Are you inspired by Valentines Day? Let me share with you how easy it is to upcycle materials to hand to sew your own Valentine Heart Pillow. A perfect idea for your valentines day decorations at home this pillow can be made in a mere thirty minutes.
Personally I love rag edges on fabric, they add a small three-dimensional look to a project, they are fun and easy to do. Using knit fabric means little fraying. Plus what’s not to love about an upcycling project when it comes to sewing? I love repurposing materials to hand, cheaper and kinder to the environment.
If you love rag edges on home decor projects too check out my chevron denim pillow, denim rag quilt, and baby rag quilt. If pillows are more your style learn how to add pompom trim to an easy envelope pillow. Or check out yet more fun DIY pillow cover patterns.
How to make a Valentine Heart Pillow
What materials do I need?
- Two old reddish t shirts
- A grey pillowcase or grey fabric
- 16″ pillow filler
Let’s start by creating the cushion cover fabric pieces. You will need the front cover piece measuring 16” square. I have eyeballed this with an existing cushion cover (adding in the seam allowance). Alternatively, you can measure this, I suggest a quilters ruler – so useful for measuring and gaining 90 degree square angles.
For the back we are creating an envelope opening so you will need two pieces of fabric measuring 16 by 12″ and 16 by 10″.
As I have chosen to work with an old pillow case I have cut the fabric to incorporate the pillowcase hemmed openings. If you are using regular fabric you will need to double fold your fabric to stitch and create a hem on one long side of each panel. Set these two panels aside.
Next let’s create the hearts. Fold a piece of fabric (approx 14” square) in half. Lay in top of the front cushion piece centrally and cut out the knit fabric only in half the heart shape.
Open out and check if you like the shape of your heart, it’s easy to refill and trim if required. Folding the fabric in half provides asymmetrical design for your valentine heart pillow.
Next let’s create the second heart. Fold your knit fabric in half and place over your first heart as this will act as a great guide. Cut out a second heart, mine is approx 3/4 inch smaller all round.
Now we are going to finish the valentine heart design, place them centrally on your front panel piece and pin in place. Machine stitch around, approx 1-2 from the edge, for both hearts.
To create the rag edge finish snip into the seam allowance of the hearts every 1/4” up to the stitches, taking care not to nip the stitches or your pillow cover.
Lastly assemble the valentine heart pillow by placing your front panel right sides facing, them your envelope panels wrong sides facing you, hemmed edges overlapping in the middle. Machine stitch around the pillow cover with 1/2” seam allowance.
The final step is to trim the corners.
Then turn the cushion rights idea out.
This is one super cute heart pillow, perfect as valentine decor or for any girls bedroom.
Heather Handmade
Wednesday 29th of January 2020
I love this simple project and I love that it's a rag style. My kids would love cutting all the slits!
Havalah Turner
Tuesday 28th of January 2020
this is so fun! I love the two different colors of hearts.
Vanessa
Tuesday 28th of January 2020
I love how simple this project is. I'm more likely to get sewing projects done if they are quick and easy.
Emily
Monday 27th of January 2020
This is SO cute! I love the fringe on the hearts... looks so cozy and I can't wait to try this idea.
Julie
Monday 27th of January 2020
I love the rag quilt effect too, ( making a rag quilt is on my 'one day' project list! Great colour combo too!
Vicky
Monday 27th of January 2020
Thanks so much Julie - I just love rag edges :)