George Boyle
Wedding dresses often end up packed away in closets, never to be seen again. One way to prolong the memories of that special day is to transform the dress into a pillow. This can be done by deconstructing the dress to create a large piece of fabric, which can then be cut and sewn into a pillowcase. This DIY project can be enhanced by adding lace, beading, or other embellishments from the dress. The result is a decorative pillow that serves as a memorable keepsake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create a memorable keepsake from a wedding dress |
| Target Audience | People who want to repurpose their wedding dress or that of a family member |
| Materials Needed | Wedding dress, pillow insert, sewing supplies (fabric scissors, pins, needle and thread, sewing pen), iron |
| Steps | 1. Deconstruct the dress to create a large piece of fabric. 2. Measure the pillow and cut the fabric to size, adding 2 inches for seams. 3. Iron the fabric and lace to remove wrinkles. 4. Double the fabric, pin, and mark measurements. Cut out pillow panels. 5. Position lace and embellishments. 6. Sew panels together, leaving an opening to insert the pillow form. 7. Turn the pillowcase right side out and stuff in the pillow form. |
| Challenges | Working with delicate fabrics, limited fabric quantity, and possible discolouration or damage to older wedding dresses |
| Tips | Dry clean or wash the dress before starting. Utilise unique details like lace, beading, or fabric flowers. Seek professional help for complex designs or heavily damaged dresses. |
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What You'll Learn
Deconstruct the dress
To begin deconstructing your wedding dress, cut up the back seam and remove the zipper. Then, remove the top bodice to release any darts that may be gathering the fabric at the waist. This will leave you with a large rectangle of fabric. Next, decide on the size of your pillow and cut out your fabric accordingly, adding a little extra fabric to account for seams. If you are using lace, iron it to remove any wrinkles and position it on the right side of one fabric panel, allowing the extra to hang off each side. Double the fabric and pin the two pieces together to prevent slipping, then mark your measurements and cut out your two pillow panels. You can now sew on any embellishments, such as beading or fabric flowers, to enhance the pillow. Finally, sew the panels together, turn the pillow right side out, and stuff it with your pillow form.
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Measure the pillow
To make a pillow from a wedding dress, you will first need to measure the pillow. This is an important step as it will determine how much fabric you will need from the dress to cover the pillow insert.
Start by measuring the width and length of the pillow. You can use a measuring tape or a ruler for this step. Make sure to write down the measurements accurately.
Next, add a few inches to your measurements to allow for seams. For example, if your pillow measures 12 inches in width and length, add 2 inches to each measurement, resulting in a final measurement of 14 inches by 14 inches. This extra fabric will be used to create a neat finish when sewing the pillowcase together.
Consider the shape of your pillow and whether you want to create a pillowcase with an envelope-style opening or a fully enclosed pillowcase. This will impact the amount of fabric needed and the placement of your measurements on the wedding dress fabric.
If you plan to include embellishments such as lace or beading, take those into account when measuring. You may need additional fabric from the wedding dress to accommodate any decorative elements you wish to add.
By carefully measuring the pillow and considering the additional fabric needed for seams and embellishments, you can ensure that you have the necessary amount of fabric from the wedding dress to create a beautiful and well-fitting pillowcase.
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Iron the fabric
Ironing the fabric is an important step in the process of making a pillow from a wedding dress. It ensures the fabric is smooth and free of any wrinkles, creating a flat surface to work with. Here is a detailed guide to this step:
Firstly, ensure your iron is set to an appropriate temperature for the fabric. Delicate fabrics such as lace require a lower temperature to avoid damage. Test on a small area first if you are unsure.
Lay the fabric out on an ironing board or flat surface. Starting at one end, gently move the iron in steady, slow strokes across the fabric. Pay particular attention to any creases or folds, ensuring these are smoothed out. Take care if the wedding dress fabric has embellishments such as lace or beadwork; these details should be ironed flat, ensuring they are not damaged in the process. For example, iron the lace so that it lies flat and wrinkle-free, being careful not to melt or scorch it.
