Napkins into Pillows! {sewing project #2}

Right now I am snuggling on the couch with my new COUCH PILLOWS! {and the hubs, of course} Would you believe that I made them from the same brand everyday napkins I purchased for use in my kitchen???

Well the latest styles were back on clearance today at Target - not as cheap as last time, but only $5.58 for a pack of 4 cotton napkins from Dwell Studio! I just love their colors and patterns. I looked right at those things and saw they were 20 x 20 inches...same as the new pillow forms I just bought in anticipation of a little couch pillow making!  Home goal reached!

COINCIDENCE? I think not! 

I bought two different sets and with the blue ones, I decided to size up whether or not they would work for pillows. This would be perfect because I lack the space or tools for cutting up fabric...yet! And would you believe it - even though they didn't line up perfectly {it's okay Dwell Studio, still love ya} - it was a perfect match for my purposes!

And just so you know, it took me about twice as long {if not longer} to edit photos and write this post as it did to make these two pillows! Another quick, easy sewing job for you!

Don't own a machine? Don't know how to use one? Check out Sewing 101 {meant to inspire you!}. An easy sewing machine tutorial!

So to get started, you will need to first iron out all the creases. Of note, I did not wash these first because I was only working with the bare minimum seam allowances. Then you will need to line up the 20 x 20 napkins, patterns facing in, the best you can. Mine didn't exactly match up, but don't worry bout that!

I pinned the seams together so I didn't get lost when I was sewing! Fire up that machine and start sewing down one side, reverse stitching initially to secure your stitch. Remove pins as you go and try to keep a straight line the best you can along your unmatched seams.

This project is the same simple sewing as I did when I made my own everyday napkins. Just stitching down the seam and around the corners. BUT...this time I got smart! When you get to a corner, try to stop sewing with the needle still in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and turn the fabric 90 degrees so you don't lose your spot! {Why didn't I think of that before???} Then lower the presser foot back down, and just keep working around the three full sides.

Did I mention I work good under watch??? {he's so cute!}

Now, we need to take care of that fourth side. 

I made two pillows. One the first try, on the fourth side, I went back and sewed the seam from both corners towards the middle, about 4 inches, leaving space to stuff the pillow in the case. Make sure to secure the stitch with reverse stitching.

But on the second pillow, I started on the fourth side, at the four inch mark, and then sewed around the corner, all three sides, and back in four inches on that fourth side again, leaving that hole for the pillow.

Then flip your pillowcase inside out and push out the corners with your fingers. Looks professional so far, huh?

Now it's time to wrestle that pillow into the case

Not too bad! {good thing I work out} Now it's time to close up that hole. I'll admit, I tried several times on both pillows to do a hidden stitch, without luck. So I decided to close the hole with the machine.

Pin the seam shut and try to push the pillow so you have room to get the seam into the machine. Sew the seam closed, that's it!

I love the pattern with my other pillow, which honestly, could use a face lift or re-stuff! {future project?} 

The pillow forms were $18.99 each. They were 50% off and then I had a coupon for an additional 20% off. That made them around $8 each! And the napkins were $5.58. Each pillow came in around $10 each. Can't beat that for some new couch eye candy!!!

And the other set of napkins??? We'll just see what I can come up with for sewing project number three!  Stay tuned!

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