Sweater Throw Pillow

Well, the throw pillow projects continue, and I decided I'd like a simple pillow to pair with some of the more colorful ones. I had a brown cardigan that I LOVED, but even after losing the baby weight, it just never fit right. I decided it would be better served as a pillow cover, so my project began with that cardigan and a pillow I picked up, with another one as a set, for cheap on sale at Target. (Tip - you don't have to have a "pillow form." Sometimes just a neutral pillow will work great AND might be cheaper!)

Materials:
cardie/sweater
pillow/pillow form
matching thread
scissors

Step 1: Turn the cardie inside out and sew the bottom shut. I pinned and then sewed, but if you're more confident, you can just hold it even and sew. I found with the knit material that my walking foot was a lifesaver.


Step 2: With the cardie still inside out, place it over the pillow and do up the buttons. This step is necessary to see where to sew on the top. I was lucky enough (I thought) that the width was perfect, so I only needed to worry about the top and bottom. More on that later.


Step 3: Now pin where you'll sew your seams for the top and that little annoying part of the sleeve. I decided to ignore the problem and hope it didn't bug me much, but you could make more of an effort to find a longer cardie or shorter pillow/pillow form if you think that will bother you. I admit it; I'm a total enabler of OCD.


Step 4: Take out the pillow and mark where you'll sew on the side unless you modified so that you don't have a little bit of sleeve. Also turn your pins so they're easier to take out as you sew and less likely to stick you as you sew directly towards them. Ask me how I know this.


Step 5: Repeat with the top. The marking pen doesn't matter much since you'll be turning it right side out. I'm pretty sure I used a black sharpie because nothing else would show up. Oh, and as usual, please ignore the pics. I'm very haphazard about experimenting with the different settings on my camera. One day I'll have time. Sure.


Step 6: Cut the extra off. Be sure it's on the OUTSIDE of the seams you've just sewn. Then look at it, realize you need to square it up a little more, and repeat steps 4 and 6. :)


Step 7: Turn the cardie right side out, put it on the pillow, and admire your handy work. Um, admire? What's the bulk about? I don't want that when I wear a cardie, so I certainly don't want it on my pillow! Ugh! What to do...? The battle of the bulge on a pillow!?


Step 8: Take off the cover, mark a line an inch or more from the edge of the pillow, and sew that bad boy with a fairly short stitch to make sure it's secure. Then cut off the excess.


Step 9: Put the cover back on, wet it a little with a water bottle, pin where it tends to bulge, and let it dry overnight to get comfortable with it's new shape. This step is totally optional. Did I mention OCD?


Step 10: Step back and admire your gorgeous, chic, and practically FREE throw pillow!


I know I wanted neutral, but I'm thinking one of those felt flowers positioned kind of like a brooch could really add something. What do you think? I'll be linking to my usual parties on the left. :)