DIY cat pillow

Decorative pillows bring warmth and comfort to any interior. They can be different in size and shape, and it is not at all necessary to use them for their intended purpose. Surprisingly, such accessories take their rightful place in any style.

The cat pillow is a real hit

One of the most popular types of pillows is the cat pillow. Moreover, there are a huge variety of variations of its performance, from elementary in execution to complex models and real works of art.

As practice shows, most of the pillows in the form of a cat can be made by yourself. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to have the skills of a professional seamstress or knitter. But an exclusive little thing is guaranteed to appear in your home. Moreover, the voluminous soft cat is a great gift idea. In this case, you do not have to worry that your present will be duplicated, because you will make it yourself. Finally, hand-made products will keep your hands warm and kind to your loved one.

Materials and tools

Regardless of which model you decide to sew as a gift (or for yourself), the set of tools practically does not change. So, you will need:

• Base fabric for the pillow.
• Filler.
• Pattern for complex shapes and elements. Although, in fairness, we note that if you do not consider yourself an ace of the sewing process, then the pattern will not hurt, even if you decide to sew an unpretentious pillow.
• Contrasting material (fleece, fur, matting, felt, etc.). There may be very little of such material, but, believe me, every piece will come in handy for finishing.
• Decorative plastic elements (eyes, nose).
• Hard thread or mustache line.
• Threads, ruler, scissors, sewing machine.

Choosing a filler

Regardless of how actively your cat pillow will be used, the choice of litter should be taken seriously. High-quality "insides" of the pillow are the key to a good result, and here's why:

1. A good filler will allow you to maintain the original shape of the pillow for a long time, and this is especially important for decorative models of various shapes.
2. The material is elastic, which means that the pillow will be comfortable to use.
3. Ensures moisture and air tightness.
4. Will not cause allergic reactions.
5. Provides long-term operation without wasting time and effort for complex maintenance.

The most common natural fillers are down, wool, bamboo fiber, as well as buckwheat husks, hay, dried medicinal herbs.

The most commonly used artificial fillers are synthetic winterizer, holofiber, expanded polystyrene.

The most budgetary option is yarn leftovers and small pieces of knitwear. Another way to avoid unnecessary waste when filling handmade pillows is to use fur from old outerwear.

Procedure

Regardless of the model chosen, when sewing a pillow, it is recommended to adhere to the following sequence of operations:

1. Prepare a pattern for a cat's pillow, which is actually a pillow. The shape can be different: classic square, in the form of a calf or a cat's face. When cutting out the base, do not forget to take into account the seam allowances, they should be at least 5 mm.
2. On the front side of the pillow, which will form the face (body) of the cat, sew the necessary elements: eyes, nose, mustache, embroider paws and ears. You can sew by hand, or you can use a typewriter. Some elements (eyes, nose) can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can embroider.
3. If the pillow resembles a stuffed toy, and has details such as a tail and legs, then these should also be carefully basted.
4. On the wrong side, sew the pillow along the entire contour, leaving a small gap for stuffing the pillow with filler.
5. Gently fill the pillow, making sure that the filler is even in the corners, and sew up the hole.
6. At the final stage, you need to glue the missing elements (eyes, nose, ears), if necessary, sew a mustache.

Applique cushions

The easiest way to make an unusual pillow is to use the classic square model, and then stick on it a ready-made applique purchased in the store. The main advantage of this option is that it will take a minimum of time, money and effort.

Another "speedy method" is to take a regular pillow to the workshop, where a drawing you like will be applied to it. Moreover, today a lot of plots with cats are offered: “put” two cats next to each other, “hand” one of them a bouquet and you will get a couple in love. And if you "breed" animals on different sides - you get a "offended" plot. Finally, there may be one cat, but what it will be: funny or sad - it's up to you, too.

Or you can make the applique yourself. The procedure in this case will be as follows:

1. Sew a pillow of the size you want (or get one that is ready-made).
2. Taking into account the size of the pillow itself, make a pattern for the cats. And remember, the main color of the applique must be in harmony with the color of the pillow.
3. If possible, choose a textured fabric for the applique, in this case the picture will look more interesting and realistic.
4. If you are going to cut a fleece applique, use a sharp utility knife.
5. The methods of attaching the applique are also different: either you glue it with special glue, or sew it on. In the latter case, you can attach it with threads to match, or, conversely, make the seam contrasting and obvious, but in this case the seam should be very neat.
6. If there are additional details on the applique (eyes, nose), then they should be glued or sewn on in the same way as the main part.

Travel pillow

This original model has the name "Herodotus the Cat", and, indeed, is indispensable for relaxing during long journeys in a bus, for example. In order for the result to be a truly ergonomic pillow, it is important to strictly follow the dimensions: the inner diameter is 13-15 cm, and the outer diameter is 43-45 cm.

First, the pattern is created on paper, and then transferred to the fabric, taking into account the necessary allowances for the seams. Well, and then the procedure is the same as in the case of other pillows.

Knitted cat

This is where the most daring ideas have to roam. Knitted cat pillows are at the peak of popularity today. You can use any knitting or crocheting technique to create a pillow. By the way, knitting of decorative pillows is a great opportunity to reproduce the numerous leftovers of yarn that any knitter can boast of.

You can make a pillow in the shape of a cute cat face, or you can create a whole cat. It can be a classic square (rectangular) model, or a roller pillow, or even a curly version.

And by no means always a pillow case is used for knitted pillows, often the filler is placed directly into a decorative pillowcase.

The cat pillow is a great idea for decorating a living room or nursery. Such a toy will "feel" cozy in the bedroom as well. Finally, such a hand-made is an exclusive gift to your loved ones, which will remind you of your special attitude towards them.

Video: DIY cat pillow

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