(Beginner Sewing) Pillow for Mother's Day

As Mother's Day quickly approaches, I'm sure many of you are still trying to think of that perfect gift to give.  If you're here, I'm guessing that you probably are looking for some great do-it-yourself inspiration!  That's why I wanted to share this sweet pillow my son made when he was 3.  I think he may have actually given it as a Valentine's gift to his Mamaw (my mom) but it probably works even better for Mother's Day! 

If you've got a kiddo just learning to sew, this is a great beginner project.  The pillow uses fabrics that don't fray so you don't even have to "turn it" which makes it both easier and faster!  And don't worry- if you don't quite trust your little on the sewing machine just yet, let him or her sit on your lap and help "guide" your own hand.  Then let them stuff the pillow or cut the threads all by themselves!  Either way, it's a gift that mom or grandma will be sure to treasure forever AND something that your child can be proud to have made.

I'm not kidding when I say "something your child will be proud of".  This pillow still brings him pride and joy every time he goes to his Mamaw's house!




So here's how you do it:

First, buy your fabric (you will also need some stuffing/fiber fill).  Both sides are made from fleece (one is blizzard fleece and one is anti-pill I think but it doesn't matter at all).  Then cut out whatever shape you want. I cut out the heart shape myself because I was using a rotary cutter and those things will cut off your finger if you aren't careful! ha! But feel free to give your child free reign over this part as well.

Next, Lay the two pieces on top of each other.  Since you are not turning this, there is no need to put right sides together like with most sewing projects, unless you want to make it more finished looking on the edges. You or your child can now sew along the entire edge, leaving a short opening to put in the stuffing.

I love to watch this kid sew...

Allow your child to "make mistakes" or sew crooked lines.  This pillow is from them and that's part of the learning process.  Every wavy stitch is a perfect element to this thoughtful gift. (I don't know about you, but I treasure the "real" stuff way more than perfect things). I know that comes really hard for a lot of mamas, but try to just let it happen.

After the edges are all sewn (minus the small opening), it's time to fill it.  Let your child rip off pieces of pillow filling and stuff it themselves.  This is something that any age and skill level can do and boy do they enjoy it!

Once it's as full as you'd like it, head back to the sewing machine and stitch closed the opening.  Here's where not turning your fabric really comes in handy because you don't have to try to hide this stitch- it's just visible like the rest of them!  Honestly, it's just a lot easier for little ones to do themselves.

All done!  Front and back:

That's it! 
All they have to do now is wrap it up and share it with a special "mother" in their life.  I'll be honest, I'm a little jealous that I didn't get my son's first real sewing project for myself, but I'm glad that he wanted to make it for the woman who is so special to me, my mother.

Turn Your Kids Art into an Embroidery [DIY]

I'm so excited to share with you today one of my recent projects. The idea came to me out of the blue and although the craftsmanship needs a little work (I'm still learning) I am so pleased with how it turned out.  Better yet? Since the project was based on a drawing my son made, he was able to present this gift as his own but with materials that will likely last much longer than a piece of paper. #winwin

[Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products you can use to make this project. Purchasing through these links earns me a small comission at no extra charge to you, which allows me to bring you more new content! Thank you for supporting my blog.]


I have been bitten by the embroidery bug... HARD. I was so excited to begin that I had all these great ideas for projects in my head without really slowing down to learn what to do first (oops). So please don't judge my stitches as they are not perfect and probably not done the "right" way.  They are however full of so much love and it turned out wonderful in the end.



Want to know how to turn your child's work of art into a long-lasting embroidery design?  It's super easy.  Here's how:



FIRST: Have your child draw a design.  I asked my son (4) to draw a photo for his mamaw (my mom). He opted to draw a photo of her with her name at the bottom. [and some other letters and his name because he got excited.]

NEXT: Gather the rest of your supplies.  You'll need a fabric to embroider on.  Muslin or Osnaburg are common ones but really anything with a fairly tight weave that you can still push a needle through works great. Do a litle research to see what's best for your project.

You'll also need DMC floss (embroidery thread), a needle, scissors, an embroidery hoop and a pencil.

TO TRACE the artwork, tape the paper up to a window with lots of sunshine (or anything else that light shines through).  Then tape your fabric on top.  Using your pencil, simply trace your design.

[What I learned: If possible, have your child draw in a dark color. The light blue/green was hard to see through the fabric.  Also- the more they scribble, the harder it's going to be to trace.  Just do the best you can and create an outline, leaving "holes" where there is empty space in the photo]

and once traced...

I moved down the "W" from his original drawing because he kept writing an "M" and then writing another and another until he got it the right way. (because Mamaw ends with a W) but I wanted to use his actual handwriting.  I also left out the extra letters and his name to keep the design crisp and focused on his original drawing.



NOW START EMBROIDERING! Start with an outline and fill in after that. I wasn't really sure how to space my stitches in something like this (since his original lines may have spanned her head to her feet!) but I think it turned out fairly well.

I kept the original drawing next to me so that when I came upon a "hole" I could figure out how the original lines went to keep it closest to the drawing.  It's a little bit off, but again- I'm pretty proud with how it turned out. I feel like the essense of the drawing is still definetly there.

My son gave it to my mom on Christmas and she loved it.  He is proud that his drawing is now framed and can last for years to come in a fun new way.  I'm excited to have actually finished a project and be on my way to learning something new. I couldn't have picked a better project to begin my journey with (this one and another for my cousin were my first, both done this Christmas).

I'd love to see a photo of the drawing you'd love to embroider.  I have a few more of my "favorites" that I'd like to maybe put on a tote bag or something for myself! This would make a GREAT gift for Valentine's/Galentine's Day or for upcoming Mother's Day! Feel free to share your dream project or your completed one on our facebook group or tag Cut, Craft, Create on Instagram in your DIY post!