Anyone interested in interior design has probably noticed bright and original sofa pillows in model photos. They attract the eye and sometimes become the main decor, emphasizing the style and harmonizing the overall color scheme.
This is also a favorite item for needlewomen, because making a pillow with your own hands is not at all difficult, and there are hundreds of original ideas for reusing fabrics and threads when making pillows of various shapes and sizes.
At the same time, a pillow is the most “capricious” type of decor. If selected incorrectly and of poor quality, this product can create dissonance and become an unnecessary thing that you don’t want to throw away and don’t want to keep.
The first piece of advice is that if a pillow doesn’t suit your needs, it’s better to get rid of it right away; time is unlikely to correct the situation. And in order not to lead to this, you should tune in to a thoughtful and fastidious process of choosing a sofa cushion.
What materials can be used for manufacturing
Decorative and practical pillows are easy to make using various fabrics and even non-woven materials. The selected pattern of the original pillow is transferred to the base and the sewing process itself is carried out using a sewing machine or manually, for this you can use:
- upholstery fabrics for furniture of any type and structure;
- natural cotton, linen and burlap, denim and fleece;
- artificial or combined materials.
Particular attention should be paid to the internal filling of the pillow; different materials are used for this. In addition to traditional down and feathers, you can use hypoallergenic padding polyester or holofiber; for bolster pillows, modified foam rubber rolled into a tube is suitable.
Combining pillows
With the classic symmetrical arrangement of two pairs of decorative pillows on the sides of the sofa, also in the case when creative disorder is imitated, the same principle of contrast between dark and light is used: the first pillow is combined with the sofa, the second with the first.
That is, if the sofa is dark, there are light pillows in the background, dark ones in the front.
These rules are just a guide for combining different textures, shapes and sizes of decorative pillows.
Modern interior design concepts open up wide opportunities for realizing the creative potential of every person. And you can start this process with the help of the multi-style design and European quality of Ikea pillows.
What do they have inside?
Decorative sofa pillows (photo below) are filled with synthetic or natural, more expensive, material.
Read about: massage pillow for neck, shoulders: description of massager models, how to choose with prices
The basis of any synthetic filler is 100% polyester. The soft, silky material does not cause allergies, and down mites do not live in it. Many products are made from it, among which the most popular are:
- Holofiber. It consists of siliconized fibers that perfectly retain the shape of the product. This is a non-flammable material that does not absorb moisture and unpleasant odors.
- Fiberlon. Made in layers. This is a “breathable” material that can quickly regain its shape.
- Comforel consists of numerous elastic balls. Products with filler easily take the shape of the body. They are convenient and easy to care for.
- Hollophane is intertwined hollow fibers that provide strong springiness to the structure. Looks like natural down, but is washable.
- Sintepon is the most inexpensive, but also short-lived material.
- Luxury sofas are sometimes equipped with pillows filled with duck or goose down.
- Small products consist of a filler and a cover. Large models are usually multi-layered. They have a core made of latex or foam, wrapped in a layer of comfort filling and covered with a cover.
Ideas for sewing interesting and original pillows
When choosing which products to make yourself, you can use a huge variety of ideas and ready-made solutions. In the process of needlework, you can not be afraid to experiment and sew or knit pillowcases with exclusive decorations or make pillows for every taste that fit perfectly into the interior.
Unusual shape of pillows
The design of home textile accessories can be varied; to choose interesting solutions, you can choose exclusive forms:
- original toy pillows in the shape of cute animals are used to uniquely decorate the interior, nursery decor and to organize games with the baby;
- geometric shapes look very unusual, these can be flowers and figures, a cactus or a slice of watermelon, rollers and rectangles for a classic interior;
- Letter pillows are suitable for a variety of gaming and educational processes; they can decorate any room or be used as an exclusive gift.
Such products are suitable to decorate a sitting area in the living room, your favorite chair or outdoor swing, or your own bedroom.
Stylish children's pillows, original in design and shape, are perfect for decorating a nursery or playroom, completely transforming the interior.
