Pleated Pillows

A week or so ago I moved around my dining room furniture.  Using the two head chairs, I created this sitting area in the bay window space of that room.

I loved my new sitting area, but I did not love the green striped pillows anymore.  It was time for a change.  I went to Calico Corners during their 20% off sale and found the perfect fabric from Dwell Studios.

I started by measuring the pillow and picking out ribbon to use for the pleated trim.  I decided to go with the satin chocolate brown ribbon.

I like to use a square when cutting out fabric for a pillow.  It's an easy way to make sure I cut straight lines. I cut out two rectangles of fabric being careful to center the bird on the front of each pillow.

I pinned the satin ribbon onto the right side of the fabric, pleating it as I went along.  Each pillow took 4 yards of ribbon (one spool from Michaels craft store).

After pinning it all around, I sewed the pleated trim onto the right side of the fabric with the sewing machine.  I then took the other rectangle and sewed it right sides together starting about two inches from the end of the short end and sewing all around until I sewed about two inches again on the end I started.  This left space on the short end to stuff the pillow in.  I leave just enough space to "shove" the pillow form in.

You can see in this picture how I left about 8" of space to let the pillow in.  I then use Fabri-Tac (to me, it's the best fabric glue - it bonds instantly).   

I fold under the fabric and add the glue and press with my fingers to close the opening. 

Here is the finished pillow.  I just love how they came out.

They bring out the drape color and add a nice accent to the room.

Let me know what you think of the new pillows.  I always love, appreciate, and look forward to your comments.

-Judy

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