How to sew a pillow with sides for a cat? - briefly
To create a pillow with sides for a cat, start by cutting fabric into the desired shape and size, ensuring you have enough material for the sides. Sew the pieces together, leaving an opening to stuff the pillow, then fill it with appropriate padding before closing the seam.
How to sew a pillow with sides for a cat? - in detail
Creating a comfortable and durable pillow with sides for a cat involves careful selection of materials and precise sewing techniques. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that the final product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Begin by gathering the necessary materials. You will need:
- Fabric: Choose a durable and washable fabric such as cotton or linen. Ensure the fabric is soft and comfortable for your cat.
- Filling: Opt for a high-quality, hypoallergenic filling such as polyfill or shredded memory foam. This will provide the necessary support and comfort.
- Sewing supplies: Thread that matches your fabric, a sewing machine with a universal needle, scissors, pins, a seam ripper, and a measuring tape.
- Optional: Fabric marker or tailor's chalk for marking measurements and patterns.
Start by measuring the dimensions of the pillow. Typically, a cat pillow should be around 12 inches by 16 inches, but adjust these dimensions based on your cat's size and preferences. Cut two identical pieces of fabric to these dimensions. These will form the top and bottom of the pillow.
Next, measure and cut four strips of fabric for the sides. Each strip should be the height of the desired side (usually around 4-6 inches) and the length of one of the pillow's sides. For example, if your pillow is 12 inches by 16 inches, you will need two strips that are 12 inches long and two strips that are 16 inches long.
Lay one of the large fabric pieces (the top) right side up. Pin one of the side strips to the edge of this piece, aligning the raw edges. Sew the strip to the top piece using a straight stitch and a ½ inch seam allowance. Repeat this process with the remaining three side strips, ensuring that the pillow forms a box shape with open ends.
Place the second large fabric piece (the bottom) right side down on top of the sewn sides, aligning the raw edges. Pin the layers together and sew around the perimeter using a straight stitch and a ½ inch seam allowance. Leave a 4-inch opening on one of the sides for stuffing.
Turn the pillow right side out through the opening. Use a blunt object, such as a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil, to push out the corners and edges, ensuring a crisp finish. Iron the pillow to remove any wrinkles and to help set the seams.
Fill the pillow with your chosen stuffing material. Ensure the pillow is firmly stuffed but not overly tight, as this can make it uncomfortable for your cat. Once stuffed, hand-sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch or an invisible stitch for a neat finish.
Finally, give the pillow a final ironing to smooth out any remaining wrinkles. Your cat pillow with sides is now complete and ready for your feline friend to enjoy. Regularly clean and maintain the pillow to keep it hygienic and comfortable for your cat.