If the fabric has been stored for a long time, it may have creases that are difficult to remove. In this case, use a steam iron or a spray bottle with water to gently mist the fabric before ironing. The steam or moisture will help relax the fabric fibres and make the creases easier to remove.
Once you have finished ironing, allow the fabric to cool. You should now have a smooth, flat piece of fabric ready for the next steps of your pillow-making process.
Ironing the fabric is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of your measurements and the overall quality of your finished pillow. It may take some time, but it is worth the effort to create a professional-looking result.
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Cut the fabric
To cut the fabric for your pillow, start by deconstructing your wedding dress to create the largest piece of fabric possible. Cut up the back seam of the dress and remove the zipper, if there is one. Then, remove the top bodice from the dress to release any darts that may be gathering the fabric at the waist. You should now have one large rectangle of fabric.
Next, measure the width and length of the pillow you want to make. Add 2 inches to each measurement to allow for seams. For example, if your pillow measures 10 inches long and wide, adding 2 inches gives you a final measurement of 12 inches by 12 inches.
Now, double the fabric and pin it together. Place the fabric on a flat surface and pin the two thicknesses together to prevent slipping. Mark the measurements on the fabric using a sewing pen, then cut out the two pillow panels. You should now have two fabric pieces that are slightly larger than your desired pillow size.
If you want to add lace or other embellishments to your pillow, position the lace on the right side of one of the fabric panels, allowing the extra to hang off each side. You can also cut out armholes or other shapes from the fabric, depending on your desired design.
Finally, prepare your fabric for sewing by pressing or pinning down the edges. Press or pin down about 3/4" along the top and bottom edges of the fabric, then stitch the seams. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end for added strength. Now you have your fabric pieces ready for stuffing and assembling your pillow!
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Sew on embellishments
When it comes to sewing on embellishments to a pillow made from a wedding dress, there are several options to choose from. Firstly, decide on the type of embellishments you want to use. Popular choices include lace, beads, fabric flowers, and crystals. You can also get creative and use fabric from the wedding dress itself, such as beading or lacework, to embellish the pillow.
If you decide to use lace, you can purchase a lace appliqué or select a lace pattern from a fabric store. Cut around the desired section of the lace pattern and, if desired, add sequins or beads before sewing it onto the pillow. When sewing on lace or appliqués, use a matching silk thread for a more seamless finish. Consider positioning the lace horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the pillow, or even using multiple strips of lace for a unique look.
Beading is another popular choice for embellishing pillows. You can hand stitch beads directly onto the pillow or sew on pre-made beaded fabric flowers or other beaded embellishments. If you're feeling creative, you can also cut out and sew on beaded sections from the wedding dress itself.
Crystals are a beautiful way to add some sparkle to your pillow. Sew-on crystals come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, so you can get creative and design a pattern that suits your taste. Remember to keep your budget in mind when working with crystals, as the costs can add up quickly.
When working with embellishments, it's important to consider the overall design of the pillow. Pay attention to the existing details and try to match your embellishments to the colour, style, and quality of the original fabric and any other embellishments present. For example, if the wedding dress fabric has intricate beadwork, try to find beads of a similar colour and style to sew onto your pillow.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of embellishments. You can mix and match different types of fabric, lace, beads, and crystals to create a unique and personalised pillow that showcases the beauty of the wedding dress fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by dry cleaning or washing the wedding dress. Then, cut out the section of fabric from the dress that you want to use for the pillow.
Measure the pillow's width and length, and add 2 inches to each measurement for seams. This will give you the total amount of fabric needed.
Double the fabric and pin it together. Then, mark the measurements on the fabric and cut out the two pillow panels.
Iron the lace so that it lies flat and is wrinkle-free. Position the lace on the right side of one fabric panel, allowing the extra to hang off each side.
You can hand-stitch any embellishments from the wedding dress onto the pillow, such as beading or fabric flowers. This will enhance the pillow and make it even more special.
