Sometimes we all need is a reminder that there are more productive things to do than watch 10 hours of Gilmore Girls re-runs. When I was searching the web for ways to inspire myself to get out of bed and hit the gym, I stumbled upon this little gem from Dormify:
Priced online at $89 dollars, I was sure this little guy wasn’t in my budget, so I decided to make it myself for under $20!
What you’ll need:
2 felt squares from your local craft store (for the letters)
1 pillow insert – 2 inches larger than your planned finished pillow size (you can find these at most craft stores)
1 yard of fabric (pick a color that will match your room!)
Scissors- pick a sharp pair to avoid frayed edges when you cut the fabric
Needle (or preferably a sewing machine!)
2 colors of thread, 1 to match the color felt you chose and another to match your fabric
Pins to hold your fabric in place
Making the letters:
1. Draw on your felt with light colored pencil the letters G, O, T, O, T, H, E, G, Y, M, this will make them much easier to cut out.
2. Cut out your letters with a sharp pair of scissors and take your time. I found that the felt was pretty difficult to cut so I had to be really careful in order to get (semi) clean lines.
Sewing the letters:
1. If your fabric is one sided you’re going to want to sew them on the side that has the pattern, design, etc- obvious, I know.
2. Stitch around the letters with your matching thread close to the edges as you can while still making sure they are secure. If you are using a needle and thread make sure to pull tightly after every stitch.
Making the pillow cover:
1. Make sure to wash and dry your fabric beforehand especially if you plan on washing it in the future- most fabrics you purchase from a fabric store are not pre-washed and could leave you with a much smaller product if you don’t wash it beforehand.
2. Square off your fabrics raw edge.
3. Cut your fabric into 2 uniform sizes 1.5 inches smaller in width and 1 inch smaller in height than the size of the pillow insert you chose. (I made a 12 x 18 in. pillow cover and cut my fabric into two 13.5 x 19 in. rectangles; my insert was 14 x 20 inches)
4. Place the two cut pieces on top of each other right sides together.
5. Pin your fabric along the sides and top and, using matching thread, starting 3 inches in from the left side and 1 inch from the bottom edge stitch toward the left and stop ½ inch from the left edge; turn the fabric and stitch up the left side stopping ½ inch from the top edge; turn the fabric and stitch across the top edge stopping ½ inch from the right edge; turn the fabric and stitch down the right side stopping 1 inch from the bottom edge; turn the fabric and stitch 2.5 inches along the bottom right side (reinforce the stitching at the beginning and end). *Be sure to sew your corners at a 90º angle if you want pointed corners on your pillow.
6. Now turn your pillowcase right-side out and stuff your pillow insert into the pillow. Sew the bottom edge shut, keeping your stitches as neat as possible since these may be visible from the outside.