You can impress your kids and learn how to make a pillow pet using two easy steps. Of course, this process is a bit trickier than your traditional square pillow, but don’t be intimidated by the different pieces you’ll need to make a pillow pet. You might be surprised where your patience and imagination take you in making this versatile pillow.
The great thing about making your pillow pet is that you have full control over the resulting product. You can use the guide below as a pattern and create various animals for your little ones. More so, you can choose the materials for the pillow.
How Do You Make A Pillow Pet?
Step #1. Preparation
The first step is preparing everything you’ll need to make a pillow pet. This includes selecting a fabric for the pillow pet where you can have various types depending on the design. It will also be easier to cut the pieces for assembly.
You can copy the measurements used for this project, but you can always adjust them accordingly. There are various pillow pets in the market, and you can use them as inspiration for the overall design you want to achieve for your little one. It would also be best to know the animal you want to make when preparing the materials.
Body
The great thing about this project is you can use an existing pillow for the body. If your pillow measures 25 by 18 inches, cut a fabric piece for the front of the pillowcase at 26 by 19 inches. You can then use the same dimensions but add 12 inches more for the back of the pillowcase.
Cut the back fabric vertically and fold each piece a half-inch along one edge twice before sewing the raw edge enclosed. For the tail, cut two fabric pieces with the length you want and pin the right sides together before sewing and leaving an opening for stuffing. Leave half an inch for the seam afterward.
Feet
For the pillow pet’s feet, cut four pieces of 5 by 5 fabric before cutting each of them diagonally, so you’re left with eight triangles. Pin these triangles to the corners of the fabric pieces you just cut for the pillowcase for easier sewing. However, since you have two back pieces, you want to have one triangle on the upper and lower corners opposite the side you just sewed.
You can also make straps with velcro if you want to make the pillow pet look more upright by putting them together.
Head and face
Preparing your pillow pet’s head and face will vary depending on the design. However, you can cut two circular fabric pieces for the head, one fabric piece for the muzzle, and two fabric pieces from two types of fabric for the ears. You can then sew the pieces together and stuff the head with your choice of filling.
Assembly
The final and easiest step is putting the pieces you prepared together. Start by placing the straps on the pillowcase and laying it down so the top portion faces up. Pin the straps to the center of the long sides so that the velcros will attach and then pin the tail at one end.
Lay a back piece facing down over the top portion and the finished edge facing the center. Check if the legs match up before pinning the piece in place. Then, put the other back piece on the top facing down, so it overlaps with the other part.
Sew everything together with half an inch of allowance for the seam and turn the case right side out. Lastly, attach the head to the other end and insert the pillow in the case.
Types Of Pillowcase
Did you know that there are different types of pillowcases? As you have read earlier, you can make your own pillow pet by making a cover for a standard rectangular pillow. It would also be helpful to learn some common types of pillowcases.
Bag Style
The most convenient pillowcase is bag style, and from the name itself, it looks like a bag. It has an open end that doesn’t shut, making the pillow replacement quick and easy. The pillow will still be secured since the ends extend and enclose it.
Housewife
The most common pillowcase is the housewife, where it covers the pillow entirely. A housewife pillowcase can use various enclosures ranging from envelope flap, button, or zipper. Because of this added security, your pillow looks more fitted.
Mock Oxford and Oxford
You’ll also find Mock Oxford and Oxford pillowcases that offer a similar snug fit. However, these cases use envelope openings at the back, and they have borders. You can distinguish the two since Mock Oxford covers have no mitered corners, but Oxford covers have them.
Conclusion
A stuffed animal that doubles as a pillow made the Pillow Pet one of the most successful inventions. But did you know that you can learn how to make a pillow pet yourself? You can use the existing pillow you have and make a fluffy and cozy animal pillowcase for it.
Start by making all the pieces from the body, feet, head, and face. You can experiment with various materials and stuff each piece accordingly. Lastly, attach the parts and add velcro straps if you want.