How to Make a Button Pillow

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Alannah Horn
5 years ago
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1 How to Make a Button Pillow This inexpensive project makes a great addition to any room of the house. Written by: Ryan Spengler Michael Bishop Tim Kovich Katie Troyanoski Zachary Valcha

2 Required Materials Sewing machine Skirt or shirt with buttons down the center Scissors Thread to match cloth Cardboard (larger than 13 by 13 inches) Pillow form (12 by 12 inches) Iron and ironing board Measuring tape Pins Needles Pressing cloth (100% cotton) Definitions Backstitch: An overlapping stitch used to fasten thread ends at the start and end of a continuous stitch. This is done by sewing two or three stitches, adjusting the machine to stitch in reverse, sewing another two or three stitches, and then continuing forward. Baste stitch: A stitch used to temporarily secure two pieces of fabric together before machine stitching. It is usually done in a thread color that contrasts with the fabric color to make removing it easier. Pressing: Using steam to press the fabric in an up and down rather than side to side motion. Right side: The pattern side of the fabric, which will be on the outside (visible). Wrong side: The other side of the fabric, which will be on the inside. Construction usually takes place on this side.

3 Instructions 1. Find a button-down skirt or shirt (at least 13 inches wide) that will no longer be worn. 2. For a 12 by 12 inch pillow, cut a 13 by 13 inch pattern out of cardboard. Draw a line down the center and make a small hole to mark the center of the pattern.

want in the center of the pillow. Also make sure all buttons are in line with the centerline of the pattern.

4 3. Press the garment right side out. Caution: The iron is hot! 4. Place the pattern on the garment, making sure the hole that marks the center of the pattern is placed on top of the button you want in the center of the pillow. Also make sure all buttons are in line with the centerline of the pattern. Remove or reposition any buttons along the outside edge if they will interfere with the seam. 5. Pin the pattern through both layers of the garment and cut around the edges of the pattern. Caution: Scissors are sharp!

Place the fabric in the sewing machine so that the stitch begins ½ inch from the cut edge.

5 6. Remove the pattern. With the right sides of cut squares together, pin around the edges of the fabric. 7. Baste stitch around the edges, removing the pins as you stitch. Then press the square. 8. Place the fabric in the sewing machine so that the stitch begins ½ inch from the cut edge. Sew around the edges twice using a backstitch to begin and end. When reaching a corner, do not remove the fabric from the machine; just pivot the garment around the needle.

6 9. Cut the excess fabric from each corner on an angle, but do not cut the stitching. 10. Remove the baste stitching. Clip threads. 11. Press the seams open.

7 12. Turn the garment right side out and press again using a press cloth. Use the eraser end of a pencil to push the corner out. 13. Finally, insert the pillow form and button the buttons. Enjoy!

College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Prepared under the supervision of Jan Scholl, associate professor of agricultural and extension education.

8 College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Prepared under the supervision of Jan Scholl, associate professor of agricultural and extension education. Visit Penn State s College of Agricultural Sciences on the Web: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied. This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA , Tel /V, /TTY. The Pennsylvania State University 2005

Guide to Making a Fleece Hat

Guide to Making a Fleece Hat Introduction This guide was created specifically for 4-H members who want to become familiar with sewing steps necessary for making a fleece hat as seen on the cover page photo.