Decor of original pillows
Often the house already has several favorite pillows that the owners do not want to part with; you can choose an unusual way of decorating them:
- openwork pillowcases or original crocheted pillows are easy to knit if you have some experience; if desired, you can use individual elements of knitted napkins to decorate capes;
- applique made of fabric, for the creative process you can use materials of different colors and shades, textures and densities, the applique can be flat or three-dimensional, which looks very unusual;
- embroidery, to decorate a pillowcase they use the technique of hand or machine embroidery (cross stitch or satin stitch), instead of threads you can use ribbons and small beads, beads of different shapes or buttons.
When decorating pillows or replaceable pillowcases, it is allowed to use different techniques and materials, decor and accessories that can be combined with each other.
Contrast is the basis of selection
There are two types of contrast: by color saturation and by the conventional color circle, which consists of colors visible to the human eye located along the light spectrum.
In the first case, the color ratio of the upholstery of upholstered furniture and pillows is selected according to the light-dark principle. The range of tones should be large enough so that the pillow stands out clearly against the background.
Second option: choosing colors located on opposite arcs of the color wheel. Examples of contrasting pairs: orange and blue, red and green, purple and khaki, purple and yellow.
It is logical to assume that when there is a pattern on a pillow or upholstery, the main color is usually taken as the basis for the contrast.
But you can also create a contrast with only one, not necessarily the dominant, color, while respecting the principle of light and dark. This mechanism, which is difficult to explain, is quite simple in the case of visualization.
So, for example, on a white sofa, black and white pillows with a geometric pattern look good, if black predominates. Pillows with red embroidery on a light background will suit dark green upholstery.
Those who like a restrained and monochrome color scheme should combine colors in halftones, but at the same time, decorative pillows will need to be highlighted due to the difference in textures. Silk, velvet, fur-like fabrics that differ from the sofa upholstery will help to emphasize the decor.
Schemes, patterns
The first thing to do is create a pattern. Only experienced professionals can sew any products “by eye”. And the result of such a negligent attitude will not always be a smooth, neat thing. It’s convenient to use the pattern - just calculate the measurements on paper to avoid mistakes.
Modeling the pattern will make the sewing process easier. It will also be possible to create as many identical products as you like according to the same design.
Pattern for a product in the shape of a cat
Creating a pattern takes place in several stages:
- We determine the size, draw a square or rectangle on paper, add 1.5 cm on each side.
- We transfer the pattern to the double fabric, sew it together, leaving a small opening for stuffing, and turn it inside out.
- We make a pillowcase. We make a second pattern, different from the first in size - each side should be a couple of centimeters larger.
If you have experience creating similar products, you don't have to limit yourself to a square or rectangular shape. It's best for beginners to start with. You can create more interesting patterns:
- owl;
- “boa constrictor” - under the head;
- elephant, etc.
Easy to sew with your own hands
To implement any of your ideas, you just need to draw them on paper, then transfer them to fabric. Still, in most cases, when they are intended for decorating a hall or living room, it is better to choose classic options. They will be rectangular or square in shape.
Materials at hand for sewing pillowcases
In addition to fabric appliqués and hand-knitted openwork pillowcases with patterns, you can use several non-standard options for needlework:
- using out-of-fashion items to make a beautiful pillowcase; it is best to opt for sweaters or vests with a large and eye-catching pattern, original knitting;
- covering pillows or covers with fabric frills or felt flowers, using openwork and wide lace made with your own hands from woolen threads, tassels and pom-poms for decoration;
- For those who are preparing for a holiday party and want to really add brightness and sparkle to the celebration, you can decorate pillowcases with sequins or sparkles, or stylish ribbon bows.
Before the holiday, you can quickly and easily make beautiful pillows, shaped like the attributes of the celebration (hearts and Christmas trees, stars and Easter eggs).
Decorative pillows are often used for their intended purpose and, in addition to decorating furniture and rooms, people sit and lie on them. That is why you should make sure that there are no sharp elements on textile accessories that could damage the skin of an adult or child. When choosing an idea for sewing or making a pillow, you should study all the master classes and recommendations, focusing on your own creative skills, abilities and wishes.
