How To Make A Mermaid Pillow?

February 13, 2024

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The mermaid pillow, also known as the sequin pillow, is a delightful addition to any home décor, capturing attention with its two-tone sequins that allow you to create designs simply by running your hand over them. To make a mermaid pillow, you’ll need a pillow insert, two contrasting colors of reversible sequin fabric, thread, a sewing machine or needle for hand-stitching, a fabric marker, scissors, and pins. Start by cutting two equal squares of sequin fabric larger than your pillow insert to account for seam allowance. With the sequins facing each other inward, sew around the edges, leaving an opening to insert the pillow. Turn the pillowcase right side out, insert the pillow, and then sew the opening closed. With the basic summary complete, let’s delve deeper into the step-by-step process.

Picking the Right Materials

Choosing Sequin Fabric

To begin with, the sequin fabric that you select will determine the final look of your mermaid pillow. When shopping for sequin fabric, look for reversible sequins that change colors when you run your fingers through them. The fabric base should be sturdy enough to support the sequins but flexible enough for easy manipulation. You’ll want two contrasting colors or shades to make the design changes more pronounced.

Selecting a Pillow Insert

This can be an insert you already own or a new one purchased from a craft store. For a fuller pillow, choose a size that is a bit larger than the finished pillowcase you plan to make. Standard sizes range from 16×16 inches to 20×20 inches, but feel free to customize.

Gathering Additional Supplies

Purchase a strong, color-coordinated thread that can handle the weight of the sequins. Gather sharp scissors for cutting the sequin fabric, as it can be quite dense, a fabric marker for marking your cut lines, and pins to hold the fabric pieces together as you sew. If you’re using a sewing machine, ensure you have a needle that’s suitable for thicker fabrics.

Preparing the Sequin Fabric

Before cutting into the sequin fabric, brush all sequins in one direction. This will make marking and cutting more manageable. Use your fabric marker to mark the size of your pillowcase, remembering to add an extra inch on all sides for the seam allowance. A clear ruler can be helpful during this step to ensure straight lines. Once marked, carefully cut the sequin fabric to the desired dimensions.

Sewing the Pillowcase

Pin and Sew the Sides

With the sequins facing each other (inside out), align the two squares of fabric. Use pins to hold the fabric in place, ensuring to secure the sequins flat so they don’t get caught in the sewing machine foot or needle. Stitch along the edges with a half-inch seam allowance, leaving one side open for the pillow insert. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seams to lock the stitches in place.

Trimming Edges and Corners

After sewing, trim the excess fabric from the corners to reduce bulk. Be careful not to cut too close to the stitching.

Turning and Inserting the Pillow

Turn the pillowcase right side out, gently pushing out the corners. This may take a little patience due to the sequins. Once right side out, slide in the pillow insert carefully, ensuring it fills out each corner and the pillowcase sits snugly around the insert.

Hand-Stitching the Final Seam

Fold the edges of the open side inwards, keeping in line with the sewn seams for a uniform look. Pin in place if needed. Using a needle and thread, hand-stitch the opening closed using an invisible stitch or a slip stitch to hide the thread within the sequins.

Customizing Your Mermaid Pillow

Adding Appliques and Embellishments

Beyond the two-tone sequins, you can personalize your pillow with appliques, such as felt shapes or embroidered patches. Stitch these onto the sequin fabric before assembling the pillowcase for easier handling.

Creating Custom Silhouettes

If you’re skilled with a sewing machine, you can create specific shapes with the sequins by sewing along the desired silhouette. When you flip the sequins one way, the shape will appear; when you flip them the other way, it will vanish. However, this requires careful planning and sewing.

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning Your Pillow

Mermaid pillows should be spot cleaned by hand due to their delicate sequins. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent, and gently rub any dirty areas. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this could damage the sequins or cause them to come off.

Preserving the Sequins

To maintain the sparkle and functionality of your pillow, regularly smooth down the sequins in one direction to keep them aligned. Avoid harsh handling or exposing the pillow to heavy weights.

Finishing Thoughts

Creating a mermaid pillow is a rewarding DIY project that offers a unique, personalized touch to any room. Whether you’re crafting a special gift or simply aiming to add a bit of pizzazz to your own space, the dynamic, interactive nature of a mermaid pillow is sure to be a conversation starter. With your new homemade creation, you’ve not only added a piece of functional art but also packaged up a bit of magic right in the living room. Remember that the mermaid pillow, while seemingly fancy and complicated, is ultimately a reflection of the care and creativity you’ve put into it. So, let those sequins shine and watch as each swipe and pattern brings a new wave of delight and comfort into your home.