If you're like me, you have many finished cross-stitch projects safely tucked away, waiting to be used in some way.
There are many cross stitchers who 1) fall in love with a design without a moment's thought about how they will use it, 2) find it doesn't really fit in where they had intended to use it, 3) framed it themselves, and it was a little disappointing or 4) having it professionally framed was not in the budget.
So, what can we do? MAKE PILLOWS! This is a wonderful and versatile way to display your finished projects.
We all have sofas, chairs, baskets, beds, shelves, etc.
, begging to be embellished.
And, you will have a one-of-a-kind beautiful accent piece.
Besides, it's very easy to mix and match various designs this way.
If you're on a budget, it's also much less expensive.
Your finished piece is priceless and will probably become an heirloom so treat it with great care.
There are some things you will need to take into consideration before you begin a pillow project.
Your piece will not be stretched as it would be if it were framed, so it's important that your finished project is flat and even before you begin.
Gently wash your finished piece with mild soap before making it into a pillow.
Roll it up in a Turkish towel to remove the extra moisture and press it on the back side over a padded surface until it is dry, or you can dry it first and press it with a good amount of steam.
Never press it on the right side because the stitches will flatten if you do.
Now it's time to think of what type of pillow you want.
There are many books on the market with instructions on making pillows or you can go to your local library and find books there.
Best pillow types to use for cross-stitch or needlepoint projects
You will need to choose a fabric for the back of the pillow in a color that compliments the design.
You will want to use this same fabric to cover the cording, so don't choose a fabric that would detract from or overpower the design.
The Ruffled pillow Ruffles make an attractive showcase for cross-stitch, needlepoint and other needlework designs.
It is important to choose a fabric color that does not overpower the design but rather enhances it.
The same fabric is used for the back of the pillow.
Not all designs lend themselves to ruffles - something to consider.
The Knife-Edge Pillow This is the same as a corded pillow without the cording.
This style of pillow is plump in the center and flat around the edges, and it is very simple to make.
However, it does not display the piece as well as the other styles.
Box Pillow Box pillows are firm because of a boxing strip that is sewn between the cover and the back of the pillow.
They can be made with or without cording.
This pillow style displays a needlework piece very well and is a good choice if you want to set the pillow on a shelf or in a cabinet for display.
You can have a piece of foam cut in the exact size and depth you need.
Foam is very difficult to cut evenly, so have it cut professionally at the place where it is purchased.
You will need to take the same care in choosing the fabric for the back and boxing strip as you would with the other styles.
Stuffing for your pillows There are pre-made pillow forms available that you can purchase, or if you can't find the size you need, you can make your own by using polyester stuffing you can purchase by the bag.
If you are making your own pillow form, first make a form out of muslin in the size that you need and stuff it to the desired firmness with the polyester stuffing.
It's not recommended to put the stuffing directly into the pillow itself.
If you are doing a box pillow, you can use either a precut foam piece or a box-pillow form.
If you are using a foam piece, wrap it with muslin or other light-weight fabric before inserting it into your pillow.
Openings for your pillows We recommend using one of these methods for creating an opening for your pillow to easily remove the pillow form when it needs to be cleaned.
Take your piece to a dry cleaner you trust and discuss the project with them - this is a priceless piece and you don't want anything to happen to it.
There are many cross stitchers who 1) fall in love with a design without a moment's thought about how they will use it, 2) find it doesn't really fit in where they had intended to use it, 3) framed it themselves, and it was a little disappointing or 4) having it professionally framed was not in the budget.
So, what can we do? MAKE PILLOWS! This is a wonderful and versatile way to display your finished projects.
We all have sofas, chairs, baskets, beds, shelves, etc.
, begging to be embellished.
And, you will have a one-of-a-kind beautiful accent piece.
Besides, it's very easy to mix and match various designs this way.
If you're on a budget, it's also much less expensive.
Your finished piece is priceless and will probably become an heirloom so treat it with great care.
There are some things you will need to take into consideration before you begin a pillow project.
Your piece will not be stretched as it would be if it were framed, so it's important that your finished project is flat and even before you begin.
Gently wash your finished piece with mild soap before making it into a pillow.
Roll it up in a Turkish towel to remove the extra moisture and press it on the back side over a padded surface until it is dry, or you can dry it first and press it with a good amount of steam.
Never press it on the right side because the stitches will flatten if you do.
Now it's time to think of what type of pillow you want.
There are many books on the market with instructions on making pillows or you can go to your local library and find books there.
Best pillow types to use for cross-stitch or needlepoint projects
- Corded pillow
- Ruffled pillow
- Knife-edge pillow
- Box pillow
You will need to choose a fabric for the back of the pillow in a color that compliments the design.
You will want to use this same fabric to cover the cording, so don't choose a fabric that would detract from or overpower the design.
The Ruffled pillow Ruffles make an attractive showcase for cross-stitch, needlepoint and other needlework designs.
It is important to choose a fabric color that does not overpower the design but rather enhances it.
The same fabric is used for the back of the pillow.
Not all designs lend themselves to ruffles - something to consider.
The Knife-Edge Pillow This is the same as a corded pillow without the cording.
This style of pillow is plump in the center and flat around the edges, and it is very simple to make.
However, it does not display the piece as well as the other styles.
Box Pillow Box pillows are firm because of a boxing strip that is sewn between the cover and the back of the pillow.
They can be made with or without cording.
This pillow style displays a needlework piece very well and is a good choice if you want to set the pillow on a shelf or in a cabinet for display.
You can have a piece of foam cut in the exact size and depth you need.
Foam is very difficult to cut evenly, so have it cut professionally at the place where it is purchased.
You will need to take the same care in choosing the fabric for the back and boxing strip as you would with the other styles.
Stuffing for your pillows There are pre-made pillow forms available that you can purchase, or if you can't find the size you need, you can make your own by using polyester stuffing you can purchase by the bag.
If you are making your own pillow form, first make a form out of muslin in the size that you need and stuff it to the desired firmness with the polyester stuffing.
It's not recommended to put the stuffing directly into the pillow itself.
If you are doing a box pillow, you can use either a precut foam piece or a box-pillow form.
If you are using a foam piece, wrap it with muslin or other light-weight fabric before inserting it into your pillow.
Openings for your pillows We recommend using one of these methods for creating an opening for your pillow to easily remove the pillow form when it needs to be cleaned.
- Insert a zipper along one side of the pillow between the cording and the back piece.
- Insert a zipper in the center of the back piece of your pillow.
If you don't have a lot of sewing experience, this may be an easier method for you.
If you do it carefully, it will look beautiful. - Or, you could take it to a professional who finishes pillows.
Take your piece to a dry cleaner you trust and discuss the project with them - this is a priceless piece and you don't want anything to happen to it.
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