Burlap Pleated Pillow

I’m loving this burlap fabric! It’s easy to work with and I love the neutral colors in our green-walled living room :)

I used a 14″ x 14″ pillow form for this pillow; if you want to use a different size, you’ll have to adjust the measurements accordingly.

Cut Out Your Pieces

For the back, you’ll need a piece 15″ wide and 21″ tall. Cut this piece 2/3 of the way up from the bottom so that you have two pieces–one 7″ tall and one 14″ tall.

For the front, you’ll need a piece 15″ wide and 26 3/4″ tall.

Press a Hem in the Back Pieces

On each back piece, fold over an inch and press (with your iron!) it down; fold over an inch again and press it down.

Pleat the Front Piece

Start by making small marks along the side of your front fabric. Put the first mark at 3″ below the top, and mark every two inches from there.

At your first mark, fold the fabric and pull it down so the fold lines up with the second mark. Press a crease right there, and pin in place.

At the next mark (which is the third down from the top), do the same thing–fold it, bring it down to meet the fourth mark, press, and pin.

Continue until the entire front piece is pleated, ironed, and pinned.

Especially if you’re using a lightweight fabric like burlap, stitch along each pleat (you’ll have to un-pin the edges temporarily) so that the pleat stays in place but the stitching doesn’t show on the right side. (I didn’t do this, but I ought to–my pleats tend to fall out of place!)

Sew a line of basting stitches down each side of the front piece to hold everything in place. (You may not need this if you stay-stitched each pleat.)

Sew the Front and Back Together

Place the back pieces on top of the front piece, right sides together. The bottom piece should overlap the top–NOT like my picture shows. :)

Sew around all four sides of the square. You don’t need to leave a space to turn it, since you’ll be able to flip it right side out through the opening in the back.

Press the seams open, clip the corners, and turn right side out. Poke the corners out so they’re nice and crisp.

Insert Your Pillow Form

Stuff your pillow into the case and arrange the pleats until they are right and you love it!

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