Decorative Cushions Blog

Want to perk up your decor?  Decorative cushions are one quick and easy way.  Forget about paying retail prices for them, they are very easy and inexpensive to sew yourself.

Follow these simple steps to create a decorative cushion cover that takes little time to do, even if you have never done one before.

A pillow in this style is sometimes called a “Harem” pillow.  It is a modified version of a”Knife Edge” pillow.

If you have old knife edge pillows around, this is a great way to dress them up.  

To make the “Harem” cover, follow these steps:

1.  Determine your desired pillow size and add 1/2 inch seam allowance to each side.  Measure and cut 2 squares or rectangles of fabric.

2.  Align right sides together and stitch the three sides of the pillow including around the corners on the fourth side.  Leave about a 2-1/2 inch opening in the middle of the fourth side to insert the pillow liner or foam.

Note:  There is the option to insert a zipper in the fourth seam or you can leave the opening and once you insert the pillow liner or foam.  You can hand stitch the opening closed.

3.  Press the seam allowances open

4.  Make sure NOT to cut or trim the seams or corners.

5.  While the pillow cover is wrong side out, draw a line across each corner on an angle about 2-1/2 inches down from the corner.

6.  While still wrong side out, pinch and gather up the corners with your fingers along the drawn line.

7.  Use string or strong carpet thread to wrap around the pinched corner and tie a secure knot.

8.  Now, turn the cover right side out.

9.  Insert your knife edge pillow liner or form.

Note:  It is not necessary to tie the corners of your knife edge pillow liner.

10.  Close the zipper or slipstitch the opening closed.

Enjoy your Harem pillow.

Another idea is to go ahead and turn your pillow cover right side out first and then tie all four corners for a different look.  Tie the corners with some decorative cord and tassels.

Cut up sheets or pillow cases to make your Harem pillows to match your bedroom decor. It adds a real decorator touch!

If you are artistic, here is your chance to have your accent pillows make a statement in your home.  A pillow is the perfect palette to do your creative thing whether it is stitching, painting, photography, or whatever, put it on your pillows.

Try it! It just makes sense!

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks. In her ebook, “Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants”, find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

For more information, go to => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, “Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids” and “Classy Designer Straight Skirt” where she teaches basic and advanced sewing techniques.

To learn more, go to => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com

Article Source: EZineArticles.com