No-Sew Owl Pillow

October 3, 2011

“Hoo” doesn’t love a no-sew project?

As soon as I saw the owl pillows created by Cassity from Remodelaholic, I knew I wanted to make some for my kiddos! You can head over and see Cassity’s adorable owls here: Fun Fall Owl Pillow

But, I decided that I would try and create a “no-sew” version for all of you who don’t own sewing machines. Or are like me and just don’t want to drag your machine out of a closet and set it all up and then have 2 little “helpers” asking if they can push the pedal and then yell at said “helpers” for not understanding that you are trying to make something fun for them and can’t they just leave you alone while you do it!Not that any of you would do that.
I used scrap fabric for the base of the pillow and picked up these colorful swatches from the Craft Store for $1 each. You will also need black, white and orange felt squares.
I loved the idea of getting to customize the Owl Pillows to the color palette for each of my kids.

Here are the fabrics I selected for my son’s pillow.

And here are the ones for my daughter.

After very carefully studying Cassity’s version and printing out a picture of her owl pillow, I realized at some point that I was going to have to free-hand trace the outline of the owl. Those who know me well, know that I am no artist (as in no one wants me on their Pictionary team) so this was a bit anxiety inducing. But, I figured since it was for kids’ rooms it didn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the more free-form the more fun, huh?

After cutting out the owl outline, I turned my attention to piecing together the patterned fabrics to create each owl’s own unique personality.

I traced out pieces for ears, a little piece for a tuft of hair above the ears and then the body pieces. You truly can just do whatever looks good and suits your fancy at this point. Using pinking shears, I cut out each piece and laid them out on top of the owl accordingly.

Now, I have a confession to make here. I have never actually done a “no-sew” project, so this was a whole new experience for me. Most of my projects involve dragging my machine out so I had no idea there were so many handy ways to avoid having to do that!

Enter Liquid Stitch.

The rest is easy! It is exactly like making any other pillow except no machine involved!

On the wrong side of your owl pillow cutout, simply run this glue along the rim and then place the other piece (wrong side as well) on top. Let it set for a little while before turning it inside out. You will be able to tell when it is dry.
Then begin attaching the rest of your fabric pieces to build your owl.

I traced some kitchen glasses to cut out the circles for the eyes and cut out a diamond for the beak.
We stuffed ’em right up and I did end up doing a quick whip stitch to close the bottom, although you could get away with using the glue there as well.
Here is my son’s completed Owl Pillow gracing his bed. His ears are a little wonky and lopsided but we think it gives him character!

And my daughter’s owl is sitting ever so proudly on her window seat.
I love that it looks Fall-ish but in a less obvious way.

Our owls briefly escaped in an attempt to return to their natural habitat but we quickly caught them and brought them back inside where they are receiving lots of love from their new owners!

I’m really glad my neighbors didn’t catch me outside taking this photo.

Not sure how I could explain that one!
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

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