How to sew a festive pillow for the holidays

Sara alavi

Materials needed

1/2 yard party fabric
parchment paper
(2) yards of trimmed faux fur
iron-on transfer paper
ric rac ribbon
polyester fiberfill

tape measure
needle and thread
scissors
sewing machine
color inkjet printer

Step 1:Cut the fabric

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Measure and cut the fabric into two 14" x 14" squares.

Step 2:Transfer the image to the canvas

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She chooses her favorite pet, family or friend photo and prints it on iron-on transfer paper. If you're printing on darker fabrics, be sure to purchase transfer paper specifically for darker fabrics. Once you print, follow the included instructions on how to transfer to fabric. Most will require you to lay the image down on the fabric. Lay parchment paper over the transfer paper and use a hot iron (no steam) to iron the image onto your paper. Tips: Most iron-on transfer papers work best with inkjet printers. If you have a laser printer, most screen printing shops will print on transfer paper for you.

Step 3:Attach the Ric Rac Tape

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Add an extra touch by framing your image with ric rac trim. Wrap the ric rac tape around the image starting at one corner (Image 1). When you get to the corners, fold the tape at a 90 degree angle to continue framing the image (Image 2). When you get to where you started, cut the tape with an extra 1/4-inch allowance and fold it under the tape for a finished edge (Image 3). Once you finish attaching the ribbon, sew it firmly onto the fabric (Image 4).

Step 4:Faux Fur Pin

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With the fabric side up, place the faux fur trim with the fur closest to the center of the fabric square and align the fabric part of the trim with the edge of the fabric. Pin trim in place (Image 1). For corners, cut three slits in the edge to allow for a smoother curve (Image 2). Continue pinning the trim in place on all four sides (Image 3). Tips: Set the pins square for easy removal while sewing.

Step 5:sew the pillow

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Place the second square of fabric, pattern side down, on top of the square with the faux fur trim attached. Place the fabric squares together with the faux fur trim between them (Image 1). Sew all four sides together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side (Image 2).

Step 6:Stuff the pillow

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4-inch, and cut the corners of the pillow to prevent it from wrinkling when the pillow is turned. Be careful not to cut any of the stitches. Pull the pillow through the 4-inch opening to remove it from the right side. Start filling the pillow with the stuffing. Take small sections of the stuffing and fluff it up before putting it on the pillow so you don't end up with a lumpy pillow. To do this, pull apart the filler pieces to break up the fibers. To get the fill in the corners, use a filler tool (included in the fiberfill bag, or use a toothpick). Apply gentle pressure to press the filling into the corners, being careful not to press too hard. Continue filling the pillow until the desired firmness is achieved.

Step 7:Sew opening

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Fold the edges of the 4-inch opening in the pillow and pin them in place. Then, sew the opening to finish the pillow.

Sara alavi