Buttons, Piping, and Mitering

A covered button is a perfect focal point in a pillow center. Start with a kit for covering buttons, above left, from the notions department at a fabrics store. Numerous sizes are available; larger sizes (1-2 inches) are easiest to work with and lend drama to your pillow.

From fabric scraps, cut a circle 5/8 inch larger than the button form. Baste around the circle, using large stitches and leaving long thread tails, above center. Fold the fabric over the base, gathering the threads tightly and securing with a knot. Position the button back over the covered top, above right, pressing firmly.

 

Piping adds an extra-special touch to pillows. Start with purchased piping, or sew your own. To attach piping to your project, with the raw edges aligned, pin the piping to the right side of your pillow front. Using a zipper foot, sew close to the piping cord, removing the pins as you sew. Snip the corners to reduce bulk. Sew the pillow front to the back, sandwiching piping between and leaving an opening for turning. Turn the pillow right side out, and sew opening closed.

To sew your own piping: Start with 1 yard of fabric. Fold over one fabric corner diagonally, positioning selvage edge parallel to the crosswise grain; press, then unfold. Use a straightedge and marking pen to make parallel diagonal lines 2 inches apart, aligned with the crease. Cut enough strips on the bias to cover your piping cord. Sew strips end to end with angled seams to make one long strip. Press seam allowances open. Place the bias strip facedown; lay piping cord down center of strip. Fold the strip in half over the cord; baste. Use a zipper foot to sew right next to the cord.

 

The crispness of mitered corners adds flair to sham pillows. To get that sharp look takes a little practice.

 

1. Sew each border to the sham center, stopping at corners (see the dot on the illustration). With right sides of the fabric down, overlap strips at one corner.

 

2. On the top strip, draw a diagonal line from the inner corner of the overlapping strips to the outer corner. Place the bottom strip on the top and repeat the line-drawing process.

 

3. With right sides together, fold the strips diagonally on the lines. Sew together along the line from inner to outer corner. Trim excess fabric and press seam allowances open.