tropit

I'm sure that I'm like everyone else...once dinner is done, the DH and I like to prop ourselves up on our respective couches with some borrowed pillows from the bed and watch TV until we doze off. Those pillows seem to always be on the couch, even in the daytime. Those small, decorative pillows are pretty, but just aren't big enough for us, so I've decided to make some big, quilted, bed pillow covers/cases that don't look like they came off a bed, but actually belong in the living room. I'm going to heavily quilt them, so that they hold up to people and dogs.

I made some Christmasy ones for the bed this year and they have quickly become my favorite, "snuggling pillows." (The cat's favorite too.) Now, that the holidays are about over, I'm sad to have to take them off and go back to plain, white pillow cases. I guess I'll have to make some for the bed too.

One nice thing is that the actual pillows are cheap...about $3 at Walmart. They don't last that long, so when they get stiff and lumpy, I can just replace them. I could also get fancy with some down, but I think that they will take a beating.

deborahscanlon

I use bed pillows on the couch too, the others are too big and hurt my neck if I lay on them. What a great idea. Good way to use up unused blocks too. Did you make your Christmas pillows like a pillowcase or did they have a zipper or velcro closing?

tropit

My Christmas pillows have 2 pieces of coordinating fabric on the back that overlap about 8 inches. They stay put and are easy to remove the pillow for washing, or storing.

Rhonda K

I use 20 inch pillow forms for inserts and change out different covers. The back is two pieces with a hidden zipper. The corners are cut so there are no dog ears.

I finished the last pillow with a flange binding around the edges. It was fun!

Our LQS had classes each month for pillows. We learned lots of techniques to make them interesting; piping, ruffles, and grommets were fun!

SusieQOH

I don't know exactly why but I can't seem to make pillows. They never look right. I like the backs that fold (can't think of the term) but I always get pulling at the top and bottom. And I don't like zippers and cording. I was thinking of just buying some new ones but I haven't even looked yet.

SallyS

I make pillow covers -- any size -- with a 3" flange. Just make the cover 3" too big on all outside edges, and add enough on the ends tha wrap around the pillow so they overlap on the back by 4" or so. I do add an extra 2" on each end of the overlap, fold to make a 1" finished hem that's straight stitched down. Stitch sides to close cover and secure the overlap in place. Turn the cover right side out and stitch all around, 3" from the edge. That stitching holds the overlapped ends in place, is easy and looks professional.

Another thing I do to get square corners is fold seam allowances down, one side of the corner over the other at the corner. Keep them that way when you turn the cover right side out. That method can be used on any corner.

Onebyone

I took a pillow class long ago. We were instructed to line the cover with batting before using a pillow form or stuffing. It kept the pillow from bunching up.