Remember the time my mom tried to give me a sewing lesson and wound up making me four brand new chair cushions, all by herself?
Well, I’ve been practicing — all straight line sewing, of course. And here’s one of the novice sewing projects I’ve completed.
This American flag pillow is an easy sewing project for sure; if I can make it, then anyone can.
All you need is some muslin fabric, an 8X12-inch American flag, a pillow form, sewing machine or needle & thread. A drop cloth would also work well, or really any fabric you like.
I wanted my pillow to have vintage look — like something you might see in a Ralph Lauren ad — so I started out by removing the flag from the dowel and tea-staining it.
I used the same method to age it as I did for my vintage-style tea-stained American flags. (Click over for the full tutorial.)
Once the flag was stained and dried, I sewed it to a square of muslin fabric, sized an inch larger than my pillow form to allow for seams.
I sewed as close to the edge as possible, and I opted to use an ivory thread, but you could also use red or blue. It doesn’t bother me that my stitching shows. I think it adds to the vintage look of the pillow.
Once I attached the flag to the muslim, I added a back and sewed on three sides, inserted a pillow form and finished the open side by hand. Basic pillow construction.
Since making my pillow, I have noticed a bit of fraying around the edges of my flag. I didn’t anticipate this, but it’s a problem easily remedied by sealing the edges of the flag with fray check or clear fingernail polish BEFORE sewing it to the front of your pillow.
After my first pillow-making success, I’ve gone a little pillow crazy, especially on our patriotic front porch.
I made one from a flag print burlap from Jo-Ann Fabrics.
I also picked up some stars-and-stripes fabric at Jo-Ann to make a little accent pillow to go on my wrought iron bench.
Who knew sewing could be so much fun?
If you want to make your own easy-sew, DIY American flag pillow, don’t forget to pin it!
If you love Americana and July 4th decorating as much as I do, don’t miss these festive and patriotic ideas:
Rena
There is nothing more fun than sewing Decor for Your Home! I love the pillows, and that cute chair with the stars! Thanks for sharing
Marty Walden
You did great! I know your mom is proud! Now give her back her sewing machine (after you help me with the cording for my window treatments, that is!)
kirby carespodi
Looks great, Amy! I have never done patriotic decorating, but all the ideas everyone has are so great, I might just try it!