Monday, March 12, 2012

DIY - Space Invader Pillow

It's been a while since I've posted a DIY. Here's something I did back in October. I made this duvet cover and pillow set for a video game enthusiast as a birthday present.
Here's a simple way* to create the a space invader decal but you can use this method to add any simple silhouette. 

What you'll need:
  1. Find a picture of the character that you would like to put on your cushion.
  2. Take a look at the interfacing.  One side will have the "wax" the other side will have the "glue".  Put the paper print out on top of the wax side of the interfacing and put the fabric underneath the interfacing so it touches the glue.
  3. Carefully pin the three pieces together but make sure the pins are neat and straight - no puckering.
  4. With a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut the pattern out.  If there is a hole in the pattern (i.e. an eye) cutting an "X" makes it easier to cut it out neatly.
  5. So now you have the design in front of you - keep those pins in there.  Get that iron ready.
  6. Flip the pieces over so the fabric is facing you.  Iron just at the top so that the interfacing is stuck to the fabric.  Now that everything is secure, take out the pins.
  7. Straighten everything out and continue to iron.
  8. Wait about 10 - 30 seconds, or until the fabric and interfacing is cool.  
  9. Now flip it over to the paper side - peel off the paper
  10. Now if you already have a cushion cover or if you are making your cushion from scratch, you can now take the decal and pin it on the cushion.
  11. Make sure you're happy where you've pinned it because once you activate that iron, it's set.
  12. Run the iron over the decal and the cushion - and you're done.
  13. I put the decal under the sewing machine using the zig-zag setting and secured the design against the cushion.
  14. Repeat the same instructions using the opposite color if you want to have two different sides for your pillow. 
*If you only want a black silhouette, you can just get black interfacing with the adhesive on one side, cut out the pattern and "viola", you're done!  Even easier!



Here's a couple other pillows I've made using this same technique:





You May Also be Interested in:
DIY - Headboard
DIY - Reupholstered Chairs
DIY - Upside-Down Planters

2 comments:

  1. What kind of sewing machine do you use? This is such a good idea! The cushions are so cute!

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  2. Oh thanks! I use a Singer. I'm saving up to get a new serger - hopefully a Babylock $$$$ The Space Invader and Weiner dog cushions are super easy. The "Drag Queen" is a bit more complicated as you have to layer the different colour one on top of the other.

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