First time making a pillow

[BamaMom2Anna]

Hi everyone! I have to admit, I'm not a pro cross-stitcher, but I have been doing it off and on for about 10 years now. Anyway, I want to make some heirlooms for my daughter and I want to try making a pillow. I have the pattern and the fabric, but I remember the lady at the store telling me I'd have to "Stitch around" or something? Also, where do I get the pillow made? How do I put it on the pillow?

[Angel]

Well the easiest method is to use waste canvas and stitch onto a pillowcase, but the method I plan to use actually makes the whole coushen up.

What you do is using waste canvas stitch your design onto the front fabric.
Then you stitch three of the four sides together, stuff with down or other padding, available at your local craft store, and then stitch up the fourth edge.

[Serinde]

You can also buy pillow forms. These are the stuffed pillows without a fancy cover, and they come in different sizes, such as 14"x14" and so on. Then you do pretty much what Angel describes.
Here is a good description with drawings. You might have to join the forum (it's free!), in case this link doesn't work. http://www.newstitches.co.uk/members/Fi ... px#cushion" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Note: I've since tried it myself, and it doesn't work if you aren't a member. However, it is a good enough explanation, so I would suggest a free membership would be useful. There is also a Anchor-DMC converter and some other stuff, including a forum...

[crossstitchpro]

I like to make a "pillow case" that can be removed and hand washed. I make an inner pillow that can be easily replaced or washed separately.
Here's a couple free tutorials:

http://crossstitchpro.com/directions_fo ... Stitch.htm
http://crossstitchpro.com/directions_fo ... llow_w.htm

Lori