I like quilting pillows. They make great gifts and I can use them to try out new patterns. I've tried stuffing them but prefer the pillowform inserts. The problem is that I always end up with empty, floppy corners. The people I give them to are usually so enthused about the pattern and fabrics that it doesn't bother them... but it really bugs me! Help!

When you have the pillow top sewn, while it is turned inside out, if you measure in, on the corners about 2 inches and sew diagonally across that measurement, trim it off to match the seam allowance the floppy corners will disappear. You may have seen this technique used when making purses or tote bags, also :D :D :D

thanks amma... I'm not sure I understand, but I'll try it as you've said. I haven't made any purses or totes yet so this will come in handy when I do.

This is the technique I use. It works great!! http://www.sewingideas.com/downloada...ipedPillow.pdf

I always make the size of the finished pillow/cushion cover an inch smaller than the insert to make sure it fills out the case without distorting it. Although I have used scrunched up batting to fill out empty corners when I didn't have the appropriate size insert to hand.

That is a good technique, Ghostrider. I have saved it for future. I have been doing something similar, but this does give the measurements....I have just been winging it!

Thanks for the topic and ghost - thanks for the tute. Never made a pillow, but might now.

Note that the pillows are made with 1/2" seams, not 1/4", because they get more stress from elbows and such. If you use a different seam allowance and still want to include a batting or fleece lining, make sure your basting (line 13) falls within the seam allowance. Also, the measurement on line 8 will be equal to the width of your chosen seam allowance. Half inch seams work the best for me and I have never had to mend a pillow seam because someone sat on it or bopped their sister with it.

Thanks for mentioning the seam allowances - I didn't read the tutorial that carefully -

Glad to know you make your pillows to be used!

Or withstand use (abuse?)

[quote=PrettyKitty]I always make the size of the finished pillow/cushion cover an inch smaller than the insert quote]






Please clarify - the tute says to purchase an 18" pillow form, and directions say to cut the backing fabric to 18", and that when the stripes are sewed together, it should equal 18". And you say you make the finished size an inch smaller than the insert - don't both of these make it difficult to stuff???

I've never made a pillow either, just trying to "see" it in my mind.

If I am using a pillow form I make my fabric measure the same as the pillow form. :?: If you have a 18" square you have a 18" pillow form. OK??? Otherwise, you could use some polyfil in the corners of the already finished pillows. :wink:

Great information! I think I will make some pillows for gifts! Thanks for sharing. :lol:

My son loves to make pillows and his always have floppy corners. Thanks for the hint. I'll pass it on to him.

Thanks everybody who knew the great tips and to those who didn't, thanks for making me feel not so alone about it. I really thought I was the only one who didn't know how to make a simple pillow. I love pillows for trying out new pattern blocks. Now I can make them look better than ever!

...I understand that the fabric is same size as pillow form, but like
KittyGram said, this won't make it hard to put insert in? bc you have to actually make the cover smaller, after doing seam allowances. If your using a non-stretchy material...I see me having a pillow fight :D

Thank you - that was exactly what I was thinking, but I couldn't come up with the words!! Pillow fight describes exactly what I was visualizing!!!

KittyGram wrote: Thank you - that was exactly what I was thinking, but I couldn't come up with the words!! Pillow fight describes exactly what I was visualizing!!!

your welcome! :D i went to one of the addy's given, and copied pillow pattern, but, I guess, when you make one, it's a tight fit. Gives directions to prevent the floppy ears too. (on page 1, can't recall the website right now.)

No pillow fights needed! You squish the pillow form and it goes in just fine, and gives you a nice full pillowcover. By the way, I don't use a 1/2" seam allowance, but a fat 1/4" stitched twice, one just a little closer to the edge than the other...Try it just with two pieces of fabric that you don't care about. It does work :D