Sewing with Felt 2: Kids' Art Pillows

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

09 Apr 2006 03:30 PM

Do you have a favorite drawing that your child has made? Besides just saving the piece of paper, you can turn your child's masterpiece into a felt pillow that will can be on display and decorate a room, all the while allowing you to store away the precious drawing.

You will need a few simple sewing skills to complete a pillow, but these are easily learned. Check out this blog on basic sewing skills and you'll have all the information you need, even if you've never sewn a stitch, or taught a child to sew.

You will need:

Simple drawing

Felt in the colors you want your design, plus two large pieces of contrasting felt for the pillow

Matching thread, needle and scissors

Straight pins

Polyester Stuffing

1. Choose a drawing that has simple lines and simple parts.

2. Photocopy the drawing a few times. Cut out the shapes to make a pattern for each major shape.

3. Pin the shapes to the felt and cut out the felt.

4. Now cut out two rectangles of felt that are at least two inches larger than the design all the way around to form the pillow.

5. Pin the design together and pin it to one of the rectangles of felt.

6. Sew the pieces together, beginning with the pieces on top first. You can stuff some of the smaller pieces, like the cat's jowls and face, and the monster's body in these examples, for a dimensional look. For instructions on how to do this, go to this blog and follow the instructions for stuffing the dark pink heart. It's just fine to leave the picture flat.

7. When the design is pieced together and sewn to the felt rectangle, pin the two rectangles together all the way around. Sew a straight stitch all the way around the pillow, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Stop sewing when you have a couple of inches left still to sew. Stuff the pillow lightly. Pin the opening shut and finish sewing.

8. Display your pillow with pride!

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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