Burlap Pillow

So, I know I’m late to the burlap party, but I finally made these pillows that I’ve seen all over blogland:

This is my first attempt at a tutorial, so please bear with me.
Supplies
burlap fabric, pillow or pillow  form, iron-on transfer paper, sewing machine, computer, printer, design or clipart
You could also use iron-on tape adhesive instead of machine sewing, but the burlap is pretty thick and might not hold up to wear and tear as machine sewing.
1.  Pillow form- I used 18” square down pillow forms that I found on ebay, but you could use any size pillow or form.
2.  Design.  I found some design examples online.  Just Google, “burlap French pillow” and you will find a lot of inspiration. I also use books from Dover Publications. They have tons of books with clipart (you can also find these at your library).  Search Google also for French clipart- crowns, laurel wreaths, Paris, etc.
3.  Computer.  I created my design in Microsoft Publisher, but you could use PowerPoint, Photoshop, Word, etc. I combined an Old English font and the design.
After you create your design, be sure to flip the design to reverse the image.
  Print out your image onto the iron on transfer paper.

Cut 2 pieces of burlap 1” larger than your pillow size.  For example, my pillows are 18x18”, so I cut my pieces 19x19”. (might want to iron them)

Fold into fourths.

Cut a rounded corner. This helps prevent floppy corner pillows.

Lay your 2 pieces of burlap together and sew all around except for an opening at one end. (I don’t worry about seam allowances- I just eyeball 3/4” or so.

Turn your pillow right side.  Poke out the seams and iron so they lay flat.
Center your design transfer paper onto the pillow and iron according to the directions for the transfer paper. Iron on a flat, hard surface. (I used a wooden cutting board).


Stuff your pillow inside the pillow cover and then machine or hand whipstitch the opening closed.
Voila!! You have completed a decorator-style French grain sack pillow for pennies.
 

Please leave comments if you have questions. Have fun making your own designs!

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