Ampersand Decor Pillow

I've been seeing these pillows around.  Standing out on a bed or sofa as a focal point, or using a more formal font to go between these Ballard Design "Mr/ Mrs" pillows or something.

I used some left over oatmeal colored linen fabric for the base and red felt for the ampersand symbol. 

Supplies:

1/2 yard base fabric

large piece of felt

Poly-fil polyester filling (small bag)

1. Make Your Ampersand Symbol

I printed the symbol and cut it out. I chose to trace it on the felt face down so the pen would be on the back of the symbol.

You can just choose the font you like and print your ampersand to use as a pattern.

Here's mine if you'd like to use it.

**Before you print be sure to change Page Scaling: to Fit to Printable Area***

2. Cut Pillow Squares

You can customize the size of your pillow to meet your needs. I made a 12" square pillow, so I cut two 13" squares out of the linen. Just add 1" in each direction from your finished pillow dimensions. 

3. Sew on Ampersand

 Choose one square and pin your felt ampersand in the center.  Top-stitch your felt symbol on the pillow.  I sew right along the edge. 

4. Sew Pillow Together

First put your two squares right sides together.

You'll sew around the square with 1/2" seam allowance.  Make sure you leave an opening at the bottom.  I try to leave at least 4" or so, but if you have little hands, you may be able to get away with a smaller opening.

Make sure you snip each corner so it can turn right side out. 

5. Stuff and Finish

Turn the pillowcase right side out.

Stuff the pillow to your liking through the hole. 

Fold the seam allowances under and pin the hole closed. 

At this point you can hand-sew the hole shut, or I'm lazy and used the machine.  I just squish the pillow down and sew right along the edge. 

IT'S FINISHED!

You could also make this into a pillow cover rather than an actual stuffed pillow to make it easier to clean.

Just use the steps here for the envelope pillow cover.