Painted Pillows

If you knew how easy this was, you would have tried it AGES ago!

These pillows are the result of painted stencils on cotton fabric.

Here is your supply list:

 Printer

Paper

Word Processing Program similar to Microsoft Publisher

Clear Mailing Tape

Exacto knife

Temporary Spray Adhesive (I used 505 Spray and Fix for fabrics)

Tulip Soft Fabric Paint

Pillow Case

Cotton Fabric is correlating color (optional)

I used Publisher to create the words I wanted to use on my pillow. You will need to re-size the letters to make them as big as possible, so it's easier to use Publisher to make the text box the size you want on the paper.  Choose a font that you will find easy to cut out. The more curves and curly cues the more difficult it will be to cut it out! Once it's printed out, cover both sides of the sheet with the clear mailing tape. Ensure that all of the paper is covered or the paint will bleed into the stencil and I can guarantee you will have a mess!

Once it's completely covered with tape, use your Exacto knife to cut out the letters. When you cut out the letters, keep in mind you will be cutting out the black portion. Letters that have white in the center will require extra attention! If you see above, you have to leave a small notch connecting the inside and outside white portions. Trust me when I say you have to not let anything distract you when you are cutting out the letters or you will have to start over on a new sheet!

Turn your stencil over and spray the back with the temporary spray. This keeps even the smallest parts of the letter to stay on the fabric. Make sure you are using TEMPORARY spray! You want to be able to

 re-position the stencil as needed.

Position your stencil on the fabric. I used foam stencil brushes from Walmart to put the paint into the letters. I tried using brushes, but it doesn't get the paint into the fabric as well as using a stipling brush.  You want to use a dabbing motion to get the paint onto the fabric, but don't make swirls. Pretend you are poking your little brother with the brush!

*SPECIAL NOTE*  I did not paint directly onto the pillowcase, but that doesn't mean you HAVE TO!  I wanted the effect of the letters being framed, so I elected to use fabric I had on-hand to match other items in the bedroom. You can just as easily frame your letters if you tape off a rectangle on the fabric and paint it on!

Carefully remove the stencil. I removed it just a minute or two from when I finished to give the paint an opportunity to set. After you remove the stencil, you'll see the spots where you cut the notches connecting the inside and outside white spots. Take a small brush and fill in the spots.

Now set it aside to dry. I just so happened to have a nice sunny day that I couldn't pass up!

The next part of this tutorial will tell  you how to make a fabric frame for your words.

Measure your pillowcase area where you want your letters to go. I used a quilting ruler to give myself 2 inches from the edge of each letter and to cut the lines straight. Then, turn it over, fold over the edges about 1/4 inch, and iron the fold in place. For this pillow, I centered this part on the pillow case, pinned it, and sewed it in place with corresponding colored thread to the lettered fabric.

Interested in a fabric frame?

I bought the sheets and pillowcases from Walmart, which included a cute little pocket holder. I cut apart the fabric into 2 inch strips to make the frame. Laying the frame fabric on top of the printed fabric, I sewed the edges using a 1/4 inch seam. Turn it over and iron the seams flat.  Fold over the outside edges 1/4 inch and iron the outside "seam".

Place the printed framed fabric on top of your pillowcase and pin it in place. Using a ruler, measure 1/4 inch from each side, and mark it with a removable ink fabric marker. (I have used Crayola Washable Markers in the past!) Make the dot VERY tiny, so you can see it, but not so much that it will be obvious. Measure and mark all four corners.

This next part works best if you have a sewing machine that allows you to keep the needle down and the foot up.  Place the fabric on the sewing machine with one of the dots directly under the needle. Begin sewing from this dot to the next dot.

Before you get to the next dot, slow way down to ensure you STOP on the dot. With the needle down, lift the foot and pivot the fabric 90 degrees. Put the foot down again, and sew to the next dot. Continue on until you have sewn all the way around. MAKE SURE you sew across the spot where you began. This will

 "lock in" the stitches.

Now stand back and enjoy your handy-work! Make sure you let me know when you try this. Send me pictures, and let me know if my directions aren't clear enough. I look forward to see you try this.  I'm guessing lots of our friends and family will get these for wedding gifts?