Merriment Design » Pillows

Embroidered birdhouse pillow using tissue paper + sewing machine

Kathy Beymer — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:40:31 +0000

My friend K.C. MacQueen asked me to be an artist for the second annual Pritzker School Community Art Project: “Birdhouses.” Artists create a birdhouse for display in local Wicker Park stores. Home Tweet Home graced the front store window at Stitch boutique in Bucktown for two weeks before being auctioned off.

I’m more of a fabric than a hammer type of girl so decided to make a pillow. And you’re going to flip when you see my tissue paper tracing sewing machine embroidery technique. It opens up so many possibilities!

The birdhouse pillow was inspired by a wrinkly 1969 vintage linen calendar from my extensive collection (I’m a junkie).

I traced the birdhouse onto tissue paper, lengthened the pole and pinned it to the front of 100% wool felt.

Then I sewed through the tissue paper onto the wool using colorful teal, light blue and yellow thread …and tore away the tissue paper to reveal the sewn image.

I added a handwritten “tweet” detail in orange using the same technique.

I’m excited about devising this tissue paper technique on my own – even though others may have already uncovered it. I dislike fabric ink pens especially on nice fabric because it never really full disappears. And you have to freehand draw right the first time.

In contrast my tisssue paper method makes it much easier to keep drawing on paper until you get it right …or trace a reference piece like I did for this project …and sew your embroidery just right.

I closed the pillow with turquoise grosgrain ribbon zipper detailing that became a happy accident that I love.

Here it is close up. The pillow insert contains down feathers, naturally :)

Using tissue paper and your sewing machine is a super fun way to adorn pillows, aprons, totes, dresses …you name it. So get out your Sharpies and sewing machines and get to it!

WANNA MAKE IT? Free template, supply list and DIY step-by-step instructions for creating my embroidered birdhouse pillow using tissue paper and sewing machine after the jump –>

Supplies:

Kathy’s free birdhouse pattern template from a 1969 vintage linen calendar (PDF – I traced the bird too but you can choose to sew just the birdhouse like I did. Cut the tweet out separately and place as in the photo.)
1/2 yard outside fabric (I used 100% cream wool felt that I’d been saving)
1/2 yard sew-in interfacing
1 yard 7/8″ grosgrain ribbon
Zipper – 14″ or 16″
Down feather pillow insert – 12″x16″ size
Tissue paper (1-2 sheets)
Sharpie ultra-fine-point colored markers
Pins
Good iron
Ironing board
Sewing machine
Rotary fabric cutter, self-healing cutting mat and clear acrylic ruler
Good fabric scissors

Please post a comment below if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being used. Craft and pass it on!

Cut fabric pattern pieces and embroider birdhouse
Cut two wool rectangles 13″ x 17″ each. Also cut two rectangles from the sew-in interfacing 13″ x 17″ each. Sew interfacing onto the wrong side of the wool sewing close to the edges.

Print my free birdhouse pattern template. Remember not to “fit to page” when you print. Place a piece of tissue paper on top of your printout and trace with a colored Sharpie pen that matches the color you’ll be sewing (I didn’t do this; I used black at first. Keep reading below to see how the “tweet” was much easier when I used a colored Sharpie). Test it first to make sure that the pressure you’re using will not bleed onto what you’re tracing.

Pin the tissue paper tracing in place. Remember to leave 1/2″ for your seams when positioning your pattern.

Sew using colored thread using the double stitch setting on your sewing machine. Or if you don’t have a double stitch setting you can stitch once and then stitch again on top of it if you’d like the stitching to be more prominent.

Carefully peel away the tissue paper to reveal the stitching.

Clean up any stubborn tissue bits using a needle. Use a bit of water for stuck pieces. Here’s where in hindsight I recommend using a colored Sharpie that matches the thread color you’ll be using in case you miss any tiny bits.

Embroider the hole in the birdhouse by sewing in a circle using a double stitch until the entire area is filled in with thread.

Add “Tweet”
Cut out the “tweet” template …or do what I did …just write “tweet” on a piece of paper until you like it. Then trace onto tissue paper using a Sharpie pen that’s the same general color as your thread (I learned after using a black marker above that a colored Sharpie will be more forgiving).

Pin the tissue paper “tweet” onto the pillow.

