Ribbon Pillow Presents by Elaine Schmidt

Here's a peek at one of the many ribbon projects that awaits you in our upcoming Ribbon Issue, on newstands October 23rd!

Sewn from elegant woven ribbons and velveteen fabric, these easy-to-make "presents" from Elaine Schmidt become special accent pillows that will dress up any room for the holidays.  If desired, add a zipper to each pillow so you can easily remove the covers when the holidays are over!

RED PILLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to pillow photos for ribbon placement.

1.  Cut two 13- x 17-inch rectangles of red velveteen for front and back. 
2.  To create pillow front, cut three 17-inch lengths of 5/8-inch-wide black/gold ribbon. Position a ribbon length 3-1/4 inches from both long sides of one fabric rectangle. Center remaining ribbon length between two ribbon rows. Sew in place.   

 3.  Cut two 14-inch lengths of 1-1/2-inch-wide Christmas ornament ribbon. Sew ribbons diagonally across corners as shown.  

4.  (Optional)  Follow manufacturer’s instructions for inserting invisible zipper into lower edge seam of pillow.

5.  Right sides together, sew pillow front and back together. If a zipper has not been inserted, leave an opening at bottom for turning pillow and inserting form. Clip excess fabric at corners and turn pillow right side out.

6.  From remaining 1-1/2-inch-wide Christmas ornament ribbon, form a two-loop bow by crossing and overlapping ribbon. Make bow approximately 6 inches wide.

7.  Thread hand sewing needle with doubled thread and gather center of bow with long gathering stitches. Wrap remaining length of 5/8-inch-wide black/gold ribbon around center of bow. Overlap raw edges at back and trim excess. Hand stitch ribbon to back of bow. Trim ends of ornament ribbon on diagonal and seal to prevent fraying.

8.  Position completed bow onto center of upper left ornament ribbon and hand stitch securely in place.
9.  Insert pillow form into pillow. If a zipper has not been inserted, slip-stitch bottom opening closed.  

GREEN PILLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to pillow photos for ribbon placement. 

1.  Cut two 15-inch squares of green velveteen fabric for front and back.

2.  For front of pillow, cut two 15-inch lengths of red/gold harlequin ribbon. Position and sew ribbon centered horizontally and vertically across one fabric square.

3.  Construct pillow in same manner as red one, following steps 4 and 5.

4.  From remaining harlequin ribbon, tie a two-loop bow approximately 6 inches wide. Trim ends of ribbon on diagonal and seal to prevent fraying.

5. Position completed bow onto center of pillow and hand stitch securely in place.

6.  Insert pillow form into pillow. If a zipper has not been inserted, slip-stitch bottom opening closed.