DIY.. Kids Name Pillow + Giveaway

I’m happy to be sharing this adorable pillow today.  I’ve wanted to make a “Tanner” pillow since my little guy was born. I’ve just never gotten around to it… Pillows are super simple to make AND add style to your child’s bedroom. So when the opportunity came about to be apart of the Shabby Fabrics Blogger Challenge, I jumped at the chance.

I had a lot of fun making this pillow. My son is 3 and loves finding the letter T in his surroundings.. He always shouts out, “Hey Mommy..  “T” for Tanner” when he sees a stop sign or the letter on the side of a truck. It is the cutest thing and warms my heart.

Shabby Fabrics created laser cut shapes and they come in different shapes and sizes – hearts, dots, stars, butterflies, letters.. There are so many options! The laser cut shapes are so easy to use and you’ll be sewing in 1.2.3…

And guess what? I’m hosting a giving away with this post – a FREE package of shapes. Make sure to read below, it’s easy to enter.

Materials needed:

1. 3 fat quarters
2. Shabby Fabrics Laser Cut Applique Shapes – Alphabet Set and/or laser cut shapes
3. 12″ x 21″ Pillow form
4. Velcro pieces
5. Disappearing fabric ink pen
6. Sewing supplies and sewing machine
7. Iron and ironing board
8. Serger – optional

An envelope pillow is the perfect project for beginner sewers. I promise you can do this in an afternoon  – just grab 3 coordinating fat quarters, the laser cut applique shapes, your sewing supplies and you are good to go.

Ok. Let’s get started.. Cutting instructions:

1. Pillow front –  Cut out 1 rectangle 21 3/4″L x 12 3/4″W.
2. Pillow Back –  Cut out 1 rectangle measuring 15″L x 12 3/4″W [ large side] and another measuring 13 “L x 12 3/4″W [ small side]

Here are your 5 Easy steps:

Step 1 – Lay the back fabric pieces on your work surface.  On the “large side”, turn and fold under the short edge 1″. Press with an iron. Turn and fold under 1″ again. Press. Place into your sewing machine and top stitch along the folded edge. Repeat for the “small side. These pieces create the envelope back.

Step 2 – Lay the front pillow piece on your work surface. Take letters and shapes out of the package and play with the layout on the front. Leave a little extra room for the sides and make sure it it even especially the ends. Read Shabby Fabrics package directions – carefully peel off the backing off the pieces. Place the shapes onto your pillow front. Press in place. Applique around the outside of each letter and shape. I usually use a straight stitch, but any stitch will do.

Step 3 – Place pillow front right side up on your work surface. Lay the back rectangle pieces right side facing down.  The “large side” should be placed first and on the left. The “small side” should be placed on the right. Pin where they overlap and also around the outside edge. Place into sewing machine and stitch together with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Press. Finish the raw edges.

Step 4 – Turn right side out. Wiggle corners into place. Press.

Step 5 – Insert the pillow form. Wiggle around so the side seams match. Jiggle each corner into place again. And that’s it, cute pillow complete.

And now on to the BEST part!! I’m giving a set of ALPHABET SHAPES away!! It’s easy. Just leave a comment for this post and let me know what you would make.. That’s it.. The winner will be selected at random and is open internationally. The contest is open through Sunday, March 22nd 12pm EST.

Please note – the contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered.

There are a bunch of great projects in the Blog Hop – check out the links below:

Tuesday, March 17th – Paula at The Sassy Quilter

Wednesday, March 18th – Daniela at On The Cutting Floor

Wednesday, March 18th – Erin at Why Not Sew?

Wednesday, March 18th – Deby at So Sew Easy

Thursday, March 19th – Alyce at Blossom Heart Quilts

Thursday, March 19th – Me 🙂

Friday, March 20th – Melissa at Happy Quilting

Friday, March 20th – Mahriam at Three Owls handmade

Saturday, March 21st – Melissa at Polka Dot Chair

Please note that Shabby Fabrics sent me the appliqué letters and stars for this project. However, all opinions are my own. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Happy Sewing.