Sew using a double stitch setting on your sewing machine. Sew the longest continuous line possible at at time.

Carefully pull away the tissue paper. See how using a colored Sharpie pen makes this step even easier? And again you can always use a needle and water to get out any stubborn tissue bits.

Your finished “tweet” will look like so:

Add grosgrain ribbon zipper detailing
This started as an idea to bind the pillow with grosgrain ribbon on all four sides. It morphed into something better. Oh, happy accidents!

Cut two pieces of grosgrain ribbon to fit across the width of your pillow. Pin one to the bottom edge of your front piece.

Sew very close to the edge on both sides of the ribbon.

Repeat on the back side with the other cut ribbon.

Put your zipper centered face down on the right side of your pillow back. Line up the outside zipper edge with the pillow edge. Pin.

Sew using a zipper foot very close to the zipper teeth.

Line up and pin the other side of your zipper to the right side of your pillow front.

Sew using your zipper foot close to the zipper teeth.

Attach the front and back
With right sides together line up your pillow front and back. Sew the right side of your grosgrain zipper detailing 2 inches and backstitch; I backstitch here back and forth a lot so the stitches won’t pull when zipping/unzipping. Repeat on the left side.

Unzip your zipper if you haven’t already; otherwise you’ll sew the pillow shut! Continue around the pillow, stitching the side and top seams using 1/2″ seam. Ensure your edges are even; I tend to avoid pins when I can but that’s your call.

Turn the pillow right side out.

Stuff the pillow using a down pillow insert. Zip closed.

COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use this idea and project instructions for personal use. Contact me for any commercial use – this includes etsy sellers.

Please post a comment below if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being used. Craft and pass it on!

Chalkboard Pillows Holiday Edition

Kathy Beymer — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:01:24 +0000

Ho! Ho! Ho! Here’s a special holiday variation of chalkboard pillows complete with two new free ornament and tree templates to make your own 16″ x 16″ pillow for the season. The ornament in particular gives tons of space to write a fun daily countdown to the big day.

I used green cotton on the front for the tree, red polka dot fabric for the ornament, and 100% European linen in oatmeal on both backs and festive red zippers.

COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use this project and pattern for your own personal use. Please post a comment below or email me if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being created. Craft and pass it on!

Supplies (for the 16″ x 16″ pillow):

16″ x 16″ pillow (I used 10/90 down-feather blend pillows)
17″ x 17″ fabric square for front
17″ x 17″ fabric square for back (I used lovel European linen)
Two squares 17″ x 17″ heavyweight sew-in stabilizer (optional but highly recommended to add weight and crispness)
Ornament template or Tree template (PDF, use if desired or cut your own shape)
Chalkboard cloth (this stuff is super cool)
Chalk
Small piece of sandpaper
12″ or 14″ zipper
Good fabric scissors
Thread
Rotary fabric rotary cutter, clear fabric ruler and self-healing mat
Xacto knife set (optional but recommended to help cut the chalkboard fabric)
Sewing machine

Create chalkboard front

Print and cut out one of my free templates or make your own shape. Cut your 17″ x 17″ front and back pieces and two pieces of stabilizer using your rotary cutter, ruler and self-healing mat.

Place the right side of the template face down on the wrong side of the chalkboard cloth fabric. Trace it using a black pen. Cut using good fabric scissors, using the Xacto knife on any tight corners.

Put one of your stabilizer interfacing pieces of underneath the front fabric square (it helps you sew a smoother applique). Center your cut chalkboard shape on the front fabric square, placing straight pins on the sides to mark placement. Zigzag stitch the shape onto the front fabric square. Remember to backstitch.

For the rest of the steps, just follow the free instructions in my original chalkboard pillow post. Special thanks to Susan Hodapp for letting me photograph them in her “bed and breakfast worthy” guest room. Let it snow!

Chalkboard pillows for kids and adults redux

Kathy Beymer — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:42:01 +0000

So when I first invented chalkboard pillows I handmade the chalkboards out of plastic, a knife, drill and chalkboard spray paint. Yeah, it took a long time.

But now I’ve discovered the joys of chalkboard cloth fabric which has allowed me to make shapes galore for adults and kids – trucks, airplanes, butterflies, dinosaurs and flowers for the kids and rectangles for adults. And I think they look just as cute blank as doodled.

