Cuties, I am into for a while , making some decorator pillows. I have no pillow training or classes. In the past I have just made pillows and not worried it there were made correctly. I just winged them . Now I have been asked to make some for the consignment store that I am presently stitching for and I need help for suggestions and ideas. Help wanted as to size and tricks of the trade. Kay

If I run cord all around, don' t know how to do the zipper. Help!

I always use invisible zips in the bottom of my pillows.I have a clear invisible zipper foot.I use a overlocker for the edges.
Overlock the edge of the fabric ,pin invisible zip in place ,stitch just inside the edge of the zipper edge , this holds the zip in place making it easier to sew , then open zip & with the zipper foot sew down beside the zip teeth as close as possible.I find using a quick unpicker to hold the teeth down as you sew helps to get a nice close row of stitching ,next to the teeth.Repeat on other side checking everything is around the right way before you stitch it into place.
Overlock the other 3 sides.One neat cushion.
I find that cushion inserts become like flat pancakes after about a year .I have a bale of toy stuffing bought years ago ,so I make my own inserts that never go flat.

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by katydid 06 Jan 2017

I think I had a special foot for invisible zippers, but I can't find it. Do you need that special foot? Kay

Started on my pillows and have been cutting out the fronts and backs and waiting for my cheap zippers from Wawak.com to come in. They have really good prices on zippers. The first ones I made had buttons and buttonholes on back side and took more time than putting a zipper in. I notice the store bought all have invisible zippers . I tried these years ago and did not have the best of luck. Help !! on invisible zippers! Kay

I buy my forms at Walmart in every size they sale then you can buy them easy when you need more ****

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

Thanks

I sewed upholstery and we used a triangle seam in the corner making the edge of the pillow looking better and allowing an edge to sew all kinds of trim on, also I think buttons with buttons holes look more expensive than a zipper. just my idea.

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

Interesting.

Good advice you have received here Kay. Congratulations on making more. The ones you made before must have sold well and that's great for you/ Hugs Lillian

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

I have just winged them.

Gerry's info is great. I would also use basic pillow forms that are easily replaced if the need arises and then with zippers like Gerry recommended from her class. If they want to be able to upgrade materials or change out for seasons it is also much cheaper to purchase pillow covers than to repurchase the pillow forms and then also have to store the others until the next season. I would also be sure to totally finish those inside seams, which is easy if you sew the seams by putting the wrong sides together, after stitching the seam then fold right sides together like you normally would have done, and sew the seam again which totally encloses those raw edges into the seam. You just need to be sure you have allowed enough material in the seam allowance to complete. I would also say to be sure not to have the material too big for the pillow form, better full and tight than loose and sloppy looking, especially for a business. I would also add to make a sample up and have approval to go ahead, as surprises like a customer not being happy with something is far easier to address on a first pillow not the 15th and at what you would have been thinking was the final stage of the job. Congratulations on the getting the job. Hope all goes smoothly and no glitches on either side of the arrangement. Pam

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

Thanks for excellent advise. KAY

You could try Google cushions or look on YouTube for tutorials..

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

Oh my , you are helpful.

If they are decorative ones they can be all sizes I suppose. How about going on the internet to find out what the current trend is and take it from there?

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by katydid 03 Jan 2017

YES ,I will.

Kay, I make them to fit the pillow forms from Joann's. But if the form is, say 18" sq., I cut the fabric no larger than 19". Took a class at Martha Pullen's School one year, & the gal teaching it said to put zippers in your pillows...they looked more professional. Along the bottom seam. Put it in before you sew the front & back together & then sew around...but be sure & unzip some so you can turn it! I'll see if I can find my instructions & PM them to you later.

2 comments

by katydid 03 Jan 2017

YES I LIKE THIS IDEA!!

by 2newbie 04 Jan 2017

a lot of answers to how to make a pillow cover. I was just trying to figure out how much material to get I bought to pillow forms. that's as far as I have gotten. LOL. still tired from the holidays. I love how there is so many people to answer its always helps. I don't have many friends who sew. I have actually one she makes quilts.