While Graham worked on the chicken coop this weekend and the girls insisted on being indoors, I stared at their unfinished quilts looming on my sewing table. I need to get started on the third quilt top, but I just haven’t gotten the motivation. So what did I do? I made throw pillows. Thought I’d try out an idea to copy the ruched bedding I’ve spotted in retail stores. I needed easy and this technique totally worked and was indeed easy!
Ruched Pillow Instructions:
For a 16″ finished throw pillow, I cut a strip of fabric 18″ wide from selvage to selvage. Draw a line 5″ in from each side, parallel to the long edges.
Fold and press on these lines (press right sides together if your fabric has a right side).
Now, just gather all the way down these two folds – I ran the folded edges through my machine with the ruffler foot and the finished length came out perfect to make a 17″ square pillow top. You don’t need the ruffler foot though, you can run a gathering stitch and cinch it up.
Next, press open your folds. Wah-la! Your gorgeous ruching. As you press the gathers open, shape the pillow top into a nice square. The better your press and shape the gathers now, the easier it will be to stitch the pillow top to its back in a neat square.
To secure and finish the gathered seams, I cut a 2″ strip, and folded the sides in to make a ¾″ wide strip of fabric.
Place the strips over your gathered seam on the right side and stitch down each edge.
Finally, take the pillow top and stitch it to a 17″x17″ backside for your pillow using a ½″ seam allowance. (I like to use envelope backs for my pillows – here’s a great tutorial: Super Simple Throw Pillows).
Turn the pillow right side out and check to make sure everything is sewn right and the cover fits the pillow. Then, turn the cover inside out again and trim the corners and serge or finish the edges.
Turn it right side out again and press. That’s it! Pop your pillow in and enjoy!
So fun, right?
Linking this project up at Tatertots and Jello and Positively Splendid!
Comments & Reviews
Jennifer DeDonato says
Love that pillow!! Great job
Farah says
Hi Stef… your cushion is so lovely that I pinned it for my further inspiration… it looks so comfy … Thanks for the tutorial…
With Love
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com
Farah
MelissaKaylene says
This is SO cute! Love the color too!
Jessi W says
That pillow is gorgeous! I love the little strips of fabric over the seams, it makes it look so professional! I have a brand new link party going on and I’d be thrilled if you would share this over there so everyone can see it!
http://practicallyfunctional.net/2012/05/the-fun-in-functional-link-party-1/
Clever Blonde -Donna G says
Love it, looks very clever! It’s gorgeous fabric too.
Petite Peanut says
Yeah! I’m working on the knockoff duvet cover to match this from PB and now I can do the pillows too! This just made my day! THANKS!
Pam Fields says
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I love it. 🙂
Betsy says
i’m so glad you did this post. Just the other day I was trying to decide how to refurbish our old pillows that we have on our porch swing. Thanks, time to sew!
Charity says
That is a beautiful pillow. I love the bands with the gathers.
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
So fun to be able to whip up a cute pillow like that! You always explain things so well too. I was at the fabric store the other day looking at sewing machines just so I could sew pillows whenever I wanted. I didn’t buy one since I hit the jackpot at PB when I found outdoor pillows on clearance, maybe someday.
Tara says
Great pillow! It totally does remind me of the gathered comforters I’ve been seeing. One of these days I will attempt making a pillow. For some reason it scares me! Lol.
Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says
Ah, such a great tutorial! Thanks for the clear and easy pics/directions. Your pillow is so lovely! I want to try one now!
Creations By Cindy says
Ooh, your pillow is a beauty! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
{northern cottage} says
so so so so so so pretty – i’m smitten! xo C’MON by for a visit soon – NORTHERN COTTAGE
Sharon says
Great pillow and great tutorial!! I will have to give this a try!