The face of May Arts Ribbon # WPP14 reminds me of a tiny chenille pillows on parade while the back features the same colors in a less dramatic fashion.  If used alone, the back could appear unfinished.  However, combining the ribbon’s rich front with its graphic back creates a very effective contrast.

MATERIALS

• A piece of foam- core or cardboard or corkboard at least 18” square

• 48 push pins or thumb tacks

• A 14” pillow form or the equivalent amount of poly-fil

• ½ yd fabric (I used ”Rouenniers” from the French General Collection by Moda)

• 11 yds. May Arts Ribbon # WPP14 (1 ½” wide)

• 2 yds May Arts Ribbon # 337-15-14 for the ruffle

• Basic sewing supplies

INSTRUCTIONS

• Iron fabric and cut out a 14” square and a 16” square

• On the face of the 16” piece, draw a pencil line 1” in from the edge along all 4 sides

• Tightly pin or tack this piece, FACE UP, onto the board

• Cut 24 pieces of ribbon # WPP14 – 14” long

• Pin the ends of 12 of the ribbon pieces, FACE UP, close together along one of the  drawn pencil lines.  See ILLUSTRATION below.

**They should fit tightly together, filling the 14” penciled area.**

• Repeat the same process alone either of the 2 pencil lines adjoining the first.  These 12 pieces will display the ribbon’s REVERSE side.

• Weave these 2 perpendicular sets of ribbons into a tightly woven 14” square.  Remove from board.

• Baste the ribbon ends along all 4 sides then stitch, ¼” from the edges.

• Trim the square to 14” X 14”.

• Gather the entire 2 yards of Ribbon # 337-15-14 about ¼” from the edge.  Use either side of this ribbon.  One shows more satin and the other more matte finish.

• Distribute the gathered ribbon equally among the 4 sides of the 14” woven square,  allowing extra gathered ribbon at the 4 corners so the ruffle will lie flat.

• Carefully pin, baste then stitch the ribbon ruffle along all 4 sides of the 14” woven square, using ¼” seam allowance.

• Place the second 14” square of fabric onto the woven square, right side facing the weaving.

• Pin together then stitch 3 sides of the square and 2” from each end of the 4th side, taking care not to catch any of the gathered ribbon into the seam. This should leave a 10” opening in the 4th side for turning right side out and inserting the pillow form.

• Turn the pillow cover right side out and check the gathered ribbon ruffle for any spots where it might have been caught in the seam.  Make repairs if necessary.

• Insert the pillow form and close the opening by folding the 2 raw edges under ¼” and stitching by hand or machine.

Blog Posted By: Ellen Highsmith Silver

Like This Pillow?  Check out our other Pillow tutorials:  Pleated Ribbon Pillow & Geometric Ribbon Applique!