So, Project Redecorate took a hiatus due to the Sew in Tune series and the Spring Collection patterns, and then Sewvivor and the blazer sewalong, and KCWC…but I’ve been plugging along at redecorating the living room and before we get into the (30) Days of Sundresses series I WILL share some redecorating posts. Today I’m going to show you how to sew floor pillows for extra kid seating. Or, actually, I’m going to link you to the tutorial I followed and explain the modifications I made.
If you missed the first two posts, I shared how we re-arranged our living room here, and how we reupholstered a 1972 craigslist recliner here. In the first post I shared how I sold the boys’ PBK Anywhere Chair because they kept fighting over/on it. So I had promised them floor cushions as a replacement, and this is what they got:
The elephant fabric is this one which is out of stock, but this one looks similar, and I think they’re sold out of the fabric I used on the sides (it was on clearance) so I can’t even tell you what it was, but this one has similar colors. If this fabric looks familiar, it’s because I used all my scraps to make the fabric Easter baskets. I made the blue piping with leftover blue sateen from a maternity shirt I sewed long ago, and there was only enough fabric/cording to go around the top side of each pillow. I wanted to do both edges, but that’s where impatience will get you.
 The tutorial I followed was this one from Living with Punks with a few modifications. First of all I had to cut my sides in sections, so while at it I added a zipper to one section.
I also changed the dimensions; mine are 27″ diameter and 8″ tall.
And of course I was in a hurry, so I didn’t take pictures of the zipper as I did it, but you do it the same way as a zipper pouch. Hopefully that makes sense, if not see this example.
I used both foam pieces and bean bag stuffing to fill the pillows. I keep meaning to sew the zipper pulls down so the boys don’t accidentally on purpose open them and spread mess all over the rug – those tiny pellets would be a ***** to have to pick out of the carpet. I also think maybe I should have put the stuffing inside a muslin lining that could be removed if I need to wash the covers. Right now I’m just crossing my fingers no one spills anything. Which means that by typing that I probably just jinxed myself.
As you can see they stack very nicely, usually over in the corner out of the way. I dragged them out for better lighting and photos. Bean and Tater specifically requested stripes going different ways.
And they’re perfect for movie night.
Veronica
These look so comfy, Melissa. I’ve got a project in the works to make my kiddos a couple of floor pillows, too. Checking out your bean bag pellet source now!
Christy B
Very cool! Word to the wise – the whole bean bag pellet thing. I’ve had run-ins with those before. IF they happen to spill, you CAN vacuum them up BUT (think back to highschool science here) those little styrofoam balls? Totally develop an electrostatic charge when you try to vacuum them. NO REALLY IT’S AWFUL. I still have nightmares about it – I vacuumed up a bunch of them, filling my vacuum canister and when I went to try to empty the canister, they basically shot out all over the room like a spray paint gun. Not cool. (In fact I think it was at that point that I sent my then-three year old daughter to her room to play because Mommy was probably not going to say some very nice words). I was knee deep in these things in my living room; they were shooting around as if they were possessed – it was really something. Three years later I am *almost* ready to laugh about it. Now! That said!! I figured out the trick. IF this happens to you, all you need to do is mist a very small amount of water over the balls you are trying to vacuum up. I made such an unholy mess that I ended up spraying down the inside of the vacuum canister as well. But doing this will really help to neutralize the charge and make it physically possible to clean up the styrofoam balls.
I sincerely hope this does not happen to you. But if it does – dude, good to have options.
I LOVE the pillows though. They are great – totally need to make some for my little guy’s room. (Because heaven help me I am NOT making another one of those beanbag chairs. Nightmares.)
xo
Susan @ Living with Punks
These are great!!! I love the larger size and your boys look so comfortable on them!
Lana
Christy, I laughed out loud to your post as I’m visualizing that whole scenario!!
I love these pillows! May have to make them for my 5 yr old!!
Ajaire
So are they filled with the pellets or a pillow form? Curious about the zipper with the pellets. I made one of these this winter with poly fil and want to make another with the bean bag pellets. Worth it?
Magda E.
I feel like doing one too, they look so comfy and I love these so much, but i still remember the first and last one I did and my cats ruined it right away… Yours are wonderful.
Jess
aw man I would love a big one of those for myself! Those last two pics look so cozy! they are awesome!
Joelle
I love these! Your pipping looks great. I like it better than the skinny or jumbo from the pattern. What size did you use?