Instructions for Sewing Feather Pillows

Measure and mark fabric to create two pieces that are 1 inch longer and wider than they will be when finished. Cut out the two pieces.

Use the zigzag setting on your sewing machine to overcast the edges of the fabric. The zigzag stitch helps prevent fraying.

Place one piece of fabric on a solid work surface with the right side facing up.

Lay the trim on the fabric, with the raw edges of the trim aligned with the edges of the fabric. Pin the trim in place with straight pins.

Cover the first piece of fabric with the second. The right side of this piece of fabric should face the right side of the first piece. Align the edges of the two pieces and pin them together.

Sew the pillow pieces together with a 5/8-inch seam allowance or the seam allowance required by the trim material selected. Instead of sewing sharp, 90-degree corners, stitch a few stitches across across the corners. This trick prevents the very sharp corners that look like bunny ears on a pillow. Leave an opening on the fourth side of the pillow large enough for your hand. Trim seam allowances at corners diagonally to reduce fabric bulk.

Reach into the pillow opening and turn the pillow right side out. Press a pointed object such as a writing pen into corners to fully turn them. Avoid sharp objects that will cut or poke through the fabric in the corners.

Fill the pillow with feathers or a feather insert and close the hole with hand stitching.