Supplies (for the 16″ x 16″ pillow):

16″ x 16″ pillow (I used 10/90 down-feather blend pillows)
17″ x 17″ fabric square for front
17″ x 17″ fabric square for back (I used lovely wool gabardine)
Two squares 17″ x 17″ heavyweight sew-in stabilizer (optional but highly recommended to add weight and crispness)
Truck chalkboard template or Dinosaur chalkboard template (PDF, use if desired or cut your own shape, or ask me and I’ll post the butterfly, flower or airplane)
Chalkboard cloth (this stuff is super cool)
Chalk
Small piece of sandpaper
12″ or 14″ zipper
Good fabric scissors
Thread
Rotary fabric rotary cutter, clear fabric ruler and self-healing mat
Xacto knife set (optional but recommended to help cut the chalkboard fabric)
Sewing machine

Create chalkboard front

Print and cut out one of my free templates or make your own shape. Cut your 17″ x 17″ front and back pieces and two pieces of stabilizer using your rotary cutter, ruler and self-healing mat. Place the front piece and pattern on top of your pillow to make sure you like the size (you can re-print to shrink it if you’d like).

Put in your zipper
Zippers can be scary sometimes but I really like having zippers in pillows so that I can take over the cover if needed. First, take your front chalkboard piece and zigzag down the side that you want to put the zipper on (like the side with the bottom of the plane) to attach the stabilizer to the front of your pillow (left photo below). Repeat on the back of your pillow by stitching along the edge to attach the back stabilizer to the wrong side of the back of the pillow. This zigzag step makes it easier to work with and your seam finish is nicer.

Now open your zipper and lay it face down onto the right side of the front of your pillow, centering the zipper along the bottom of the pillow front (see right photo above). Pin the bottom side of the zipper to the pillow front. Leave the top of the zipper free (you’ll be sewing that to the back of the pillow).

Change your presser foot by putting your zipper foot on your sewing machine (you can sew it on with the regular foot but the zipper foot lets you sew closer to the zipper teeth). Sew a straight stitch down the zipper as close to the teeth as you can. Remember to backstitch.

Put the right side of your bottom on your table. Lay your pillow front on top of your back piece, right sides together, matching up zipper tops and bottoms to be sure that your zipper will close straight. Pin the unsewn side of the zipper to the back of your pillow. Your zipper will be face down on the right side of your pillow back. Sew a straight stitch down the zipper as close to the teeth as you can. Remember to backstitch. Now your zipper is in.

Sew pillow front to pillow back

Line up the pillow front to the pillow back, right sides together. Pin. Be sure the zipper is open. Now sew 1/2 inch seam around the pillow. On the bottom where the zipper is I sew about 2 inches on each side (don’t sew across the entire zipper side).

Finish your seams by zigzagging around the three sides of the pillow (not the zipper side). Cut any stray threads. Turn right side out. Stuff your pillow with your pillow form.

Now rough up your chalk using a piece of sandpaper to avoid permanently etching the chalkboard. Start doodling! Wipe with a wet paper towel. Repeat.

Chalkboard pillows

Kathy Beymer — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:55:57 +0000

++ UPDATED: I have evolved this craft considerably and posted a MUCH better way to make them. Please go to http://www.merrimentdesign.com/chalkboard-pillows-for-kids-and-adults-redux.php instead. And enjoy!! ++

I’m really excited about my newest creation: Chalkboard pillows!

The idea originally came to me last fall when I was spray painting some glass vases with chalkboard spray paint. I thought it would be fun to be able to write things on a pillow and display it on my black leather recliner. So when I saw that Design*Sponge was holding a 2008 DIY contest I decided to make chalkboard pillows a reality.

I’m happy to announce that out of 500 entries I was chosen as a semi-finalist!

I love that this idea has so much range. I made three classic ‘adult’ pillows with rectangle chalkboards on gray nubby wool fronts (to play off the chalkboard eraser) and dupioni silk gray striped backs (to add a little sophistication as well as make it reversible) with colorful zippers and stitching in orange, yellow and blue.

I also made a whimsical kid’s version with a truck-shaped chalkboard on Japanese imported automobile fabric and red wool gabardine back with red zipper and stitching.

