Easy Cut & Sew Pillows

Looking to refresh your decor? My Set of three cut & sew bird pillows brings the outdoors indoors. Each pillow has a coordinating reverse design and all three are included on one yard of fabric. They are especially nice and soft in the faux suede...or the cuddly new minky. See instructions below.

Inspiration all began with this bird family (pictured below) having such a great time in the bird bath that I had to go find my camera! Months later, I took another look at the photos and decided they would look good in watercolor. But I had my acrylic paints out at the time. That gave me an idea to water down the acrylics on canvas. I'm always trying new techniques. Sometimes it doesn't work, but sometimes it does! No matter what, I always learn something in the process. The result was soft and textural, and the best part...it was permanent. Watercolors are fragile in that the paper can be bent or moisture can rewet and ruin the art.

Not long after I began fabric design, I looked once again at the black bird paintings and wondered what they would look like printed on fabric. So, again, I experimented...this time in Photoshop. I created a coordinating pattern for each painting to use in the background and for the pillow reverse.

Instructions:

Each pillow has 1/2 inch trim around the edge which is also the seam allowance. You'll need three invisible zippers, either 16 or 18 inch. You'll also need three 18 inch pillow forms. Attach zippers according to package instructions. I believe I used the larger size and ended up cutting them down so the zippers were inset from the corners at least an inch. I discovered it's much easier to turn pillow corners this way. (If that didn't make sense to you, send me a message on my contact page and I will email you a sketch of what I mean.) Pin right sides of front and back together and sew all the way around. Remember to leave zippers open so you can turn the pillow cover right side out. Place a pillow form inside and zip!

And there you have it, easy pillows to brighten a bedroom, patio or anywhere. The nice thing about pillows with covers is you can wash the pillows from time to time and never have to worry about the stuffing getting wet. I recommend hand washing the covers in luke warm to cool water with a mild soap. Make the set for yourself or give as gifts. It's an inexpensive way to give something you made yourself. If you didn't catch the link above to buy the fabric, just click on the above image.

Thank you for viewing and have a beautiful day! ♥