Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Ruffled Christmas Tree Pillow Tutorial

I am so happy to see that ruffles are still in vogue!  They seem to be everywhere in fashion, home and seasonal decor this year and I just love the soft, easy, romantic feeling they evoke!  I had an idea for a throw pillow with an appliqued ruffled tree that I couldn't wait to try.  I think it turned out pretty cute and it could easily be customized to suit a variety of decorating styles.
I started by tearing a strip of natural colored muslin, approx 2 inches wide, and 2 yards long. A small rectangle of burlap will serve as the trunk of the tree, 2" x 1.5."
There are many different methods for creating ruffles.  I was going for quick and easy, so I just fed my length of muslin through my sewing machine, sewing down the center and gathering the fabric with my fingers with each stitch.  You could buy pre-made ruffle trim at the fabric store, and if you're not into sewing, you could even hot glue the ruffles onto a store bought pillow!
If you're making your own pillow cover, you'll want to cut two pieces of fabric the appropriate size to cover the pillow form you're using.  Be sure to leave room for a seam allowance.  I used canvas drop cloth here and folded the front panel with the corners together, finger pressing the center.  This way, when I opened it up to apply the ruffles, I had the center marked for lining everything up evenly.
Next, I cut 5 lengths from my muslin ruffle:
1.  12 inches
2.  10 inches
3.  8 inches
4.  4 inches
5.  1.5 inches
I also cut a 12 inch piece of vintage lace to act as the tree skirt.  I pinned the ruffles, lace and burlap into place to form the tree, using that center fold line in the canvas as a guide.  I then took the panel to the sewing machine and sewed down the center of each ruffle (right over the stitching I'd done to create the ruffle).  I stitched around the edge of the burlap piece to create the trunk.  At this point I think it would be fun to play with some trim...adding buttons or beads as "ornaments."  I started to add some pearly buttons to mine but decided I really liked it as is.  A burlap star on top would be cute too!  So many possibilities!
Once I had the the tree just how I wanted it, I pinned my pillow form, right sides together and sewed around the edges, leaving a section of the bottom open.  I then turned the cover right side out, inserted my pillow form and stitched up the bottom by hand.
This festive little pillow was so fast, fun and easy to make!  I hope my instructions were clear enough to help you make your own if you so desire.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  I am happy to help!

I hope you're having a wonderful day!  

Take care!

Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda


 
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