by how varied everyone’s take on the theme is.  This month is no exception.  But I also have to say that even though they are all completely different- I LOVE them all!
Looking for more deets on your favorite pillow?  Follow the links here:
1. Amy, well- except for this one- you’re already here, just scroll down.
2. Michelle at A Little Tipsy
3. Jonie from Just Between Friends
4. Gwen from Gwenny Penny

I’m loving this pillow.
And, I’m all prepared to teach you how to make one for yourself.
First: Supplies (for a 12″ pillow)- background fabric: 1/2 yard (white in my case); ribbon: 1- 9 yard spool per color (I used 2 colors of 1/4″ Offray ribbon), sewing implements, pillow form.

Cut out the front of the pillow.  I added 1″ seam allowance so a 13″ X 13″ square for my 12″ pillow.

The lines are hard to see in this picture.  Using a water soluble marking pen, I drew a line up 1/2″ from the edge for seam allowance, then the next line is 3″ from there.  Keep going along the pillow marking a line every 3 inches- you should end with another 1/2″ space at the other end.

Now to sew down the ribbon.  We are going to sew the ribbon in a zig zag, keeping each color between the two lines that are 3″ apart.   I extend the tail of the ribbon off the edge, angling it toward the first line.  Sew it down keeping the stitches approximately in the middle of the ribbon.  The nice thing about this pillow though is that variations are what make it interesting!
1. When you are getting close to the marked line put the needle down and lift the presser foot up.
2. (I’m showing this off the sewing machine to make these steps easier to see.)  Fold the ribbon under at a right angle.
3.  Fold another right angle (over) making a point on top of the ribbon lines.  Use a pin to hold it down as you sew up to the point.   Pivot the pillow and sew down the return ribbon.  Repeat, back and forth along the length of the pillow.
I tried doing this two ways, making the folds as I sewed, and doing the folds, pinning in place the entire length, and then sewing.  Neither one is super easy.  It will take time either way.  But, I found doing it as I sewed was a little simpler and I didn’t get stabbed with a million pins that way. 🙂
Alternate colors until your pillow is done.

For the back I did something a little different. (sorry there are no process pictures, I was winging it)

Instead of the regular envelope closure, I divided the size of the front (13″) by two, then added 1″ for the overlap and 2″ for the hem- for a total of 9 1/2″ X 13″  and cut two of them.  Then, I folded over one 13″ side 1″ and pressed, then folded it over 1″ again- press.  Repeat with the other panel.  Stitch down both sides of the 1″ hem with an edge stitch.   Then I marked 4 points equal distance apart (about 2 1/2″ I think) on one of the hemmed edges and put a small buttonhole at each of those points.  Then, overlap the two pieces and use your soluble marking pen to put marks on the hemmed side of the second panel.  Stitch a length of ribbon centered on each of those marks (I started with 18″ lengths, after I tied the bows I trimmed them down a bit).  Sew the back panels to the front panel- in the following order.  Front panel, ribbon side facing up.  Buttonhole panel, right side down (buttonholes in center), ribbon tie panel, ribbon side down, with the ribbons lined up with the buttonholes.  Sew around all four sides.  DONE!!! (well, clip corners and turn right side out first. 🙂 )

You could use either the front or the back of this pillow.  Both are cute! 🙂  *I did singe the ends of the ribbons so they wouldn’t fray.
So, do you have a pillow you are dying to share?  It doesn’t have to be a tutorial- just anything that goes with the theme!  Head over to Gwenny Penny and link it up.  Let your Point of View be Heard!!!

xoxo,
Amy
Linked up to Friday Flair at Whipperberry.

Join  us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap   up           party!Photobucket sew many ways

You Might Also Like

  • Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
    May 27, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I love it, Amy! The color combo is so summery. Looks labor intensive, but well worth it 🙂 Love the way you did the back, too.

  • Andi @ Jane of all crafts
    May 27, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    soo pretty! makes me think of the pool and lemonade! I commented on Gwen's point of view post that I figured you decided this months theme lol!!

  • Leanne
    May 27, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Wow Amy! I love this pillow. The front is beautiful but I love the back too. You ARE the pillow queen!

  • The Gunny Sack
    May 27, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Great pillow! I love the colors and that both sides are cute!

  • Karen
    May 27, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    turned out great! I love it.

  • Crafty Girls
    May 27, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    WOWZA! Super Cute! But,that is no surprise coming from you! I wish you a happy holiday weekend!

    Irene

  • Simone de Klerk
    May 27, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I was wondering what you used, but now I see it are ribbons. Beautiful idea. Oh, and I love how you made the closure.

  • Michelle
    May 27, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    I bask in the awesomeness that is your sewing capabilities. Zig zag ribbon?! You amaze me.

  • Alexis @ persia lou
    May 27, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    Alright. Bookmarked and on the to-make list. Love this! Thanks for the tutorial!

  • Rebecca
    May 27, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    I love your pillow cover! The ties in the back just top it off.

  • Michelle L.
    May 28, 2011 at 12:19 am

    This is soooo stunning! Gorgeous colors and amazing ziggy-zaggy effect. Love it!

  • Lorene (just Lu)
    May 28, 2011 at 1:06 am

    I love it! And the bows on the back are just the perfect touch!

  • ellie g
    May 28, 2011 at 3:00 am

    Holy CRAP this thing is fabulous!!!!!! Guess what? I was just cruisin' over at the TT&J party and I totally clicked on it….not even knowing it was yours. See? You are amazing! I love this….can I share it on my FB page? Please?

  • Jaime
    May 28, 2011 at 5:14 am

    This is some kind of wonderful!! I'd love for you to link up!

    http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/05/wow-me-wednesday-11.html

  • Heather
    May 28, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    You have some MAD skills my friend!!
    kisses

  • Jonie Marie
    May 29, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    I love, love the color combination and the zig zags. I knew you would come up with a GREAT pillow for this month.

  • {nifty thrifty things}
    May 29, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    That is so cute!! Love the pillow!
    I would love it if you shared this at my linky party @ {nifty thrifty sunday}!
    xoxo,
    Vanessa

  • Holly
    May 30, 2011 at 12:18 am

    Cute pillow – love the colors! Have you seen Kim's post yet…it will be "the best day of your life!"

  • Jessa
    May 30, 2011 at 2:52 am

    I love the pillow. It's gorgeous!

  • Leanne
    June 2, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Thanks for linking to the party Amy. I love your pillows, especially the colors on this one. So Summery, maybe it will help keep the weather on track. My house doesn't need any more rain for a while.

  • Brandi
    June 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    soo pretty! I love it, Amy!

  • B.Chen
    June 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Crazy Awesome! LOVE the ribbon treatment! 😉

    I've started following you!
    If you get a chance, please stop by!

    http://bcheniful.blogspot.com/

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/BCheniful/172756599415025

    Thanks!
    Brandi at B.Cheniful

  • Natalie
    June 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    love love love this pillow! I love how bright and cheerful it is.

  • Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims
    June 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    LOVE THIS PILLOW! So cool!!

  • Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com
    June 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Thanks so much for linking up to Think Pink Sundays Amy!! I featured your adorable pillow today! http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/06/crush-of-the-week-think-pink-features-9/