When I find plain fabric without a pattern, I decorate the pillows with appliqués. I just love making them. To make an applique you need very few materials and tools:
- pieces of fabric;
- drawing paper;
- cardboard for stencil (if you need a stencil);
- pen or pencil;
- marker (not always);
- scissors;
- glue stick;
- sewing threads;
- sewing machine.
To implement the drawing, I take flock. This fabric is special. It is colorful, beautiful and, most importantly, not loose. The edges of the applique parts do not become dirty even when washed.
I also make pillows with appliqués for gifts. I select the drawing itself depending on the event. It can be:
- Children's drawings;
- horoscope signs (zodiacal or eastern);
- names;
- be-be-bears;
- hearts;
- butterflies....
It takes less time to make a simple design, but an applique made from a large number of parts of different colors looks more masterpiece and causes more delight.
I find drawings for my applications freely available on the Internet, print them on plain paper, enlarge or reduce them using standard computer programs.
I cut out the picture, divide it into parts and select flock color for each element.
If I plan to use a drawing several times, I make a stencil out of it: I glue the parts onto cardboard and cut them out.
Using the resulting patterns, I cut out the details of the applique, having first outlined each one on the wrong side of the fabric. Scissors for applique must be sharp and not “chew” the material so that the edges of the picture details are clear.
After cutting out all the design blanks, I lay out the applique on the fabric prepared for the pillow to determine the optimal position. I adjust the parts to each other, cutting off the excess if they are not quite tightly connected.
Having determined the position of the picture, I begin to sew on the parts one by one, starting with the central or largest one. I first secure the elements with a glue stick: I smear it on the wrong side and press it well. It is not forbidden to use a cold iron for pressing.
I sew the applique with a regular stitch on a machine. While sewing, I make sure that the piece does not move from its place and is sewn on without folds or wrinkles.
When all parts of the pattern are sewn, I draw some small details with a marker. The marker does not get dirty, but it does wash off. What's stopping you from drawing everything again?
When the applique is completely ready and looks good, I proceed to further production of the pillow.I finish sewing the pillowcase, sewing in the lock, and stuff the filling into it. To fill the pillowcase, I cut foam rubber into small cubes or use ready-made filling: holofiber, padding polyester, padding polyester.
This is how you can quickly and easily decorate a boring pillow. A cheerful pillow brings joy not only to children, but also to adults, believe me.
