Steps in Making a Small Pillow with a Sewing Machine
If you’re looking to make a decorative accent in your living space, like a small pillow, then a sewing machine is one of the tools you can use to complete the project successfully. Small pillows are not just ornamental pieces, but also provide many practical benefits such as support for your head and neck and a comfortable place to rest. Making a pillow requires a few different skills, a little bit of creativity and the rights tools. Here are the necessary steps required to make a small pillow with a sewing machine.
First and foremost, it is important to gather the right materials needed for the project. You will need fabrics, thread, a measuring tape, tailor’s chalk, scissors and, of course, the sewing machine. Choose fabrics that you like and which will fit the size you want for the pillow. The fabric should also be appropriate for the type of environment it will be placed in and for the purpose it is intended for, like if it’s in a kid’s room or for a chair cushion.
Before you start sewing, you must measure, cut and mark the fabric. Once you have the fabric and have taken the measurements, draw the pattern on one piece of fabric in a contrasting color and cut it, taking special care to ensure you have nice even edges. Cut the second piece of fabric with the same measurements. When the pieces are cut, match them up and start pinning the edges, leaving a one-inch seam allowance.
At this stage you will need to get your sewing machine ready. Thread the machine with the appropriate thread to match the color of the fabric. Do a test stitch on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure the tension is correct. Once the tension and stitch length settings are correct, you can start sewing.
Now, begin by stitching the fabric by following the drawn lines. As you progress, make sure the fabrics are are still matched up, there are no puckers, the threads are not tangled, and all edges remain lined up. You can use tailor’s chalk to mark the seams to make sure everything is in the right place and that you’re creating a neat line.
When you reach the end, press the fabric with a hot iron to flatten the seams and ensure a cleaner finish. Make sure that the seams are properly pressed open. The next step is to turn the fabric the right way out by pulling the fabric through the hole. Once you have correctly pushed out the edges, use pins to flatten the seams. At this point you will have the foundation structure of the pillow complete.
The last step is to stuff the pillow with polyfill stuffing. You need to use a spoon or your hands to fill the pillow as evenly as possible. As you fill the pillow, make sure that the sides and corners are full with stuffing. Once you fill the pillow, close the opening with a ladder stitch and tie a knot like a surgeon’s knot to knot it securely. You can also hand stitch the edges together if you prefer. You will then have successfully made a small pillow.
Choosing the Right Pillow Stuffing
When making a small pillow with a sewing machine, choosing the right pillow stuffing is an important step to complete the project. The stuffing helps to form the pillow’s shape and gives it the elasticity needed for a comfortable fit. There are many options available when it comes to pillow stuffing. The most commonly used are polyester fiberfill and down. Both work well for small pillows, but it’s best to do research and determine which one works best for your project.
The most important factor to consider when choosing pillow stuffing is the amount of comfort you want. Down is the premium pillow stuffing of choice because it provides extra comfort, but it can be quite expensive. Polyester fiberfill is a more affordable option and offers good support and comfort. It’s important to remember that the type of stuffing you choose will affect the price and overall feel of the pillow.
When selecting pillow stuffing, also look at the care and maintenance of the pillow. Down stuffing tends to require more maintenance, as it may require washing or fluffing. It is also important to consider the fact that down stuffing may make your pillow heavier than a polyester-filled pillow, thereby making it difficult to move around or place in different spaces. On the other hand, polyester fiberfill is much easier to care for as it does not require regular washing or fluffing.
Adding Embellishments to Your Pillow
You can beautify your pillow by adding embellishments such as beading, buttons, ribbons, lace, and other trims. Beads, buttons, and ribbons can be used to make the pillow look more decorative and can be used to match the color of your pillow fabric. Embellishments can add an extra spark of personality to your pillow, making it unique and one of a kind.
Adding trim to the edges of the pillow can be quite a challenge. You will need to measure and mark the trim as well as make sure that it lines up with the edges of the pillow. When attaching the trim, make sure it is securely attached with pins and carefully stitch it to the fabric. If you make a mistake, you can always unpick it with a seam ripper and restart the process.
Embellishments can give your pillow a personal touch. They can also add texture, color and a luxurious feel to your pillow. When selecting embellishments, it is important to select embellishments that match the fabric you have chosen and make sure the colors do not clash. You can also mix fabrics, colors, and embellishments to give your pillow a unique look.
Finishing Touches for Your Pillow
Once you have completed making your small pillow with a sewing machine, it is important to pay close attention to the finishing touches. This includes cleaning up your work area and making sure that your pillow looks neat and perfect. Threads might be loose, so you should use scissors or a seam ripper to remove them and make the seams look neat.
You can also add extra padding to make your pillow look more luxurious and comfortable. Padding will also help hold the shape and make the pillow look more full. You can use cotton batting, foam or muslin for extra cushioning and loft. Make sure to measure and cut the padding to the same size as your pillow, and to pin it to the pillow before sewing it in place.
Lastly, you can use fabric markers or paints to customize your pillow and make it your own. You can paint shapes, write messages, or draw images on your pillow according to your taste and style. Have fun with the process and let your creativity flow freely.
Other Ideas to Enhance Your Pillow Making
In addition to making a small pillow with a sewing machine, you can look into other ideas to give your pillow a unique touch and make it stand out. You can easily add zippers to your pillow, so that it can be removed and washed. Adding zippers can also make it easier to take off the cover and replace it with a new one if needed.
If you want to make a pillow with a unique design, consider adding quilted details. You can choose colors and fabrics for the quilting and stitch the quilting in place to give the pillow a beautiful and unique look. Quilting can also be used to make patterns on the pillow.
You can also use other fabrics besides cotton and linen, such as velvet, leather, burlap, and faux fur. These fabrics provide texture and interest to the pillow, making them eye-catching and unique. Make sure to select fabrics that are appropriate for the environment it is placed, and also be mindful of their care requirements.
Accessories to Consider for Your Pillow
Once you have finished making the pillow, there are a few accessories you can consider to enhance its look and make it last longer. Pillow covers are one of the most popular accessories used with pillows to add an extra layer of protection and comfort. The choices are endless when it comes to pillow covers and you can select the right cover according to your style and taste.
Pillow inserts are accessories that can help support the pillow and offer better comfort. There are many shapes, sizes, and styles available for pillow inserts, and you can select a pillow insert depending on the shape, feel, and look you are looking to achieve. Pillow inserts will give your pillow an extra boost of comfort and support, making it a perfect accessory for your living area.
You can also add pillowcases to your pillow for protection and to make it last for a long time. Pillowcases are mostly made of cotton, but can also be found in other materials such as linen and silk. When choosing a pillowcase, make sure it fits your pillow correctly, as an ill-fitting case can reduce the pillow’s comfort and longevity.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before You Start
Before you start making a small pillow with a sewing machine, it is important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure you get the perfect pillow. Making sure you have all the right materials is an important first step. You should also consider the type of fabric you want to use, as this will determine the type of stitch you need to complete the project.
It is also important to use the right thread to keep the seams secure and avoid any fraying. Make sure the thread you have chosen matches the fabric and is strong enough to hold the stitches in place. You should also use a sharp pair of scissors to ensure a neat cut and avoid any frays and unevenness.
When filling your pillow, you should use a spoon or your hands to give it even stuffing. Lastly, consider adding embellishments, accessories and customizing it with fabric markers or paints, to give your pillow a unique look.
