How to Make a Needlepoint Pillow
Needlepoint is a craft that will have you engaged for hours, and making a needlepoint pillow is a wonderful way to beautify your home. You will also feel a great sense of accomplishment in creating it yourself. You can even hand your beautiful pillow down to future generations.
To make a needlepoint pillow, you will first have to purchase a needlepoint kit at a crafts store. Choose a floral design or anything that attracts your attention and expresses your personality. Make sure to choose one that is large enough to fit on a pillow. Consider the size of the pillow and where it will go. If it will be on your sofa, it will most likely be square in shape. Use a tape measure to measure the length and width, just to be sure. Deduct about a one-inch amount of fabric at each edge of the pillow so that you can later easily sew the needlepoint onto it.
Cut some material for the backing of your pillow. Remember to add one inch of space, as you want your pillow's width to spread out that much farther from the needlepoint design. Hem the material with pins to prevent the edges from fraying. If you want to add any cording or trim to your pillow, place it between the needlepoint and backing at this point. When that is done, place the backing against the needlepoint, then pin the edges in place.
Next, hand-sew or use a sewing machine to stitch the needlepoint and backing on three of its sides. Remember, you want to create a beautiful pillow, so you will want to keep one side open so that you can add stuffing. To ensure that the pillow does not open due to unraveling thread in the future, apply double stitching.
Stuff your pillow with cotton balls, old cloths, or with any soft materials you want. Some people even use old, ripped pantyhose and stockings with which to stuff their pillows. It is all up to you! Double-stitch the final side of your pillow, lay it on your sofa or bed, and enjoy!
