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Be Our Guest: Our Humble A{Bowe}d

First up to keep our virtual casa nice and cozy is Amanda from Our Humble A{Bowe}d.  Although I can’t sew a lick (all those strings and threads on those dreaded machines are enough to induce a full on panic attack), I’m happy to report that Amanda, well… she can. So for the first time ever in this YBH, we have a sewing tutorial. But, you see, she makes it look easy. (And maybe it is.)

Hey there! We’re Amanda and Ben from Our Humble A{Bowe}d and we’re so excited to guest post today.

Kim and Scott are so inspiring, so we’re honored to be here. We know Kim doesn’t do much sewing, so we figured we’d share several pillow tutorials. If you’re not comfortable sewing, several of these could be made using hem tape, too.

First, let’s start with a simple envelope closure pillow cover.

Basically, cut a strip of fabric 1 inch wider than a pillow form and 6 to 8 inches longer than double the form size. Fold the short ends over twice for a nice, clean edge. Sew along the outside edge. Then, fold, right sides together, until you’ve made a square the size of the insert. Pin the edges together and sew along the unfinished edges. Turn the cover right side out and you’re done! Ta da, a pillow.

Another option is to cut a square one inch larger than your pillow form and two rectangles one inch wider and four inches longer than half of the pillow. Sew one long edges on each of the rectangles. Pin right sides together and sew all four outer sides. We’ve also made simple white pillow forms and painted patterns.

Now that you’ve got the basic form down, let’s try another one. This is slightly more complex and much more time-consuming, but a beginner can still tackle the felt circle pillow cover.

Start with a piece of fabric one inch larger than the front of the pillow form. Cut millions of circles (not literally, but it will feel like it) our of felt or another non-fraying material. Starting in the middle of the front cover, sew directly down the center of one felt circle. Continue sewing circles on in a random pattern until you’ve covered all but one inch around all four sides. Attach a back, turn out, cover a pillow form and admire your handiwork.

If you’re comfortable with a sewing machine and don’t hate measuring and ironing, give the herringbone pillow a try.

Start with a piece of fabric for the backing. Cut several three-inch wide by 2 yard long strips of fabric. Press in half, creating ribbons. Place the strips in a diagonal pattern, ends overlapping. Sew along the outer edge of each strip, continuing until you’ve covered the backing fabric. Finish it off with a back and voilà!

Thank you so much, Kim for letting us take over for a day!

Thank you, Amanda!

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  • Tina8.15.11 - 1:28 PM

    Thanks for mentioning the alternative, hem tape. I no longer have a sewing machine but have made many things using hem tape and it’s worked out quite well! I love that herringbone pattern. I might have to replicate that on something soon.ReplyCancel

  • aleksandra8.16.11 - 11:11 AM

    This is awesome. You have incredible taste in patterns and fabric, by the way. I’m going to try some of these when I become unemployed in October after we move . . .
    Hooray!ReplyCancel

  • Emma8.17.11 - 1:19 PM

    Wow… those are so lovely. Delightful. I am learning to sew myself and so I *may* be able to do some of those. The herringbone pillow is so pretty. One could even use different fabrics. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

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Kim and Scott

We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

Join us as we renovate and nurture vintage homes across Chicago + SW Michigan!

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