How to sew a rope trim pillow

Sara alavi

What you will need

1/2 yard holiday fabric
jute rope
polyester fiberfill
ribbon
tape measure

needle and thread
scissors
pinning needles
sewing machine

Cut the fabric

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Measure and cut the fabric into two 15" x 15" square pieces.

Make the string ornament

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Use a tape measure to find the center of one of the fabric squares. Hand stitch the end of the rope to that center point using several stitches to secure (Image 1). Start twisting the string around the center to create a circle, while stitching it in place (Image 2). Be sure to pull the string taut when winding and sewing firmly (Image 3). Continue wrapping until you have the desired size trim, finishing by sewing a straight line of string up when you reach the midpoint of the fabric square (Image 4). This will be the top of the ornament. Cut the string at the end, leaving an inch hanging over the end of the fabric (Image 5).

Sew the pillow

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Place the fabric squares together with the right sides of each fabric square touching each other (the string trim should sit between the two fabric squares). Pin the fabric pieces together. Sew all four sides together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side. When you get to the top of the trim where the 1-inch cord is hanging over the edge of the fabric square, sew slowly to allow the sewing machine to sew over the cord. Tips: Place the pins perpendicular to make it easier to remove the pins when sewing.

Preparation pillow for stuffing

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch and cut the corners of your pillow to prevent them from wrinkling when you turn the pillow inside out. Be careful not to cut any of the stitches. Also trim the extra string from the top of the ornament. Pull the pillow through the 4-inch opening to turn the pillow to the right side.

Fill the pillow

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Take small sections of the filling and fluff them up before putting them on the pillow so you don't end up with a lumpy pillow. To do this, pull apart the filler pieces to break up the fibers before placing them in the pillow. To get padding in the corners, use a padding tool (included in some fiberfill bags) or use a toothpick. Apply gentle pressure to press the filling into the corners, being careful not to press too hard. Continue filling the pillow until you achieve the desired firmness and softness.

Complete the pillow

Sara alavi

Sew the 4-inch opening by folding the ends of the fabric into the pillow and pinning it in place. Then sew the opening closed. Tie a piece of ribbon into a bow and hand sew the ribbon to the top of the string trim. Embellish with buttons, ribbons, or whatever else your holiday creativity inspires you to do.