My friend Heather Crosby hosted a pillow photo shoot in her Pilsen home. A thousand thanks to Heather for letting me tap her fantastic photo set styling and photography skills! And here are her two favorite outtakes from our fun day:

Supplies (for the 18″ x 18″ pillow):

18″ x 18″ pillow (I used 10/90 down-feather blend)
19″ x 19″ fabric square for front
19″ x 19″ fabric square for back
Two squares 19″ x 19″ medium weight no-sew stabilizer (optional but recommended to add weight and crispness)
14″ zipper (optional but recommended)
8″ x 6.5″ rectangle (or cut your own fun shape!) ‘chalkboard’ from .06 thick plastic styrene sheet (which is is also very good for handbag bottoms) or you could try thin wood
Truck chalkboard template (PDF, use if desired)
Krylon Chalkboard Paint
Embroidery floss
Thread
Drill with small drill bit (I used 3/32″)
X-ACTO knife, metal ruler, gridded self-healing rotary mat
Fine sandpaper (optional but recommended)

COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use this project and templates for your own personal use. Contact me for any commercial, distributed or published use.

First create your chalkboard. Trace a rectangle or shape onto the plastic using a Sharpie. You can use my truck pattern if you want. Using your metal ruler cut out the shape by running your X-ACTO knife next to the ruler. When making round shapes such as the truck tires be patient, just cut in the same spot over and over again and it will break through.

Lightly sanding your cut plastic piece is optional but I think it looks nicer to round off edges and rough up the front so the spray paint adheres better. Wipe off any dust using a wet lint-free cloth and let dry. Mark and drill holes 1/4 inch from each side on all four corners. The plastic is really easy to drill through, so I like to tape it on a cardboard box for easy control. Follow the spray paint directions to coat your chalkboard with three coats.

If using stabilizer, baste it onto the wrongside of the front and back so it’s easier to work with. If you’re putting in a zipper here are two ways to do it, either topstitched or not. Start by marking a dot 2 1/2 inches from both the left and right sides your front piece on one side. With right sides together, sew one side of the front to the back using a 1/2 inch seam up to the dots, leaving the middle open.

For topstitched: Baste the middle using a 1/2 inch seam. Press the seam open. Place the zipper face down and hand baste. Topstitch through the zipper. Take out your basting stitches.

Not topstitched: With the zipper open and face down on the right side of the fabric, sew one half of the zipper onto the front piece and the other half onto the back.

Sew around the other three sides of the pillow. I then add a tight zigzag stitch to make inside seam edges pristine. Turn right side out. Sew the chalkboard onto the front using floss. Insert the pillow form and sketch away!

Like these pillows but don’t want to make them yourself? Contact me and I’ll help.

Ring pillows

Kathy Beymer — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 01:29:39 +0000

I adore the photos of our rings on the pillow before the ceremony. In addition to looking nice at the ceremony itself the photos from our photographer added a nice storytelling element to our wedding album.

This ring pillow dolls up your ceremony and is perfect for the ringbearer or best man to hold. Best of all it’s really easy to make.

Supplies:

Cut two pieces of fabric 7″ x 7″ square. You can either put the same fabric on the front and bottom like I did or mix and match patterns or solids on the bottom. With right sides together, sew a 1/2 inch seam around the pillow, leaving about 3 inches open. Clip corners. Turn the pillow right side out and press. Fill the pillow with loose pillow stuffing, making sure to tease apart the stuffing apart first to avoid it balling up inside. I should say that with tiny pillows like this I prefer the loose stuffing, but I find that larger pillows are much nicer if you use pillow forms. Slipstitch the opening shut.

Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to tie a nice bow, about 24 inches. Fold your ribbon in half and secure it with thread the same color as your ribbon. Go all the way through to the backside of the pillow; it makes a cute indentation on the back. About six or so stitches through should do it. Tie a knot to cover up the stitches on the front a bit. That’s it. Finished pillow is 6” x 6” square.

Like this theme? Then try our sewn poppy fabric invitations, sewn return address envelopes with custom stamps, table numbers, guest towels, ring bearer pillow, place cards, sewn zigzagged programs, menu, reserved signs, whimsical flower garland “altar” and bridesmaid’s handbags.

Don’t feel like making them yourself? Contact me and I’ll help.