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How to Make a Pillow with Ruffles

Materials List
At least 2 coordinating fabrics
Fiberfill to stuff your pillow
Basic sewing notions such as: thread, scissors, needles, pins, etc.

Instructions
1. Cut or piece pillow top to selected size. Remember that doubling your front and back fabric will extend the life of the pillow. Measure the circumference or perimeter of your pillow.

2. Decide on the width that you want your ruffle to be. Cut the fabric double the width size. For example, if you want a 2” ruffle, cut the width 4”.

3. Cut the length 2 to 3 times longer than the circumference or perimeter of your pillow. You may need to piece several shorter pieces and sew them together to get the preferred ruffle length.

4. Sew ends of the ruffle together. Fold width in half with right sides facing outward. Press at the fold.

5. You will need a length of thread a few inches longer than the perimeter or circumference of the pillow. Knot the end of the thread.

6. Place gathering stitches along the raw edges of the ruffle. Pull to gather the stitches as you sew around the ruffle. Leave thread loose when your last stitch meets your first stitch. You will need to be able to adjust the ruffle as you position it around the pillow front.

7. Place ruffle on the right side of the pillow front. Carefully position the ruffle and pin in place (this may take a while and a little patience). Be sure the raw edge of the ruffle matches up with the raw edges of the pillow front. See picture provided below.

8. Sew ruffle and pillow front edges together using ¼” seam allowance. Be careful; you may have to shift the ruffle a little bit as you sew around the corner.

9. Sew pillow back onto pillow front with right sides facing each other using about ½” seam allowance. Be sure the ruffle is tucked neatly under the pillow back. Pin back in place. Sew the ruffle carefully around the corners. Leave 3 or 4” open on the bottom to turn the pillow right side out. Once you turn the pillow right side out, the ruffles will be on the outside.

10. Tug on corners after turning to be sure the pillow is squared (unless you made a round pillow Ü)

11. Stuff pillow to desired fullness. Sew opening closed and your pillow is finished.

You can use this same concept when you want to add ruffles to doll dresses, totes, quilts and more. Enjoy!