Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor}

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Mod Peacock Pillow Tutorial

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I shared this tutorial on Tatertots and Jello back in April, but I wanted to share it with y’all here, too, just in case you missed it.
I am loving the way peacocks are popping up everywhere in home decor realms of late! Today I’m going to share with y’all a tutorial for how to create a vibrant and fun peacock throw pillow cover to punch up your home decor. This project was inspired by this gorgeous rug I came across on Modern Chic Home a few weeks back.
All set to make a peacock pillow of your own? Let’s get started!

For this project, you will need…
Printable Templates
An 18″ pillow form
White cotton twill fabric
Washable ink marker
Freezer paper
Grey spray paint
Felt in assorted colors
Coordinating thread
Basic sewing supplies: Machine, shears, etc.
Optional: Rotary cutter and mat
Prep Work

Print off and cut out your feather template.
Cut your twill fabric to the following dimensions:
(1) 18.5 x 18.5″ square
(2) 18.5 x 11.25″ rectangles
step 1 / Trace your template onto your freezer paper your desired number of times, and cut out your shapes. For my pillow, I used 17 feathers. Use your washable ink marker to mark the precise center of your square piece of fabric. Iron one of your feather pieces directly over this mark, taking care to ensure it is straight. Now, iron your remaining feather pieces in your desired configuration around your center piece, making sure each feather is evenly spaced as you work. 
step 2 / Spray your fabric piece evenly with your paint, applying 2-3 light, even coats. When the paint has dried, remove and discard your freezer paper pieces.
step 3 / Cut 3 pieces of freezer paper to 8.5 x 11″. Print the circle templates you downloaded above onto the dull (unshiny) side of your freezer paper. Note: For my pillow, I printed 2 sheets of the large circles and 1 of the small circles. Iron your printed templates onto your felt, distributing the circles among your different colors as desired. Carefully cut each of your circles out, and discard the freezer paper backing.
step 4 / From each of your small circles, cut a small notch, as shown. Carefully stitch these smaller pieces onto the lower portion of your larger felt circles. Place your stitched pieces at the bottom of the feather spaces on your pillow front, aligning them toward the bottom point of each feather. Carefully stitch around the perimeter of each circle to affix them to your pillow front. Repeat until each feather space contains a circle piece.
step 5 / Fold one of the long edges of one of your rectangle pieces under 1/4″; press. Fold under another 1/4″; press. Stitch this hem to secure. Repeat with the other rectangle piece. Lay your completed front panel on a work surface, right side up. Place one of your rectangle pieces on top of your front piece, right sides facing, so that the top edge and corners of each piece are aligned and the hem you just sewed runs through the center, as shown. Pin. Place your other rectangle piece over the other two pieces in a similar fashion, this time aligning the bottom edges and corners. Pin. Note: Then hemmed edges of your rectangle pieces will overlap by 3 inches at the center. Using a 1/4″ seam, stitch all the way around your pinned pieces. Clip your corners, and turn your cover right side out. Slip your cover onto your pillow form.
All finished!

I love the statement this little guy makes amongst the rest of the throw pillows in my family room. Just like a real peacock, he really struts his stuff!
Have a great week, everyone!

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Linking this to…
Skip to My Lou
Today’s Creative Blog
Tip Junkie
Tatertots & Jello
Somewhat Simple
Blue Cricket Design
The CSI Project

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Comments

  2. Heidiopia says

    Way too much sewing for me, but I love the finished product!! You are a rock star in the crafting department. 🙂
    Heidi at Show Some Decor

  10. Jen @ My Own Road says

    Such a cute pillow! I LOVE peacock print. I actually have some really cute peacock print I picked up recently that I might be able to use for this project. Thanks for sharing!

  12. meg@happylooksgoodonyou says

    Love this pillow! Love your blog! Keep up the great posts! I made a peacock pillow of my very own (thank you for such a simple tutorial) and posted it on my blog today. I linked to this post. Thanks again!

  21. Katie says

    This is a TOTAL newbie question but you can just iron the freezer paper right on the fabric and it will stick? Did I read the directions thoroughly enough?